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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24075 W Pecan Road Buckeye, AZ 85326

$468,990
4 Beds
3.5 Baths
3,020 SqFt
Status Active
MLS # 6680414
Property Type Single Family Residence
Price Type --
Just over 3000 sq ft, this floorplan has It all. 4 bedrooms, 3.5 baths, a den downstairs, a half bath downstairs, a loft upstairs, and a 3-car tandem garage! This home offers so much space and a beautiful open concept. The outside has a Craftsman style exterior with included desert landscape. You walk into an open space with wood look plank tile throughout. There is a separate carpeted den area to be utilized as needed. The open concept living, kitchen, and dining area downstairs is great for entertaining. The gorgeous 4 panel sliding glass door that leads you to your outdoor covered patio provides an indoor/outdoor living space with a large backyard area. This home features our Minimalist design package that includes Crisp Stria quartz kitchen counter tops, with Fairview Stone Gray cabinets, Arctic White stacked kitchen backsplash, an undermount single bowl kitchen sink, matte black finish plumbing fixtures, stainless-steel appliances, and much more. Right now, Ashton Woods is pleased to include ALL APPLIANCES in this home, making your move-in process seamless. Upstairs has a spacious loft for additional living space, along with 4 bedrooms, 3 full baths, and laundry. Not only is the laundry room perfectly located for a growing family, right now we're including matching washer & dryer in this move-in ready home. The primary room has a large walk-in closet, double sinks, a large walk-in shower, and an additional linen closet for extra storage. The 3 additional bedrooms all have spacious walk-in closets as well. Great location close to dining, freeways, dog park and entertainment.

17719 W Eva Street Waddell, AZ 85355

$468,955 - 4Br/3Ba -  for Sale in Zanjero Pass Phase 1, Waddell
Open House
$468,955
4 Beds
2.5 Baths
1,915 SqFt
Status Active
MLS # 6667659
Property Type Single Family Residence
Price Type --
This GORGEOUS Single Story New Construction home has it all! 1,915 square feet, 4 bedrooms, 2.5 bathrooms, and a full size 2 car garage! ***Est COE in May*** 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.

3927 E Jasper Drive Gilbert, AZ 85296

$468,900
3 Beds
2.5 Baths
1,816 SqFt
Status Active
MLS # 6684552
Property Type Single Family Residence
Price Type --
Discover the epitome of modern living in this remodeled, beautiful single-family home nestled in Gilbert. With a spacious private yard, the master bedroom boasts luxury with a dual sink vanity, private toilet room, and a large walk-in closet. The gourmet kitchen features stainless steel appliances and ample cabinet space for culinary enthusiasts. Enjoy low-maintenance front and backyard spaces, while the community pool and spa offer a refreshing retreat during summer. Kids will love the nearby community park with a playground, and your pets will adore the green grass. Perfectly situated, with easy access to major highways like US 60 and San Tan 202, as well as the Mesa Gateway Airport.

10411 W Chipman Road Tolleson, AZ 85353

$468,885 - 5Br/3Ba -  for Sale in Trouvaille, Tolleson
New
$468,885
5 Beds
3 Baths
2,048 SqFt
Status Active
MLS # 6697419
Property Type Single Family Residence
Price Type --
June Move-In 'Welcome Home'' You are going to love this Spacious single level Brand New Home & The Fantastic Location. Split Floor Plan w/5Bdrms,3 baths & 2 Car Garage + Double Gate. This Open Floorplan was designed for you and guests to come together and enjoy the great room, dining room and kitchen spaces that flow together seamlessly. ''Wonderful indoor/outdoor living'' W/Nice Size Backyard + Large Back Patio & Front CY Perfect For Entertaining Or Family Nights. 9' Ceilings, GOURGEOUS KITCHEN W/Stainless Steel Appliances, Upgraded Cabinets, Quartz Countertops, Double Door Pantry, 12x24 Tile throughout except bedrooms where plush carpet will snuggle your toes. Two-Tone Paint, Energy Star & Smart Home Features + More. Photos Of Model Home & Ext Completed Carefree C, Options Will Vary.

17063 W Butler Avenue Waddell, AZ 85355

$468,777 - 3Br/3Ba -  for Sale in Northern Farms, Waddell
New
$468,777
3 Beds
3 Baths
2,162 SqFt
Status Active
MLS # 6695624
Property Type Single Family Residence
Price Type --
Open-concept living is the name and Antelope is the place. Step inside this 2,162 sq. ft. two-story, 3 bedroom, 3 bath home that includes a downstairs study with double doors and a spacious upstairs loft area, perfect for all your entertaining needs. A beautiful Kitchen with quartz counter-top and 42 Inch Benton stone gray cabinets put the finishing touches on this home. Our High-Performance Homes come standard with home automation technology, a REME HALO Air Purification system and they are designed with you in mind, to stay healthier & more comfortable in your new home.

