What’s Ahead For Mortgage Rates This Week – January 2, 2017

Last week’s economic reports were in short supply due to the Christmas holiday. Events reported included Case-Shiller home price indices, pending home sales and weekly readings on mortgage rates and new jobless claims. Consumer confidence was also released.

CaseShiller Readings Indicate No Slowdown in Home Price Gains

Case-Shiller’s October readings for its home price indices showed continued growth in home prices. In spite of rising home prices and mortgage rates, high demand for homes and slim supplies of homes for sale continued to fuel higher home prices.

According to Case-Shiller’s national home price index for October, home prices rose 5.60 percent on an annual basis as compared to September’s reading of 5.40 percent. The 20-city home price index rose to 5.10 percent from September’s reading of 5.00 percent. Case-Shiller’s 10-city index also gained 0.10 percent in October with a reading of 4.30 percent year-over-year.

Seattle, Washington, Portland, Oregon and Denver, Colorado had the highest year-over-year home price gains in October with readings of 10.70, 10.30 and 8.30 percent respectively. David M. Blitzer, Managing Director and Chairman of the S&P Indices Committee, said that “Home prices and the economy are both enjoying robust numbers,” but he also cautioned that rising mortgage rates and home prices growing faster than wages continue to pose obstacles for some home buyers. The Federal Reserve is expected to raise its federal funds rate in 2017, which is expected to prompt rising mortgage rates.

Mortgage Rates Mixed, Pending Home Sales Fall

Pending home sales fell 2.50 percent in November. Analysts said that post-election reaction helped to drive mortgage rates higher, which made homes less affordable for first-time and moderate-income buyers; Sellers and buyers may have postponed decisions to sell or buy as they waited for volatile post-election responses to ease.

According to the National Association of Realtors®, pending home sales fell to their lowest level in almost a year with an index reading of 107.30 in November. September’s reading was 110.00. The holiday season and rising mortgage rates were seen as contributing to fewer pending home sales.

Freddie Mac reported the ninth consecutive week that fixed rate mortgages rose. In the final mortgage rates survey for 2016, the average rate for a 30-year mortgage rose two basis points to 4.32 percent; the average rate for a 15-year fixed rate mortgage was three basis points higher at 3.55 percent. 5/1 adjustable rate mortgage rates averaged 3.30 percent, which was two basis points lower than the prior week. Discount points averaged 0.50 percent for all three mortgage types.

New jobless claims were lower last week with a reading of 265,000 new claims filed. Analysts had expected 270,000 new claims filed based on the prior week’s reading of 275,000 new claims filed.

In spite of rising home prices and mortgage rates, consumer sentiment was higher than expected in December with a reading of 113.70 as compared to expectations of 110.00 and November’s reading of 109.40.

Whats Ahead

Next week’s scheduled economic reports include Labor Department releases on Non-Farm Payrolls, and the national unemployment rate. ADP payrolls and weekly readings on mortgage rates and new jobless claims will also be released. Financial markets are closed today in observance of New Year’s Day.

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18157 W Navajo Street Goodyear, AZ 85338

$471,990
4 Beds
2 Baths
2,370 SqFt
Status Active
MLS # 6604053
Property Type Single Family Residence
Price Type --
This single-story home features an open concept floor plan that includes 9-ft. ceilings and a large great room. You'll also find Emser® tile flooring throughout the great room, dining space and kitchen, and Shaw® carpeting in the bedrooms. The expansive kitchen offers 42-in. upper cabinets, granite countertops, a center island and Whirlpool appliances. The private primary suite at the back of the home includes an oversized closet, and the primary bath boasts a separate tub and shower, a dual-sink vanity, and a door at the water closet. This home also includes a 40-gal gas water heater.

