What’s Ahead For Mortgage Rates This Week – October 17, 2016

Last week’s economic news included reports on job openings, retail sales and weekly readings on average mortgage rates and new jobless claims.

Job openings were lower in August after hitting an all-time high in July according to the federal government. Job openings fell to 5.44 million in August as compared to July’s reading of 5.83 million job openings, Job openings reached 5.31 million in August of 2015. Job quits were unchanged in August with a reading of 3.0 million quits; the quits rate was 2.20 percent. There were 5.4 million hires in August as compared to 5.8 million hires in July. The hiring rate held steady at 3.60 percent.

Weekly jobless held steady from the prior week’s reading of 246,000 new claims, although analysts expected a reading of 252,000 new claims. September retail sales increased by 0.60 percent in September and fell short of expectations of 0.70 percent growth. August’s retail sales reading was negative at -0.20 percent. Retail sales excluding the automotive sector were as expected with an increase of 0.50 percent.

Mortgage Rates Rise, Consumer Sentiment Slips

Freddie Mac reported higher rates for fixed rate mortgages. The rate for a 30-year fixed rate mortgage rose five basis points to 3.47 percent. The average rate for a 15-year mortgage was four basis points higher at 2.76 percent. The average rate for a 5/1 adjustable rate mortgage was unchanged at 2.84 percent. Discount points averaged 0.50 percent for fixed rate mortgages and 0.40 percent for 5/1 adjustable rate mortgages.

Consumer sentiment was lower in October with an index reading of 87.90 percent. Analysts expected a reading of 91.70 percent based on September’s reading of 91.20 percent. November’s presidential election was viewed by analysts as unsettling to consumers’ feelings about current and expected economic conditions. The index reading for consumer sentiment for current economic conditions rose from 104.20 percent in September to 105.50 in October, but fell sharply for expected economic conditions to an index reading of 76.60. Analysts noted that consumers with lower incomes expressed less assurance about post-election economic conditions.

Whats Ahead

This week’s scheduled economic reports include the NAHB/Wells Fargo Home Builders Market Index, Sales of Pre-Owned Homes and Commerce Department readings on housing starts and building permits issued. In addition to weekly readings on mortgage rates and new jobless claims, reports on consumer spending will also be released.

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18983 N 259th Lane Buckeye, AZ 85396

$459,000 - 2Br/2Ba -  for Sale in Sun City Festival Planning Area 2 Parcel D2, Buckeye
New
$459,000
2 Beds
2 Baths
1,569 SqFt
Status Active
MLS # 6694613
Property Type Single Family Residence
Price Type --
Better than New, immaculate Hideaway Model with Smart Home Features. 2-bed/2-bath, split floor plan w/ upgraded plank tile flooring and ''leather'' granite countertops. Designer light fixtures & custom window treatments. Open concept living offers plenty of room for dining & entertaining. Extended height, soft close cabinets, SS appliances & walk-in pantry. The spacious primary bedroom has a large bathroom, dual sinks, walk in shower & walk-in closet. Charming guest bedroom w/adjacent bath. Enjoy the beautiful landscape from the extended back patio with privacy wall and pavers. 2 car garage with tandem 4ft extension, great for a golf cart, or additional storage. Additional features: Soft water system, tankless water heater, security door, additional iron fencing with gate access on both sides of the house. Front & backyard pavers & drip system for landscaping. Sun City Festival is an active adult community with plenty of activities. Complete gym, pickleball court, group classes, 27-hole golf course, 2 resort-style pools, onsite rec center, walking trails, and an indoor walking track. Don't miss the opportunity, come see this home today.

8723 E Sandtrap Court Gold Canyon, AZ 85118

$459,000
2 Beds
2 Baths
1,812 SqFt
Status Active
MLS # 6553229
Property Type Townhouse
Price Type --
Price reduction and seller willing to do below market rate seller financing. Contact agent for details. Welcome to this beautiful 2-bed, 2-bath Townhome in the gated Fairway Views! A paver courtyard and a 2-car garage w/attached cabinets are just the beginning. Inside the previous owner completely remodeled the interior of this home in 2021. New vinyl flooring, interior paint, custom Stone Creek cabinets in kitchen, bathrooms, laundry, and dry bar. New quartz countertops with travertine backsplash, baseboards, doors, custom showers and bathtub, new water heater/RO/water softner and Pella sliding doors. New light fixtures/fans, faucets and supply lines, Whirlpool print resistant appliances, Zephyr wine and beverage cooler with separate temperature settings and lots more! Home has desirable open layout, layered crown molding, a skylight, neutral paint and tons of natural light. Master bedroom has backyard access and an ensuite with dual sinks, travertine step-in shower, & a walk-in closet. Secondary bedroom also includes a private bathroom for added comfort. Enjoy the private backyard offering a covered patio, pavers, built-in BBQ, & exterior fireplace for chilly nights! You MUST see it!

3007 E Woodland Drive Phoenix, AZ 85048

$459,000
3 Beds
2 Baths
1,242 SqFt
Status Active
MLS # 6614031
Property Type Single Family Residence
Price Type --
NEW ROOF March 2024! Welcome to Mountain Park Ranch! This gem won't be around long, so be sure to plan your visit today! The seller has taken great care and added many improvements such as the kitchen renovation in 2017, the master bathroom remodel was completed in 2023, and the exterior was painted in 2020! The property is North/South facing, has an RV gate, is a corner lot and nearby the 202 freeway for an easy commute! The community offers lakes, parks, walking paths, there are multiple community pools nearby, and the house is kitty corner from Vista Canyon Park! There is plenty of shopping nearby such as Trader Joes, Dutch Brothers, Starbucks, Frys grocery store along with plenty of dining options!

12002 N Rio Vista Drive Sun City, AZ 85351

$459,000
2 Beds
2 Baths
1,999 SqFt
Status Active
MLS # 6629615
Property Type Single Family Residence
Price Type --
WELCOME HOME TO THIS BEAUTIFULLY REMODELED TWO BEDROOM TWO BATH HOME. LOOKIG FOR AN ENTERTAINER'S KITCHEN BOASTS GRANITE COUNTER TOPS, UPDATED APPLIANCES, INDUCTION STOVE TOP, TONS OF STORAGE, KNOTTY ALDER CABINETS. THE BATHROOMS HAVE BEEN UPDATED WITH BEAUTIFUL WALK IN TILE SHOWERS. ENJOY THE BEAUTIFUL GOLF COURSE VIEWS AND SUNSETS IN YOUR SCREENED IN PATIO. ALL MAJOR TICKET ITEMS HAVE BEEN REPLACED WITHIN THE LAST 3 YEARS.

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