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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10246 E Prairie Hawk Lane San Tan Valley, AZ 85143

$450,000 - 3Br/2Ba -  for Sale in S8 T3s R9e, San Tan Valley
New
$450,000
3 Beds
2 Baths
1,344 SqFt
Status Active
MLS # 6682979
Property Type Manufactured Home
Price Type --
Experience the ultimate in rural living with this charming 3-bedroom, 2-bathroom manufactured home nestled on a sprawling 1.25 acres of land, free from the constraints of HOA regulations. This property offers the perfect blend of tranquility and convenience, with a shared well providing ample water access and electricity readily available. As the surrounding area undergoes rapid development and growth, this property stands as an excellent investment opportunity, offering the chance to capitalize on the burgeoning market while enjoying the peacefulness of rural life. With a reasonable price tag and endless potential, this home represents not just a place to live, but a smart investment in your future. Don't miss out on the chance to make this idyllic rural retreat your own!

18024 N Somerset Drive Surprise, AZ 85374

$450,000
2 Beds
2 Baths
1,834 SqFt
Status Active
MLS # 6676600
Property Type Single Family Residence
Price Type --
Paid for solar means electricity bills under $40 a month! Exquisite 2-bedroom, Plus Den, 2-bathroom gem. Palo Verde Model. Step into a world of harmonious living with its seamless open layout that effortlessly connects the kitchen and great room, ideal for both dining and entertaining. Indulge in chef's kitchen with granite counters and stainless steel appliances, perfect for culinary adventures. Plus, enjoy the added benefits of an extended garage for your golf cart & tons of garage storage. Step outside for the tranquility of mature citrus trees, providing an outdoor oasis. Split bedroom floor plan. With paid-for solar, annual electricity bill of just $237, a recently redone roof, and new AC system still under warranty for peace of mind!

778 E Rojo Way Gilbert, AZ 85297

$450,000
3 Beds
2.5 Baths
1,422 SqFt
Status Active
MLS # 6676968
Property Type Townhouse
Price Type --
Welcome to this charming property with a natural color palette that creates a warm and inviting atmosphere throughout. The kitchen boasts a center island, a nice backsplash, and plenty of storage space for all your cooking needs. The master bedroom features a walk-in closet for added convenience. Additional rooms offer flexible living space to suit your lifestyle. The primary bathroom includes double sinks and good under sink storage for optimal organization. Don't miss out on this opportunity to make this house your home!

2852 W Mclellan Boulevard Phoenix, AZ 85017

$450,000
3 Beds
2 Baths
1,345 SqFt
Status Active
MLS # 6680671
Property Type Single Family Residence
Price Type --
A minimalist dream! This home emanates with so much urban grace, luxury and style! From the moment you step into hm from lg outer courtyard entrance, you will be captivated by every detail owner has painstakingly taken. New EVERYTHING! You will love the crisp, soothing color palette from ceramic tile planks, two-tone paint, new upgraded mod lighting, ceiling fans & contrasting black hardware t/out entire home. Entertaining is an absolute delight in this huge great room w/gorgeous kitchen boasting all new white cabinets, w/pull out drawers, w/in pantry w/frosted door, & upgraded SS appliances! And it just gets better... french doors lead you into this true sanctuary that is the primary bedroom w/yes! a huge soaking free standing tub! Entire bath renovation included re-plumbing to accommodate new tub and new modern dual sinks. Don't miss the luxury lighting (even in water closet!) & exhaust fan w/bluetooth and uber cool color night lights. Walk in shower was also gutted for new shower faucet and valve system, new tile and niche. Secondary bedrooms are large and have upgrades and features of their own. And yet, there's still more... wander into your own backyard wonderland! Extended covered patio is the entire width of the home with ceiling fans and lighting. North facing backyard provides cool shade for hot summer nights so you can enjoy this extended living space all year round! Magnificent ebb and flow throughout every square foot of this property! Owner spared no expense to bring this home to an unparalleled level of luxury. Located in a private enclave that is centrally located near freeways and GCU, this home would be perfect for a short term rental, traveling nurses... the possibilities are endless. Check the stats, home sales in this community are rare (last sale was March 2022). Owners love it and stay! You'll be hard pressed to find something this fab near uptown at this price! Don't let this gem pass you by!

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