12126 W Luxton Lane Avondale, AZ 85323

$471,990 - 3Br/3Ba -  for Sale in Alamar Phase 2, Avondale
Open House
$471,990
3 Beds
3 Baths
2,113 SqFt
Status Active
MLS # 6625862
Property Type Single Family Residence
Price Type --
Ask about builder incentives! The single-story Sterling plan at Alamar offers 3 bedrooms plus a study, 3 baths, a 2-car garage, and outdoor living. This well-designed home features a great room layout with a stunning kitchen featuring Quartz countertops, 42'' cabinets with underlighting, stainless steel gas appliances, recessed canned lighting, a walk-in pantry, and a spacious kitchen island with a breakfast bar. The cozy primary suite is generous in size featuring an ensuite bathroom with a dual sink vanity, separate shower and tub, and a huge walk-in closet! Discover Alamar, an exquisite master-planned community designed to cater to your active lifestyle. With sports courts, neighborhood parks, a resort-style pool, and a sprawling 9.5-mile trail system, outdoor adventures awaiting. Additionally, you'll be delighted to find a 40-acre regional park with a serene catch-and-release lake nearby, along with plans for a future K-8 elementary school. Structural options added include bedroom 4 in place of tandem garage, study in place of bedroom 3, multi slide glass door at gathering room, garden tub, and separate shower at owner's bath, garage service door, and soft water loop. The backyard and interior of the home have been virtually rendered.

2311 W Claremont Street Phoenix, AZ 85015

$471,900
5 Beds
4 Baths
2,081 SqFt
Status Active
MLS # 6621326
Property Type Single Family Residence
Price Type --
Beautifully remodeled home! Very spacious home with updated features. Has new tile, new windows, new ceiling fans, updated kitchen with granite counter tops, updated bathrooms, new paint in and out of property. Great for big families or first time home buyers that want a lot of house for their buck. Come have your buyers check it out! ***Seller is willing to help buyers with 3% seller concessions as well as pay for home warranty!!***

17428 W Fulton Street Goodyear, AZ 85338

$471,488
4 Beds
3 Baths
2,257 SqFt
Status Active
MLS # 6700486
Property Type Single Family Residence
Price Type --
Discover our dynamic community with a move-in ready home featuring 4 bedrooms, 3 baths, and a 3-car tandem garage. Inside, enjoy a teen room/loft, cabinets in the laundry, and quartz kitchen counters. Outside, engage in fun with sand volleyball, basketball courts, and two playgrounds for all ages. Welcome to your new home and vibrant community!

12535 W Marguerite Avenue Avondale, AZ 85323

$471,156 - 4Br/2Ba -  for Sale in Alamar Phase 4, Avondale
Open House
$471,156
4 Beds
2 Baths
2,207 SqFt
Status Active
MLS # 6677110
Property Type Single Family Residence
Price Type --
Discover the difference in this home and buying experience! Move in ready Lantana design at Highland Ridge by Brookfield. 6000 SQ FT Homesite, single story includes an open-concept floorplan boasting an inviting kitchen and bright great room that opens to the private, covered outdoor room, the 3-car garage leads you into the drop zone. 48,000 in upgrades. 5.99% Special financing is offered. Alamar is a new kind of master-planned community in the West Valley spread over 1,150 acres in Avondale, just 18 miles from Downtown Phoenix.

6337 W Valencia Drive Laveen, AZ 85339

$471,000
4 Beds
2.5 Baths
2,328 SqFt
Status Active
MLS # 6700691
Property Type Single Family Residence
Price Type --
This stunning two-story home offers the perfect blend of elegance and functionality. With 4 bedrooms and 3 bathrooms, there's ample space for comfortable living. As you step inside, you're greeted by a bright and spacious interior, featuring tasteful finishes and modern amenities throughout. The open-concept layout seamlessly connects the living, dining, and kitchen areas, making it ideal for both relaxing and entertaining. One of the standout features of this home is its solar panels, providing energy efficiency and cost savings. Say goodbye to high utility bills and hello to sustainable living! Step outside into the beautiful backyard oasis, complete with lush turf and plenty of space for outdoor enjoyment. Whether you're hosting gatherings with friends and family or simply unwinding after a long day, this backyard retreat is sure to impress. Conveniently located in a desirable neighborhood, this home offers easy access to amenities, schools, parks, and more. Don't miss your chance to own this truly exceptional property.

8449 W Rockwood Drive Peoria, AZ 85382

$470,999
2 Beds
2 Baths
2,203 SqFt
Status Active
MLS # 6636533
Property Type Single Family Residence
Price Type --
Price Reduction ,Spacious home in wonderful ''Westbrook Village'' Adult community 20% 40 years to 55 years, 80% 55 years plus, no children under 19 years of age. Located in the newer Phase 2, close to The Vistas Recreation Center. Large bedrooms, huge master bath with tub & shower. Newer A/C. Solar $139. per month. Looking for lots of room, this home has a large Arizona Room, could be heated & cooled for a work out room or area for pets or ?? Come see your dream home today !!

