What’s Ahead For Mortgage Rates This Week – December 5, 2016

Last week’s economic news was plentiful with releases on Case-Shiller Home Price Indices and pending home sales. Readings on government and private sector jobs created, the national unemployment rate and weekly readings on new jobless claims and Freddie Mac’s mortgage rates survey were also released.

CaseShiller: Western Cities Dominate Home Price Growth

Case-Shiller’s 20-City Home Price Index reported that Seattle Washington topped year-over-year home price growth with an increase of 11.00 percent. Portland, Oregon followed closely with a reading of 10.90 percent, and Denver Colorado held third place with year-over-year home price gains of 8.70 percent.

San Francisco, California, which had posted high home price gains in recent years, posted a month-to-month reading of -0.40 percent and a year-over-year gain of 5.70 percent. Analysts said that this reading was evidence that home prices in high cost areas were topping out. Affordability, strict mortgage requirements and low inventories of available homes continued to present obstacles to home buyers.

Mortgage Rates Rise, Pending Home Sales Dip

According to the U.S. Commerce Department, pending home sales dipped in October to 0.10 percent as compared to a growth rate of 1.50 percent in September. Winter weather and holidays can cause would-be home buyers to postpone their home searches until spring.

Freddie Mac reported higher mortgage rates last week, although the 10-year treasury rate, which is tied to mortgage rates, was unchanged from the prior week. The average rate for a 30-year fixed rate mortgage was five basis points higher at 4.08 percent; the average rate for a 15-year fixed rate mortgage rose by nine basis points to 3.34 percent and the average rate for a 5/1 adjustable rate mortgage rose by three basis points to 3.15 percent. Mortgage rates have risen by 51 basis points in three weeks. This trend, coupled with high home prices, doesn’t bode well for first-time and modest income home buyers.

Consumer spending for October increased by 0.30 percent as compared to predictions for a reading of 0.50 percent and September’s 0.70 percent reading. The core inflation reading for October was unchanged and in line with analyst expectations at 0.10 percent. The core reading excludes volatile food and fuel sectors.

Labor Reports: Job Creation Grows, Unemployment Rate Lower

According to the Labor Department’s Non-Farm Payrolls report for November, 178,000 government and private sector jobs were created as compared to expectations of 200,000 jobs created and October’s reading of 142,000 jobs created in October. According to the Commerce Department, the national unemployment rate for November was 4.60 percent as compared to the expected reading of 4.90 percent and October’s reading of 4.90 percent. Analysts noted that while a lower reading could indicate good news, it was also the result of fewer workers in the work force. The unemployment rate is based on unemployment claims filed by those actively seeking work; it does not include those underemployed or those who have stopped seeking work.

First-time jobless claims rose to 268,000 as compared to expectations of 250,000 new claims and the prior week’s reading of 251,000 new claims filed.

In spite of higher mortgage rates and dubious labor reports, the Consumer Confidence Index rose to 107.1 in November from October’s reading of 100.8; Analysts had expected an index reading of 102.5.

Whats Ahead

Next week’s economic reports include releases on job openings and consumer sentiment along with weekly readings on mortgage rates and new jobless claims.

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18570 W Honeysuckle Drive Surprise, AZ 85387

$469,995
3 Beds
3 Baths
2,092 SqFt
Status Active
MLS # 6651225
Property Type Single Family Residence
Price Type --
Welcome to this eye-catching Emerald home, ready for quick move-in! Included features: a covered entry; a spacious great room with center-meet doors leading onto a covered patio; a dining nook; a thoughtfully designed kitchen boasting 42'' upper cabinets, quartz countertops, a center island and stainless-steel appliances, including a gas range; a convenient laundry; a lavish primary suite showcasing an oversized walk-in closet and a private bath; and a second suite offering a private entry, a living room with a laundry closet, a bedroom and an attached bath. This home also has wood laminate flooring, cultured marble bathroom countertops, added windows, ceiling fan prewiring, front yard landscaping and a concrete-paver driveway and walkway.

15933 W Hackamore Drive Surprise, AZ 85387

$469,995
3 Beds
2 Baths
1,448 SqFt
Status Active
MLS # 6667705
Property Type Single Family Residence
Price Type --
Come to Mason Ranch II in Surprise and discover our GRAND OPENING INCENTIVES!! Come and see this beautiful 3501 floor plan. This home features 3 Bedrooms, 2 Baths, 3-Car Garage. Nestled on an oversized end lot with an extended driveway. This home is enriched with numerous upgrades and ALL appliances included!!! You will find white shaker cabinets, granite kitchen countertops, large kitchen island, custom full kitchen backsplash, large single bowl sink, stainless steel kitchen appliances, gas range, carpet and tile flooring, tankless hot water heater, 9' ceilings, 8' interior doors, pre-plumb for soft water loop, a comprehensive smart home package, an enhanced electrical package with cat 6 wiring, and more! Est. completion June 2024.

