What’s Ahead For Mortgage Rates This Week – September 12, 2016

Few economic reports were released last week due to the Labor Day Holiday. The Federal Reserve released its Beige Book Report, which documents anecdotes shared with the Fed by its regional business contacts. A job openings report, weekly jobless claims and Freddie Mac’s survey of mortgage rates was also released.

Fed’s Beige Book: Approaching Election Dampens Business Growth

According to the Federal Reserve’s survey of business contacts within its 12 districts, November’s election is causing business owners to take a “wait and see” position regarding expansion plans. Commercial real estate contacts in several Fed districts cited modest projections for sales and construction for the second half of 2016. The Bank of Canada supported Fed contacts’ view of modest growth; it characterized U.S. business growth as “less certain.”

Analysts review the Beige Book report for indications of how the Fed may adjust its monetary policy including whether or not to raise the target federal funds rate. The Beige Book report did not reveal any compelling evidence for the Fed to raise rates before year-end, but Fed Chair Janet Yellen said in a recent statement that economic conditions were strengthening and favored a rate hike before year-end.

November’s election will likely delay any rate hike until December. Fed policymakers have repeatedly said that a combination of economic trends, current readings and news reports contribute to decisions relating to interest rates and other monetary policy issues.

Job Openings Rise, New Jobless Claims Drop

July job openings rose from June’s reading of 5.60 million openings to 5.90 million openings to hit an all-time high.  New jobless claims fell from 263,000 new claims to 259,000 new claims. The Labor Department also reported that hires increased from 5.17 million to 5.23 million in June. These readings are further indications of strengthening job markets and general economic growth.

Mortgage Rates Lower

Freddie Mac reported lower average mortgage rates last week; the average rate for a 30-year mortgage was two basis points lower at 3.44 percent; the average rate for a 15-year fixed rate mortgage was one basis point lower at 2.76 percent. The average rate for a 5/1 adjustable rate mortgage was two basis points lower at 2.81 percent. Discount points averaged 0.60, 0.50 and 0.40 percent respectively.

What’s Ahead

Next week’s scheduled economic reports include readings on retail sales, national inflation and consumer sentiment.

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9451 E Becker Lane Scottsdale, AZ 85260

$460,000 - 3Br/2Ba -  for Sale in Aventura Condominium Amd, Scottsdale
Open House
New
$460,000
3 Beds
2 Baths
1,259 SqFt
Status Active
MLS # 6692644
Property Type Apartment
Price Type --
RARE FIND. Ground floor condo with garage and 1 covered parking space. Home features granite countertops, stainless steel appliances, full-size washer & dryer, 20'' tile and wood look laminate flooring, walk-in master shower, raised vessel sinks, glass shower doors, window coverings. New HVAC in 2018, water heater 2019, Windows replaced in 12/22, resurfaced patio in 3/24, Retractable door screens front and back in 2024, Dry bar and cabinets added in 2/23. HOA includes tennis courts, swimming pools, hot tubs, clubhouse with fitness room. Walk to shopping, restaurants, and grocery stores. Entertainment venues and golf courses close by. Short drive to Mayo Clinic and MLB Spring Training, near Scottsdale Greenbelt Trail. Near church and schools.

17719 N 113th Avenue Surprise, AZ 85378

$460,000 - 3Br/2Ba -  for Sale in Canyon Ridge West Parcel 6, Surprise
Open House
$460,000
3 Beds
2 Baths
1,934 SqFt
Status Active
MLS # 6663313
Property Type Single Family Residence
Price Type --
Welcome to the Gated Community of Canyon Ridge West! This stunning home offers privacy with no neighbors behind and boasts a sparkling pool with a soothing waterfall feature, along with a convenient RV gate and added parking for all your outdoor storage needs. Inside, vaulted ceilings with tubular skylights and neutral tile floors create a spacious ambiance. The flexible layout includes a private den and ample living space. New HVAC in 2024! *Edited Neutral paint photos added.

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$459,999
3 Beds
2 Baths
1,646 SqFt
Status Active
MLS # 6685607
Property Type Single Family Residence
Price Type --
Nestled near the Superstition Mountains this property offers a variety of special features and accommodations like: flexible floor plan, plantation shutters, mountain view, quiet gated community, ***sparkling pool (w/mesh child safety pool fence included)***, automatic sun shade, office den, newly remodeled kitchen and floors throughout the house, ***quality slab granite countertop***, farmhouse kitchen sink and faucet, ***new bathroom vanity countertop & faucet***, 2 car garage, ***new roof***, fireplace AND its a corner lot so no neighbors to the right of this property. Single story homes surround this lot so those looking for privacy this is where it's at! It's also near hiking trails so for those looking to do some desert exploring its perfect! Don't wait too long!

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$459,999
3 Beds
2 Baths
1,623 SqFt
Status Active
MLS # 6677655
Property Type Single Family Residence
Price Type --
You don't want to miss out on this move-in ready beauty. Located in the stunning and sought after subdivision of Verrado in Buckeye. The home is in immaculate condition from ceiling to floor. Wood-like tile flooring though all the main living & walking areas. Your new kitchen offers granite countertops, breakfast bar, contemporary light fixtures, upgraded cabinetry with lots of storage space, and stainless steel appliances. The backyard has no maintenance landscaping, covered patio, and plenty of room to relax and entertain. Don't miss out on this one! It won't last long on the market. Thanks for stopping in.

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