1082 W Morelos Street Chandler, AZ 85224

$468,500
3 Beds
2 Baths
1,326 SqFt
Status Active
MLS # 6695158
Property Type Single Family Residence
Price Type --
Welcome to this peaceful charming 3 beds, 2 baths, 2-car garage single-level home. 220 power outlet for electric car charging is available in the garage. A semi-open layout with vaulted ceilings with a neutral palette. New carpet and tile flooring throughout. The kitchen boasts SS appliances with new granite kitchen & bath countertops. Cozy dining area with a bay window! The main bedroom has outdoor access and an ensuite with dual granite sinks, a separate tub/shower, & a walk-in closet. One other bedroom, w/double-door entry, can be used as an office. Home is plumbed for soft water and reverse osmosis in the kitchen. Check out the tranquil backyard with a covered patio, lush green lawn, mature tree landscape and a new irrigation system.

Yuma Prooving Guard AZ 85365

$468,000
2 Beds
2 Baths
1,850 SqFt
Status Active
MLS # 6660419
Property Type Manufactured Home
Price Type --
ARMLS Brand Team's Test Listing - DO NOT EDIT

325 W Gina Marie Boulevard Paulden, AZ 86334

$468,000
2 Beds
2 Baths
1,455 SqFt
Status Active
MLS # 6680004
Property Type Single Family Residence
Price Type --
Wow you won't want to miss out on this completely remodeled home on 5 acres. New appliances. Open floor plan with a country flare. Barn doors open floor plan. Large master bedroom and master bath. Detached shop with a bar. Dog run, horse stalls and shelter. Private well with whole house filtration system. Completely fenced with lots of frost-free water spickets. All usable land. Amaizing views! Rv hook ups. Hot water heater, stove and dryer are set up for electric or propane services.

2937 W Anderson Drive Phoenix, AZ 85053

$468,000
3 Beds
2 Baths
1,498 SqFt
Status Active
MLS # 6682918
Property Type Single Family Residence
Price Type --
Highly upgraded 3-bed, 2-bath home! New RV gates on both sides of property w/concrete driveway & 2-car garage w/epoxy floor, new cabinetry, & new door/motor. Brand new synthetic turf w/pathways & elegant fountain is the cherry on top! New roof & fresh in/out paint. Discover new windows, tile flooring throughout, new chandeliers, upgraded recessed lighting, new custom plantation shutters, & new doors. The comfortable living room offers a surround sound system for convenience! The remodeled eat-in kitchen has new shaker cabinets, granite counters/backsplash, SS appliances, new sink, island w/breakfast bar, & new handles. The main bedroom features a private bathroom & walk-in closet. Both bathrooms are upgraded! The paver backyard boasts covered patio, storage shed, & boulder pond. Stop by!

43307 W Askew Drive Maricopa, AZ 85138

$468,000
4 Beds
2 Baths
2,186 SqFt
Status Active
MLS # 6679513
Property Type Single Family Residence
Price Type --
Welcome to this stunning 4-bedroom home with a spacious 3-car garage,and pool.This home features tile floors,plantation shutters,and a cozy living room.The spacious great room is perfect for relaxing and entertaining with lots of kitchen storage,SS appliances,skylights,tile backsplash,granite counters,pantry,and a center island & extended breakfast bar.Primary bedroom has direct backyard access and a private bathroom with dual sinks,shower,tub and a walk-in closet.Backyard is an entertainer's dream featuring a covered patio,built-in BBQ,artificial turf,and sparking pool.This home has new HVAC system,hot water heater,water softener,pool pump & salt cell,resurfaced pool & cool decking to name a few (check docs for full list).A perfect blend of comfort & luxury. Come and make it yours today!

12535 W Marguerite Avenue Avondale, AZ 85323

$467,656 - 4Br/2Ba -  for Sale in Alamar Phase 4, Avondale
Open House
$467,656
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. 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.

9430 W Minnezona Avenue Phoenix, AZ 85037

$467,500 - 3Br/2Ba -  for Sale in Western Enclave, Phoenix
Open House
$467,500
3 Beds
2 Baths
1,924 SqFt
Status Active
MLS # 6683540
Property Type Single Family Residence
Price Type --
Charming 3-bedroom home with a spacious great room and stunning mountain views, with the added privacy of no neighbors in front of the home. Nestled within a gated community offering park amenities, children's playgrounds, and scenic walking trails, this residence is designed for both comfort and convenience. Just outside the gated community you will find Westgate Entertainment District, which includes shopping, dining, sports and music. Want to stay inside? No problem, the chef's kitchen is a culinary delight, featuring stainless steel appliances, a gas stove, subway tile backsplash, white quartz countertops, and ample cabinetry with sleek handles, centered around a large island perfect for entertaining. Enjoy the seamless flow of large tile flooring throughout the living spaces. With a split floorplan and open layout, including a large slider leading to the back yard. This home offers versatility and elegance, enhanced by modern amenities such as a soft water loop, tankless water heater, and contemporary square sinks in the bathrooms with marble countertops and white cabinets. Additional highlights include a low-maintenance backyard with pavers, a covered patio for outdoor relaxation along with a very low-maintenance backyard. This home also features can lights throughout, a Ring doorbell for added security, and fresh interior paint for a polished finish. Experience the epitome of modern living in this meticulously crafted residence, where every detail is thoughtfully designed to elevate your lifestyle and create a sanctuary you'll be proud to call home.

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