What’s Ahead For Mortgage Rates This Week – January 30, 2017

Last week’s economic news included readings on new and existing home sales and mortgage rates. Also released were reports on new jobless claims and consumer sentiment.

New and Existing Home Sales Lower in December

According to the U.S. Commerce Department, sales of new homes fell to 536,000 sales on a seasonally-adjusted annual basis. This reading was markedly lower than the expected rate of 595,000 sales and November’s reading of 598,000 sales. Analysts said that the drop in new home sales indicated that the housing sector is still experiencing a rocky recovery. December’s reading for new home sales was 10.4 percent lower than December’s adjusted reading of 598,000 sales. December’s reading was 0.40 percent lower year-over-year.

The median sale price of new homes was $322,500 in December, which was 4.30 percent higher than in November and 7.90 percent higher than in December 2015. The dip in sales has increased inventory of available homes to a reading of 5.80 months needed to sell all new homes presently available. Real estate pros typically consider a six-month supply of homes for sale a normal inventory.

In related news, sales of pre-owned homes were also lower in December. The National Association of Realtors® reported December sales at 5.49 million on a seasonally-adjusted annual basis; this reading was lower than expectations of 5.51 million sales and November’s reading of 5.65 million sales. The slower rate of sales may signal that home prices have topped out; there is also a very low inventory of available pre-owned homes for sale as compared to demand. Sales of pre-owned homes were 2.80 percent lower than November’s reading, which was the highest rate of existing home sales since 2007. Sales of pre-owned homes were 0.70 percent higher year-over-year.

Winter weather and holidays may have contributed to lower home sales in December, but higher prices, tough mortgage requirements and a low supply of available pre-owned homes were seen as obstacles to completed home sales for December.

Mortgage Rates Mixed, New Jobless Claims Rise

Freddie Mac reported higher fixed rates for mortgages last week. The average rate for a 30-year fixed rate mortgage rose 10 basis points to 4.19 percent; the average rate for a 15-year fixed rate mortgage rose six basis points to 3.40 percent. The average rate for 5/1 adjustable rate mortgage fell by one basis point to 3.20 percent. Discount points for fixed rate and 5/1 mortgages averaged 0.40 percent.

New jobless claims exceeded expectations of 250,000 new claims with a reading of 259,000 new claims and the prior week’s reading of 237,000 new claims. Analysts said that volatility is common with new jobless claims in January. There were few layoffs reported and good news that the new jobless claims rate remained below the benchmark reading of 300,000 new claims for the 99^th consecutive week. This milestone was last seen in 1970.

The four-week rolling average of new jobless claims fell by 2000 to an average of 245,900 new claims filed; this was the lowest reading since 1973.

Consumer sentiment rose to 98.5 which surpassed the expected reading of 98.2 percent and December’s reading of 98.1 percent.

What‘s Ahead

Multiple readings on housing and labor related data will be released this week. Scheduled releases include pending home sales, Case-Shiller Housing Market Indices and construction spending. Reports on inflation and core inflation are due along with readings on non-farm payrolls, ADP payrolls and the national unemployment rate.

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624 SqFt

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$22,000

1 Bed

1 Bath

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$19,999

2 Beds

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840 SqFt

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$19,900

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$19,000

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$19,000

1 Bed

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840 SqFt

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5201 W Camelback Road Phoenix, AZ 85031

$18,000

2 Beds

1 Bath

600 SqFt

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***Highly Motivated Seller***55+Park***You will enjoy the spacious feeling in this 2 bedroom 1 bathroom home, a super cute home, and a bargain to boot! This adorable place could be either your primary home or your Arizona getaway! Boasts an beautiful Arizona room, which is where the second bedroom is. The interior of this darling place has been well taken care of, with upgrades galore: New wall unit style AC/Heating units remotely controlled as well in Front room, bedroom and 2nd bedroom. Freshly painted inside recently inside. The refrigerator and dryer stay. Low maintenance yard. Buyer to verify schools. New hot water heater as of Jan 2024! The water and sewer are also included in the lot rent! Lot rent is approximately $855.00, Live in a great 55+ park with many amenities to enjoy. Heated pools and spas, or enjoy your days playing pool or reading from the vast library. The walking and biking path winds through the community. This place is bargain paradise!

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16005 N 32nd Street Phoenix, AZ 85032

$18,000

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$17,500

1 Bed

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Property Type Manufactured Home

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MOTIVATED SELLER!! BRING OFFERS!! Economical 1bed/1bath home located is 55+ Desert Valley Oasis. Spacious Living Room with Eat In Kitchen Counter space. Spacious Kitchen with plenty of cabinet space for dining. Gas Stove and Oven. Appliances Included. Many Updates Including NEW AC and ROOF 2020, New Flooring 2021, New Awning 2023. Large FENCED lot. Storage Shed includes Washer & Dryer. Easy Commute To Shopping, Entertainment, and Freeways. A MUST SEE!!

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