What’s Ahead For Mortgage Rates This Week – January 9, 2017

2017 started with good news; fixed mortgage rates were lower, but the national unemployment rate ticked upward and labor reports showed fewer openings for public and private sector jobs. Construction spending was higher in November.

Mortgage Rates Lower; Construction Spending Higher

Freddie Mac reported lower average rates for fixed rate mortgages as the average rate for a 5/1 adjustable rate mortgage crept up. The average rate for a 30-year fixed rate mortgage dropped by 12 basis points to 4.20 percent; The average rate for a 15-year mortgage fell 11 basis points to 3.44 percent while the average rate for a 5/1 adjustable rate mortgage gained three basis points to 3.33 percent. Discount points averaged 0.50 percent for fixed rate mortgages and 0.40 percent for 5/1 adjustable rate mortgages.

Construction spending was higher in November according to the Commerce Department and reached the highest level since April 2006. The November reading was 0.90 percent higher as compared to an expected reading of 0.60 percent and October’s original reading of 0.50 percent, which was revised to 0.60 percent. Lower mortgage rates coupled with more construction could help ease low inventories of available homes and provide relief to first-time and moderate-income home buyers who’ve been challenged by rapidly rising home prices and mortgage rates.

Fewer New Jobless Claims: Unemployment Rate Rises

The government’s Non-Farm Payrolls report for December showed lower job openings for government and private sector employers with a reading of 156,000 jobs added against the expected reading of 180,000 job openings and November’s reading of 204,000 job openings.

ADP reported similar results for its December reading on private sector jobs; 153,000 jobs were created against November’s reading of 215,000 jobs created. Analysts said that hiring is increasing, but not as fast as in prior months. On average, 174,000 private-sector jobs were created monthly in 2016 as compared to a monthly average of 209,000 private sector jobs created in 2015.

Weekly jobless claims were lower last week with 235,000 new claims filed; 260,000 new claims were expected based on 263,000 new claims filed the previous week.

December’s national unemployment rate rose to 4.70 percent from 4.60 percent in November. Analysts said that the uptick was likely fueled by employers deleting former workers from their payrolls at year-end.

Whats Ahead

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

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914 E Osborn Road Phoenix, AZ 85014

$459,000
1 Bed
2 Baths
1,338 SqFt
Status Active
MLS # 6672294
Property Type Apartment
Price Type --
Experience the ultimate urban lifestyle at the prestigious and award-winning Artisan Lofts on Osborn in Downtown Phoenix, situated conveniently across from Phoenix Country Club. This 1-bedroom, 2-bathroom unit spans 1,338 square feet and boasts contemporary urban design, an open layout, concrete floors, exposed ductwork, brick walls, new quartz countertops and state-of-the-art appliances. The building offers a range of amenities including a community pool, fitness center, rooftop deck, and secure parking garage. Each unit in this distinctive urban community is a unique masterpiece, just moments away from Central Avenue and the vibrant attractions of the Downtown Phoenix Corridor.

3928 E Branham Lane Phoenix, AZ 85042

$459,000
3 Beds
2.5 Baths
1,708 SqFt
Status Active
MLS # 6675226
Property Type Single Family Residence
Price Type --
Well maintained home in a nice gated Blossom Hills subdivision. Main bedroom suite on ground floor, spacious loft and 2 bedroom and a bath on the second floor. Open great room with kitchen, living and dining space with a half bath and Harry Potter closet under the stair and a nice size laundry room. 2 car garage, shared driveway. Wood look tile on the main floor and newer carpet on stair and upstairs loft and bedrooms. Easy freeway access. Seller related to Listing Agent. There is a one time Benefit Working Capital Fee of 114.00

8917 N 65th Drive Glendale, AZ 85302

$459,000
4 Beds
2 Baths
1,760 SqFt
Status Active
MLS # 6685460
Property Type Single Family Residence
Price Type --
This is the best house in the neighborhood! It has been completely remodeled by a licensed contractor. The house features a new roof and HVAC system, as well as fresh paint both outside and inside. Additionally, there are new tile floors throughout the entire house. As you enter, you'll be greeted by a spacious living room filled with natural light. The kitchen has undergone a complete transformation with new cabinets, quartz countertops, and stainless steel appliances. Both bathrooms have also been completely redone, including new vanities, cabinets, countertops, fixtures, and tiled showers. Outside, you can enjoy the patio and the low-maintenance yard. Don't miss out on the opportunity to own this beautiful home.

30520 W Clarendon Avenue Buckeye, AZ 85396

$459,000
5 Beds
3 Baths
2,658 SqFt
Status Active
MLS # 6687483
Property Type Single Family Residence
Price Type --
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