What’s Ahead For Mortgage Rates This Week – February 6, 2017

Last week’s economic news included several good signs for U.S. Labor Markets with higher than expected readings for private and public sector job creation. The Federal Reserve announced its decision not to raise the target federal funds range, and inflation rose. Mortgage rates held steady and pending home sales rose.

Private and Public Sector Jobs Post Unexpected Gains

ADP, which tracks private-sector job growth, showed a gain of 246,000 jobs in January against expectations of 168,000 new jobs and December’s reading of 151,000 private sector jobs created. Analysts said 208,000 of jobs added were service-related jobs. January’s Non-Farm Payrolls, which is issued by the Labor Department and includes private and public sector jobs, also posted higher than expected job gains with 227,000 new jobs in January as compared to 197,000 new jobs expected and December’s reading of 157,000 new jobs. Retail, construction, financial and restaurant industries led job growth. The jump in construction hiring could indicate that home builders will expand construction in an effort to ease short inventories of homes for sale.

The national unemployment rate rose to 4.70 percent in January and matched analysts’ expectations based on December’s reading of 4.60 percent. New jobless claims were lower than expected with a reading of 246,000 new claims against expectations of 254,000 new claims and the prior week’s reading of 260,000 initial jobless claims.

Mortgage Rates Little Changed; Pending Home Sales Up

Freddie Mac reported little change in mortgage rates last week. Interest rates for 30-year fixed rate mortgages averaged 4.19 percent and were unchanged from the prior week. Rates for 15-year fixed rate mortgages rose by one basis point to 3.41 percent and the average rate for a 5/1 adjustable rate mortgage rose three basis points to 3.23 percent. Discount points averaged 0.50 percent for fixed rate mortgages and 0.40 percent for 5/1 adjustable rate mortgages.

In related news, the Federal Reserve’s Federal Open Market Committee decided not to rate the Fed’s target rate that is currently 0.50 to 0.75 percent. Fed benchmarks for the economy include an unemployment rate of 5.00 percent or lower, but the annual growth inflation benchmark of 2.00 percent has not been met. January’s inflation rate rose by 0.10 percent above December’s reading of 0.0 percent.

Pending home sales increased in January with an increase of 1.60 percent; this exceeded December’s negative reading of -2.50 percent in December. Analysts said that the growth in pending home sales, which represents sales under contract that have not closed, reflects ongoing high demand for homes. Pending sales also suggest future volume for completed sales and mortgages.

Consumer confidence lagged in January to an index reading of 111.80 as compared to an expected reading of 112.90 and December’s reading of 113.30. December’s reading was the highest in 15 years. Analysts cited post-election uncertainty as contributing to consumer concerns.

Whats Ahead

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

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40930 W Agave Road Maricopa, AZ 85138

$465,990
4 Beds
3 Baths
2,142 SqFt
Status Active
MLS # 6641288
Property Type Single Family Residence
Price Type --
START PACKING... It's the Castellano.. This home has 4 bedrooms, 3 baths and 3 car garage. Large walk-in shower at owner's bath. Multi slide door that leads out to the covered patio perfect for entertaining. Gas range for the cook in the family. Benton painted white cabinets with 42'' kitchen uppers and pull out trash drawer with two bins. DT One Quartz Evening Gray countertops in the kitchen and at the enhanced kitchen island. DT Marble Attache Matte kitchen backsplash and stainless steel undermount kitchen sink. 8' tall interior doors throughout the home. Upgrade flooring includes MZ Norwood Oak 6x24 tile in all areas of the home except bedrooms/closets. Gas drop to dryer, gas stub for BBQ, 8' garage door, garage service door and so much more.

12565 N 175th Drive Surprise, AZ 85388

$465,900
3 Beds
2 Baths
1,836 SqFt
Status Active
MLS # 6688259
Property Type Single Family Residence
Price Type --
Beautiful property nestled on a desired corner lot! This gem displays a well-maintained front yard and a 2-car garage for your vehicles. The delightful interior features a spacious open floor plan, highlighting tall ceilings, a soothing palette, tile flooring, and soft carpet in all the right places. The kitchen is fully equipped with ample counter space, a walk-in pantry, rich wood cabinetry, recessed lighting, and an island with a breakfast bar, great for morning conversations. Double doors reveal a generous main retreat, offering a private bathroom with dual sinks and a large walk-in closet. Out the back, you'll find a covered patio for relaxing evenings after a busy day. Conveniently situated near schools, shopping, and parks. Stop searching!