17798 W Running Deer Trail Surprise, AZ 85387

$470,995
4 Beds
3 Baths
2,040 SqFt
Status Active
MLS # 6658921
Property Type Single Family Residence
Price Type --
This single level Saphire is so inviting and well thought out. The home features 4 Beds, 3 Baths with a bonus den/teen room and a 3-car garage. The Sapphire floor plan welcomes guests with pavers and a covered entry. Off the foyer, you'll find two bedrooms and a full bath. Heading towards the great room you will find the fourth bedroom and den/teen room with a dedicated bath. The home features 9 ft ceilings, 8'6'' paneled interior doors and an extended entry which leads to an open layout kitchen featuring a large upgraded center island, 42-inch upper cabinets, gas SS oven range and a convenient dining area. The great room is nicely sized with a center-meet double sliding door giving the space a light and open feel gracefully leading to the covered patio. The split floor plan features an owner's suite with two walk-in closets and an attached bath. Located in the fantastic community of Desert Oasis features parks, playgrounds and a community pool. Close to the new Frys marketplace with convenient access to the Loop 303 and US-60, nearby Lake Pleasant, Surprise Stadium, Wildlife Zoo, Aquarium & Safari Park in the fast-growing NW Valley. This beautiful home is done right and has so much to offer!

24067 N 147th Drive Surprise, AZ 85387

$470,980 - 4Br/2Ba -  for Sale in Rancho Mercado Parcel A1, Surprise
New
$470,980
4 Beds
2 Baths
1,949 SqFt
Status Active
MLS # 6703252
Property Type Single Family Residence
Price Type --
Up to 3% of closing costs incentive offer. Additional eligibility and limited time restrictions apply. MLS#6703252 Discover modern living at Los Cielos at Rancho Mercado with our 40-1 floorplan—a single-story sanctuary featuring 4 bedrooms and 2 baths. The open design seamlessly connects the dining room, kitchen, and great room. Enjoy the kitchen's tiled backsplash, recycle center, and soft close cabinets. Three front bedrooms and 2 bathrooms offer privacy, while the rear primary bedroom boasts a walk-in closet, spa-like shower, and dual vanities—blending luxury with functionality. Welcome to a life of comfort and elegance at Los Cielos!

5211 W Beryl Avenue Glendale, AZ 85302

$470,900
4 Beds
2 Baths
1,657 SqFt
Status Active
MLS # 6650123
Property Type Single Family Residence
Price Type --
Amazing Remodeled Pool and Home completely remodeled four bedrooms, two baths, two car garage, RV gate. Family room with Fireplace goes out to nice covered patio and large Yard. New Windows, New Cabinets, New Appliances, All New flooring. Remodeled bathrooms. Fresh paint inside and out. You will love this home.

39104 N Dusty Drive San Tan Valley, AZ 85140

$470,700 - 6Br/3Ba -  for Sale in Pecan Creek North Parcel 8, San Tan Valley
New
$470,700
6 Beds
3 Baths
2,857 SqFt
Status Active
MLS # 6702974
Property Type Single Family Residence
Price Type --
This meticulously maintained 6-bed, 3-bath home exudes pride of ownership! Step onto the charming porch for morning coffee. Inside, modernity meets care with updated flooring, appliances, fixtures, and window dressings. The warm living room features tasteful carpet and tile, leading to a spacious great room merging family space with an open-concept kitchen, boasting white cabinetry, granite countertops, and a large pantry. Upstairs, a versatile loft complements the main suite with a private bathroom and walk-in closet. With a downstairs bedroom and bathroom, hosting guests is easy. Outside, the backyard with a covered patio opens onto green space for al fresco dining. Welcome home to comfort, style, and modern living!

651 S Del Rancho Circle Mesa, AZ 85208

$470,504
3 Beds
2.5 Baths
1,784 SqFt
Status Active
MLS # 6444583
Property Type Single Family Residence
Price Type --
$15,500 in Builder Incentives (must use Preferred Lender) for Buyer to use on this NOW COMPLETED Inventory home! This floorplan features 3 bedrooms and 2.5 baths. Beautiful gray shaker style cabinets, granite counters and 12X24 tile throughout the entire first floor! Diamond Court, built by Newmark Homes, is an 18 home community nestled in a prime location in Mesa. Close to new shopping/restaurants!

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