19565 W Cambridge Avenue Buckeye, AZ 85396

$469,995
4 Beds
3 Baths
2,070 SqFt
Status Active
MLS # 6697392
Property Type Single Family Residence
Price Type --
Explore this thoughtfully designed Slate home, ready for quick move-in on a homesite boasting front yard landscaping and driveway pavers. Included features: an inviting covered entry; an impressive kitchen layout offering 42'' cabinets, stainless-steel appliances, quartz countertops, a center island and a roomy pantry; an open dining area; a spacious great room; a lavish primary suite showcasing a generous walk-in closet and a private bath with cultured marble countertops; a convenient laundry; a covered patio and a 2-car garage. This home also offers stone tile flooring, additional windows and ceiling fan prewiring in select rooms.

19631 W Cambridge Avenue Buckeye, AZ 85396

$469,995
4 Beds
3 Baths
2,070 SqFt
Status Active
MLS # 6657110
Property Type Single Family Residence
Price Type --
Explore this beautiful Slate home, ready for quick move-in on a homesite boasting driveway pavers and front yard landscaping. Included features: an inviting covered entry; an open dining area; an impressive kitchen offering 42'' cabinets, quartz countertops, stainless-steel appliances, a roomy pantry and a center island; a spacious great room; a lavish primary suite showcasing a generous walk-in closet and a private upgraded master bath with Quartz countertops; a central laundry; a convenient storage area; a covered patio and a 2-car garage. This home also offers stone tile flooring, ceiling fan prewiring and additional windows in select rooms.

37613 N Cavern Way San Tan Valley, AZ 85140

$469,990
4 Beds
3 Baths
2,668 SqFt
Status Active
MLS # 6691340
Property Type Single Family Residence
Price Type --
New Construction!! Nestled perfectly in the sought after city of San Tan Valley. Adorable 4 bedroom 3 bathroom 2-story home with a 2 car garage. Our Ashton Woods Timeless Collection, spacious owner's suite, large loft, upstairs laundry, stainless steel appliances, quartz kitchen countertops and classic 42'' shaker style cabinets makes this a place to call home. Conveniently located North of Combs Rd and Schnepf Rd. As with all of our homes, this one is also constructed as Energy Efficient for remarkable comfort, efficiency and environmental sustainability!

2905 W Shanley Avenue Apache Junction, AZ 85120

$469,990
4 Beds
2 Baths
1,863 SqFt
Status Active
MLS # 6693714
Property Type Single Family Residence
Price Type --
Welcome to Radiance at Superstition Vistas, a brand new master planned community located on the border where Mesa meets Apache Junction. This is a rare opportunity for optimal living - to have the convenience of City living while enjoying the breathtaking Superstition mountains! Small town feel meets modern amenities at its best! The JUSTIN-1863 sq ft, 4 bed/2 bath adorable, energy efficient single level home in which you will find tile in all common areas, 9 foot ceilings and on trend extra bright white walls. The kitchen has gorgeous maple cabinets, granite countertops & large island. Located close to the 24, 60 & 202.

16076 W El Cortez Place Surprise, AZ 85387

$469,990
4 Beds
2 Baths
2,139 SqFt
Status Active
MLS # 6669090
Property Type Single Family Residence
Price Type --
Brand new, energy-efficient home ready NOW! This single-story features a split floorplan with the primary suite tucked away in the back of the home. White cabinets with white granite countertops, and greyish brown carpet in our Distinct package. Five brand new designer-decorated models now open at Paloma Creek. Future residents will enjoy floorplans featuring covered back patios, private primary suites and ample storage. There's fun for the whole family at the community clubhouse, pool, outdoor kitchen, and future fitness center. Each energy-efficient home comes standard with features that allow your whole family to live better and breathe easier too.* Visit Paloma Creek today. Each of our homes is built with innovative, energy-efficient features.

4603 E Fire Opal Lane San Tan Valley, AZ 85143

$469,990 - 3Br/2Ba -  for Sale in The Village At Copper Basin Unit 5b 2013074919, San Tan Valley
New
$469,990
3 Beds
2 Baths
2,047 SqFt
Status Active
MLS # 6700734
Property Type Single Family Residence
Price Type --
Prepare to be wowed! Too many upgrades to list! PebbleTec swimming pool with a beautiful waterfall, Baja shelf, and a self cleaning system, built in misters surrounding an extended covered patio with automatic sunscreens, outdoor TV hookup, and so much more! You will want to relax and unwind in your own outdoor sanctuary. This home has been extremely well cared for. Additional parking and RV gate are a huge bonus! The 16-foot multi-panel sliding glass door leads to the pool and provides plenty of natural light with an indoor/outdoor living feel. Enjoy easy maintenance desert landscaping and the beauty of the curb appeal of this corner lot. The kitchen offers a large island, glass tile backsplash that complements the granite countertops. The sizable primary suite features a spacious ensuite bathroom with double sinks, huge walk-in closet, and pool views. Inside you'll also find upgraded luxury vinyl flooring, a neutral color palette with upgraded light fixtures & ceiling fans throughout. Built-in storage in the laundry room, storage closet, and in the 3-car tandem garage. Removable pool safety barrier, security system and stainless steel fridge are included. Explore The Village at Copper Basin, offering resort-style amenities, with a community pool and spa, clubhouse, fitness center, rock climbing wall, playgrounds, sports fields, and walking and biking trails.