505 W Stanley Avenue San Tan Valley, AZ 85140

$465,500
3 Beds
2 Baths
1,999 SqFt
Status Active
MLS # 6689220
Property Type Single Family Residence
Price Type --
Welcome Home!! This beautiful 3 bedroom, Plus Den, 2 bath, 2 car garage home is located in the desirable and established Ironwood Crossing neighborhood. Large kitchen with granite counter tops, beautiful crown molding on cabinets, custom tile back splash, and stainless steel appliances. Open and spacious floorplan with 8' doors throughout. Ceiling fans in all rooms. Water softener and RO water system. Enjoy relaxing under your extended covered patio with sunshades or under the stars next to your gas fire pit. Exterior was repainted in 2020. This is a must see! Owner has access to Mary Lou Fulton & Ira Fulton Aquatic center. Great community features include parks, basketball courts, pickleball courts and much much more. **Some Furniture is Available on a Separate Bill of Sale*

16755 W Buckhorn Trail Surprise, AZ 85387

$465,462
4 Beds
3 Baths
2,291 SqFt
Status Active
MLS # 6686984
Property Type Single Family Residence
Price Type --
Can't find what you want on the resale market, look no further. This 4 bedroom, 3 bathroom Pastora plan is open, spacious and livable. The kitchen overlooks the great room and is loaded with upgrades. The kitchen includes 42'' upper cabinets with a gourmet layout, stainless steel appliances, quartz counter top and beautiful back splash. The flooring throughout is upgraded. The 12ft. sliding glass door allows more light into the great room and provides a seamless transition between the indoor and outdoor spaces. Our High Performance Homes come standard with home automation technology and a Reme Halo air purifier to promote a healthy lifestyle. EZ access to the 303 loop. Elementary school is close to community. Home is MOVE-IN READY

17708 W Eva Street Waddell, AZ 85355

$465,420 - 5Br/3Ba -  for Sale in Zanjero Pass Phase 1, Waddell
Open House
$465,420
5 Beds
2.5 Baths
1,915 SqFt
Status Active
MLS # 6687003
Property Type Single Family Residence
Price Type --
This GORGEOUS Single Story New Construction home has it all! 1,915 square feet, 5 bedrooms, 2.5 bathrooms, w/ 2 car garage! ***Est COE in May*** Our Quick move-in homes will include appliances and backyard landscape with turf. This home features a modern, neutral color palette, offering 36'' white shaker cabinetry, a large kitchen island, upgraded white quartz countertops, and 9' ceilings throughout. It also includes a soft water loop. This home prioritizes efficiency, with features such as dual pane low-E windows, and a smart home system included. The exterior features front yard desert landscaping, a covered patio and private backyard. Conveniently located off the 303, this community is near Costco, Safeway, and shopping. **Finishes may vary from sample photos and virtual tour.

9812 E Windy Pass Trail Gold Canyon, AZ 85118

$465,400
3 Beds
2 Baths
1,642 SqFt
Status Active
MLS # 6657193
Property Type Single Family Residence
Price Type --
This popular split floor plan is located in a gated community on a quiet corner lot with mountain views and mature, low-maintenance landscaping in both the front and back yards. The interior features 3bd/2ba split floor plan, open family room with fireplace & skylights, formal dining room (or den), ceiling fans throughout and 9ft+ ceilings. Large primary suite includes great views of the back yard & pool and an en-suite with dual sinks, shower and walk-in closet. The eat-in kitchen features maple cabinets, granite countertops, pantry and breakfast bar. Tile & laminate flooring throughout. Enjoy the pebble tec play pool with waterfall and above-ground spa! The pool has a self cleaning in-ground system. Welcome home!

1850 E Bernie Lane Gilbert, AZ 85295

$465,205
3 Beds
2.5 Baths
1,812 SqFt
Status Active
MLS # 6693338
Property Type Townhouse
Price Type --
Beautiful, newly built condo now available in Towns at Annecy! This 2-story Spanish/Italian style property offers a lovely kitchen with Stainless Electric GE appliances including a refrigerator, Quartz countertops, and a Delta Faucet. Other highlights include Espresso Shaker style cabinets, Delta Bath Hardware, wood look flooring, two closets in the Primary Suite, and ample storage throughout. A stainless GE Washer and Dryer are also included! Soft Water Loop pre-plumbed only. Enjoy gated access and endless amenities including a pool, spa, playground, and more! Please note that the interior photos are not from this home, they are a reference from a finished model.

