What’s Ahead For Mortgage Rates This Week – May 31, 2016

Last week’s economic reports included new home sales, pending home sales along with weekly mortgage rates and new jobless claims.

New Home Sales Surpass Expectations

Sales of new homes surpassed expectations and the prior month’s reading. April’s reading of 619,000 sales exceeded expectations of 523,000 new homes sold and 531,000 new homes sold in March.  New home sales rose by 16.60 percent on a seasonally adjusted annual basis, which was the highest increase in 24 years. 

Analysts said that April’s new home sales indicate that builders are increasing production of new homes to meet high demand for homes. Short inventories of available homes are credited with driving up demand and home prices. Buyers seeking family homes are contending with investor buyers and cash buyers in popular markets.

With affordability becoming limited in many cities, first time and moderate income homebuyers aren’t buying as many homes as they once did. This development contributes to slowing markets, as move-up buyers generally rely on first time buyers to purchase their homes. 

Shortages of available homes has pressured home builders to break ground on new home construction projects, but builders continue to cite labor shortages and a lack of buildable lots as reasons why they aren’t building homes as fast as homes are needed. 

Pending Home Sales Numbers Suggest Peak Buying Season Returns

Pending home sales were also higher than forecast in April with a reading of 5.10 percent as compared to expectations of 0.80 percent for April and the March reading of 1.60 percent. Pending home sales gauge future closings for home sales and reached their highest level in 10 years and posted a year-over-year gain of 4.60 percent. 

Three of four regional readings for pending home sales posted gains, with home sales in the Midwest posting slower growth. On a year-over-year basis, he South posted a gain of 6.80 percent and the Northeast posted a gain of 1.20 percent. The West saw a jump in pending sales with a reading of 11.40 percent after posting a negative reading in March. 

April’s expansion in new and pending sales suggests that the peak home buying season is back.

Mortgage Rates Rise; New Jobless Claims Fall

Freddie Mac reported higher average mortgage rates. The rate for a 30-year fixed rate mortgage was six basis points higher at 3.64 percent; the rate for a 15-year mortgage rose eight basis points to 2.89 percent. The average rate for a 5/1 adjustable rate mortgage rose seven points to 2.87 percent. Discount points averaged 0.50 percent for all mortgage types. 

New jobless claims dipped last week to 268,000 as compared to an expected reading of 275,000 new claims and the prior week’s reading of 278,000 new claims. Analysts said that New York school employees that were eligible for benefits boosted jobless claims earlier in May due to a non-typical law that allows some school workers to draw unemployment during school closures such as spring break or labor disputes.

What‘s Ahead This Week

This week’s scheduled economic news includes Case-Shiller Home Price Indices, construction spending and reports on inflation, core inflation and consumer sentiment. No reports were scheduled for Monday due to the Memorial Day holiday. 

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17410 W Fulton Street Goodyear, AZ 85338

New

$467,120

3 Beds

2.5 Baths

1,939 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6696778

Property Type Single Family Residence

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Welcome to El Cidro, where luxury living meets vibrant outdoor spaces. Our home features a spacious three-car garage, ideal for storage and convenience. Inside, discover a deluxe gourmet kitchen and a laundry room with ample storage. Offering spacious backyards and a wonderful community park with picnic tables, a basketball court, and two playgrounds. Gather with neighbors for picnics, games, and leisurely strolls along scenic pathways. Experience the perfect blend of modern comforts and natural beauty in our welcoming community. Welcome home.

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792 E Cowboy Cove Trail San Tan Valley, AZ 85143

$467,000

4 Beds

2.5 Baths

2,879 SqFt

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MLS # 6660207

Property Type Single Family Residence

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Discover this exquisite 4-bedroom, 2.5-bathroom energy-efficient residence nestled in the charming Johnson Ranch. As you step inside, a grand formal living room welcomes you with neutral paint, 2-inch blinds, and luxurious vinyl plank flooring. The family room seamlessly connects to the kitchen, creating an ideal space for entertaining. The gourmet kitchen is a highlight, featuring stainless steel appliances with wall ovens, granite counters, glass backsplash, a pantry, recessed lighting, ample white cabinets, and a two-tier island with a breakfast bar. Upstairs, all bedrooms and a generously-sized loft await. The main bedroom, accessible through double doors, boasts an ensuite with dual sinks and a walk-in closet. Enjoy the expansive backyard with a blend of artificial and natural gras

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6219 S Vista Point Drive Gold Canyon, AZ 85118

$467,000

3 Beds

2.5 Baths

1,763 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6627830

Property Type Single Family Residence

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SPECTACULAR SUPERSTITION MOUNTAIN VIEWS to enjoy from the UPDATED & TRANQUIL BACKYARD that has pavers, retractable awning, MISTING SYSTEM, Pergola w/ceiling fan, built-in GAS BBQ GRILL with GRANITE counter top.! Perfect for entertaining or just relaxing and taking in the BREATHTAKING SUNSETS! Inside you will find a BEAUTIFUL UPDATED KITCHEN with GRANITE COUNTERS, breakfast bar, STAINLESS STEEL APPLIANCES & Pantry which overlooks the dining area. TOP OF THE LINE GE front load WASHER & DRYER, ALL NEW TOILETS, NEW WATER HEATER, NEWER HVAC, NEW VINYL WOOD LOOK FLOORING on steps and in the 3 upstairs bedrooms. Master has full bath & double sinks. Downstairs has tile floors & SPACIOUS GREAT ROOM! Extra storage under the steps. Located just steps away from the HEATED COMMUNITY POOL & SPA!! This is a GATED COMMUNITY located across from the popular GOLD CANYON GOLF COURSE which offers TWO 18 hole CHAMPIONSHIP GOLF COURSES, the SIDEWINDER AND DINOSAUR!!

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1321 E Weatherby Way Chandler, AZ 85286

$467,000

3 Beds

2 Baths

1,434 SqFt

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MLS # 6680168

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Welcome to this 1434 sq feet, 3BRs/2 Bath Gem in the Highly sought after Gated community of La Paloma. This house has been tremendously taken care of and it shows as soon as you walk in. Most of the home has been Newly Painted AND Brand Spanking New Vinyl Flooring has been installed in all the right places. Kitchen offers Granite countertops, attractive Backslash, and Stainless Steel Appliances. Backyard is an outdoor persons' Dream with Mimumum upkeep possessing Turf and Pavers. What more do I need to Say!

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