32783 N Slate Creek Drive San Tan Valley, AZ 85143

$469,990 - 4Br/3Ba -  for Sale in Skyline Ranch, San Tan Valley
Open House
$469,990
4 Beds
3 Baths
2,808 SqFt
Status Active
MLS # 6654901
Property Type Single Family Residence
Price Type --
This newly updated home showcases stunning new updates, tons of versatile space, a redesigned kitchen, and all new backyard landscaping. The goodies don't stop there. It also boasts a 3-car stacked pull through garage to the backyard and NO REAR NEIGHBORS. As you make your way into the home you are greeted to all new vinyl flooring, 5-inch upgraded baseboards, and freshly painted walls for a sleek finish. The downstairs library provides an enclosed sanctuary that can be used as a fourth bedroom for guests, and the upstairs loft provides additional versatile space. The updated kitchen opens up to the family room and provides a large center island with drop-in sink, quartz countertops, updated cabinets with hardware, and stainless-steel appliances. Upstairs, you will find the comfort of all NEW CARPETING and three additional bedrooms, all equipped with walk-in closets. The main bedroom offers a large retreat with a reading nook as well as an en-suite that boasts a JACUZZI tub and separate shower. One of the most appealing attributes about this home is its lot location - no homes behind you, ensuring privacy and an unobstructed view of the Superstition Mountains. Don't miss the chance to call this home yours.

2416 E Wagon Wheel Lane San Tan Valley, AZ 85140

$469,900
4 Beds
3 Baths
2,219 SqFt
Status Active
MLS # 6697607
Property Type Single Family Residence
Price Type --
New Construction!! Nestled perfectly in the sought after city of San Tan Valley and conveniently located off of Combs Rd and Schnepf Rd.. Adorable 4 bedroom 3 bathroom single story home with an amazing guest retreat and farmhouse exterior. The 2 car garage has extra storage for convenience. This home is uniquely equipped with a spacious owner's suite, stainless steel appliances, quartz kitchen countertops and white shaker style cabinets in the kitchen. 4 panel slider off the great room. This home has been upgraded with 8 foot interior doors, 6x36 inch ceramic tiles, backsplash, modern black cabinet hardware, a single basin sink and upgraded faucet. The bathrooms have also been upgraded with matching faucets and hardware throughout!

1528 W Carol Avenue Mesa, AZ 85202

$469,900 - 3Br/2Ba -  for Sale in Bray Acres, Mesa
New
$469,900
3 Beds
2 Baths
1,491 SqFt
Status Active
MLS # 6703508
Property Type Single Family Residence
Price Type --
Beautifully updated home - - - from top to bottom! 2024 Kitchen remodel! Professionally refinished cabinets with crown molding, quartz counter tops, stainless steel appliances, backsplash, island with breakfast bar seating, and extra deep granite sink. Refrigerator conveys! Open kitchen great room floor plan! Three bedrooms, plus flex room plus sitting area off master! Flex room off the kitchen makes a great dining area (currently staged as a dining area), or office/den, study area, sitting room, etc. Arcadia door exit from the flex room to the back patio. Upgraded LVP flooring with 6mm pad throughout and tile flooring in both bathrooms. No carpet in the home. The master suite is a retreat you won't want to leave! Master suite has a sitting room with a single French door exit to the back yard. Perfect for a workout space, office, nursery or simply a quiet setting to relax! Master bathroom has an enormous walk in shower with tile surrounds, trendy professionally refinished vanity with vessel sink and upgraded faucet, and enormous walk in closet. Hall bathroom has a trendy vanity and combination shower/tub with tile surrounds. New base boards, trim and interior doors throughout. New hardware, ceiling fans and lights. Flush mount LED lighting! 2024 interior and exterior paint. New dual pane low E Anderson window in the great room. Low E dual pane windows throughout. Large laundry room! Front load washer and dryer convey! Cabinets in laundry room were professionally refinished in 2024. Three linen closets and a storage closet; no shortage of storage in this home! Covered back patio and large back yard with storage shed. North facing back yard! All new landscape irrigation lines in front and back yards. Newer sprinkler heads on grass. Newer sprinkler system timer box and new land and hardscape front and back. Electrical wiring and panel replaced in 2017. Plumbing under slab replaced in 2018. All facts and figures to be verified by buyer or buyer's representative.

16461 W Yucatan Drive Surprise, AZ 85388

$469,900
3 Beds
2 Baths
2,180 SqFt
Status Active
MLS # 6672354
Property Type Single Family Residence
Price Type --
Don't miss this gorgeous single story home with many upgrades. This 3 bedroom and 2 bathroom home has an open floorplan. It is located in Sycamore Farms with many great parks and close proximity to restaurants, shopping and entertainment. This home has neutral paint, new carpet- 2022, new hot water heater in December 2023, new artificial turf was installed this past spring- 2023. This home has granite counter tops in the kitchen with raised cabinets, soaring 9' ceilings, huge dual (2) walk-in master closets, and a tandem 3-car garage. This original owner has taken great care of this home! Don't miss out!

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