1850 E Bernie Lane Gilbert, AZ 85295

$465,205
3 Beds
2.5 Baths
1,812 SqFt
Status Active
MLS # 6693434
Property Type Townhouse
Price Type --
Lovely new Spanish/Italian style condo now available in the private and gated community of Towns at Annecy. Enjoy endless amenities throughout the community and designer selections throughout the 3 bed, 2.5 bath home. Stainless Electric GE appliances including a Refrigerator, Washer, and Dryer! The kitchen boasts Quartz countertops, a Delta Kitchen Faucet, and Nutmeg Shaker style cabinets throughout. The unit has ample storage including two closets in the Primary Suite. Other highlights include wood look flooring and carpet flooring, Delta bath hardware, and a Soft Water Loop pre-plumbed only. Attached 2-car tandem garage. Please note that the interior photos are not from this home, they are a reference from a finished model.

5258 E Calle De La Fressa -- Hereford, AZ 85615

$465,000
4 Beds
2 Baths
1,928 SqFt
Status Active
MLS # 6691769
Property Type Single Family Residence
Price Type --
A must see to appreciate is the elegance and peaceful beauty of this new built 4-bedroom modern, country charmer! Boasting magnificent views of the northern/ eastern mountain range & the gorgeous Huachuca mountains, a hike away. The front porch & yard provide an idyllic ambiance for the beauty of this quiet country style neighborhood. Featuring a wonderful spacious open floor plan, to include 4 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, a den, vaulted ceilings, larger windows, taler doors & an open concept - split bedroom plan, with an oversized 3 car garage. Just beautiful are the buttercream-colored cabinets accented with the darker granite counters. A lovely kitchen island & charming dinning create such a relaxing yet elegant dining experience. The wood tile flooring throughout makes for easy living and a great look. Stop in to see this gorgouse home and you too will fall in love!

25664 N 162nd Drive Surprise, AZ 85387

$465,000
3 Beds
2 Baths
2,041 SqFt
Status Active
MLS # 6672937
Property Type Single Family Residence
Price Type --
This gorgeous, highly upgraded floor plan is model home perfect. This 2041 Sq Ft. single level property has an open floorplan, 3 bdrms, 2 baths plus a den/flexspace! It was built in 2020 with lots of upgrades! Step inside to a home that is light, bright and a beautiful blend of luxury and comfort. This home is better than new, it boasts beautiful white shaker cabinets with a beautifully deigned backsplash, luxury wood-look flooring, Brand new Carpet throughout the house as well as stunning granite countertops which make for a sleek and sophisticated look! The impressive gourmet kitchen offers a gas cooktop and and an island breakfast bar. 8ft doors throughout the house. The owner's suite is spacious with a walk in shower. This home also comes with a backyard designed for easy maintenance.

15622 W Yucatan Drive Surprise, AZ 85379

$465,000
4 Beds
2 Baths
2,407 SqFt
Status Active
MLS # 6672604
Property Type Single Family Residence
Price Type --
Meticulously maintained and cared-for home on a quaint, tree-lined street in Greer Ranch. Located in the beautiful city of Surprise. This 4 bed 2 bath home has a large living room with a separate formal dining room. Upgraded with durable, wood laminate flooring throughout. Fully landscaped front and back with auto watering system. Spacious kitchen with SS appliances. Built-in bookshelves. Custom front security screen door. Huge primary suite. Ensuite with privacy door. Covered back patio with an extended concrete slab. Split 3-car garage. 3rd bay has lots of built-in storage cabinetry. Great for a workshop or man cave. Must see this beautiful home!

45240 W Windrose Drive Maricopa, AZ 85139

$465,000
5 Beds
3.5 Baths
3,432 SqFt
Status Active
MLS # 6674588
Property Type Single Family Residence
Price Type --
The home features an open floor plan with a formal living and dining room, as well as a great room that overlooks the backyard. It includes a half bath downstairs for convenience and 5 bedrooms upstairs with 3 additional bathrooms. The kitchen has plenty of cabinet space with a desk area, walk-in pantry, granite countertops, and an under-mount sink. Large tile is in the traffic, kitchen, and wet areas, with neutral carpet in the rest of the home.

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