What’s Ahead For Mortgage Rates This Week – December 26, 2016

Last week’s economic news included readings on consumer spending, core inflation new home sales and regularly scheduled readings on mortgage rates and new jobless claims.

Consumer Spending Dips in November

Commerce Department reports on consumer spending in November indicated that consumer spending was lower in November with 0.20 percent growth as compared to October’s reading of 0.40 percent growth. November’s reading for core inflation, which excludes volatile food and energy sectors, was flat as compared to expectations of 0.10 percent growth and October’s reading of 0.10 percent growth.

New Jobless Claims Rise to 6Month High

New jobless claims jumped to 275,000 last week as compared to an expected reading of 258,000 new claims and the prior week’s reading of 254,000 new claims. New claims typically rise during the holiday season due to school and other workplace closures.

There was good news as new jobless claims remained below the benchmark of 300,000 new claims for 94 consecutive weeks. This streak of new claims below 300,000 new claims is the longest since 1970. Increasing numbers of “contingent” workers contributed to volatility in employment; The Rand Corporation reported that 10.10 percent of the workforce was contingent workers in 2005; the percentage of contingent workers increased to 15.80 percent of the U.S. workforce in 2015.

Mortgage Rates, New Home Sales Rise

Freddie Mac reported a jump in mortgage rates last week; the average rate for a 30-year fixed rate mortgage was 14 basis points higher at 4.30 percent. The average rate for a 15-year fixed rate mortgage was 15 basis points higher at 3.52 percent; the average rate for a 5/1 adjustable rate mortgage rose 13 basis points to 3.32 percent. Analysts said that the 10-year Treasury rate rose 10 basis points in response to the Fed raising its target funds rate. New home sales gained in November with a seasonally adjusted annualized reading of 582,000 sales as compared to 285,000 expected sales and October’s annual rate of 563,000 sales of new homes. This was the second highest reading for new home sales since early 2008. Builders will be watching mortgage rates and new home sales in the New Year to determine how rising mortgage rates will impact new home sales.

Whats Ahead

Next week’s scheduled economic news includes Case-Shiller Home Price Index reports, pending home sales and weekly readings on mortgage rates and new jobless claims. U.S. Financial markets are closed today in observance of the Christmas holiday.

Click Here to See What Your Home is Worth

17222 N Palo Verde Drive Sun City, AZ 85373

$459,000
2 Beds
2 Baths
1,967 SqFt
Status Active
MLS # 6674343
Property Type Single Family Residence
Price Type --
Completely REMODELED. BEAUTIFUL HOME INSIDE & OUT. GREAT ROOM CONCEPT. Sought after 55+ community. Newer ROOF & HVAC. NEW LOW E WINDOWS, DOORS, STUCCO/ROCK VENEER. WALLS & POPCORN CEILINGS REMOVED, CEILINGS RAISED new DRYWALL TEXTURE, VINYL PLANK FLOORING, CARPET & 4' BASEBOARDS. 2 tone paint inside & out, TILED showers, new tub, QUARTZ vanities! DOUBLE SINKS in PRIMARY. New Can lighting & electrical outlets. Nice Light fixtures. LARGE BEDROOMS w/Big CLOSETS! NEW SS APPLIANCES, QUARTZ COUNTERTOPS, CABINETS, TILE BACKSPLASH, faucets, sink, garbage disposal. New Hardware. TILED BACK PATIO. Garage Cabinets. NEW EPOXY FLOOR. Citrus trees. INSIDE LAUNDRY/NEW W&D. NEW ALARM. Flex room. New In ground TRASH RECEPTACLE. Near REC CENTERS, restaurants, shopping. Near 101. EXCEPTIONAL QUALITY! Sun City offers many amenities & low taxes! 7 Rec Centers with swimming pools, lap pools, walking pools, Hot tubs and every activity, work shop, & craft you can think of! Bowling! Pickleball! Shuffle Board! Pool Tables! Darts! Tennis! Ground Bowling! Mini Golf! Lake Activities! 9 Public Golf Courses & Reduced prices with Rec Card. And much more! Close to shopping, restaurants & entertainment! Close to Spring Training Base Ball Fields. Close to Arrowhead Mall, Lake Pleasant and all of it's growing amenities & restaurants nearby! Close to Grand Ave & 101 access! The list goes on & on! Call your Realtor today for more info!!! AGE RESTRICTED RETIREMENT COMMUNITY. ONE PERSON MUST BE 55 YEARS OLD AND NO ONE UNDER 19 YEARS OLD. ANYONE UNDER 19 CAN VISIT - SCHOA RESTRICTIONS APPLY.

30520 W Clarendon Avenue Buckeye, AZ 85396

$459,000
5 Beds
3 Baths
2,658 SqFt
Status Active
MLS # 6687483
Property Type Single Family Residence
Price Type --
Welcome to your canvas! This beautiful move-in ready, spacious home, is ready for your personal touch. As you pull up to the home you will be grateful for the 3 car garage and RV gate perfect for storing your cars, toys and holiday decor, as well as having your own ''she shed''. As you walk inside you will not be disappointed with the open living space and gourmet kitchen that will meet your needs and more! This desirable floor plan is great for a multi generational home or someone looking for all the space, with 5 bedrooms and 3 full bathrooms. And the backyard is ready for you to turn it into your outside oasis! OH! And did I mention it has OWNED solar?! Don't miss it!

16210 N 159th Avenue Surprise, AZ 85374

$459,000
4 Beds
2.5 Baths
1,949 SqFt
Status Active
MLS # 6653700
Property Type Single Family Residence
Price Type --
Beautiful 4 bedroom, 2.5 bathroom, move in ready home on an oversized lot! Fresh paint, tile in all the right places. The large kitchen is a cooks dream with granite countertops and stainless steel appliances! RV gate.

815 S 75th Street Mesa, AZ 85208

$459,000
3 Beds
2 Baths
1,888 SqFt
Status Active
MLS # 6665347
Property Type Single Family Residence
Price Type --
Upon arrival, you'll be greeted by a welcoming entry, leading you into a predominantly tiled interior exuding warmth and character. The kitchen seamlessly integrates with the living area, boasting a lengthy breakfast bar ideal for casual dining and entertaining guests.3 generously sized bedrooms, the primary has a spacious walk-in closet and backyard access. The expansive floor plan offers a substantial family room. The backyard is very private with an extended patio, storage, and plenty of room for a pool. Easy access to freeways and lots of shopping/dining options. The garage has built-in cabinets and a golf cart/toy area

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published.