What’s Ahead For Mortgage Rates This Week – September 26, 2016

Last week’s economic news was abundant with releases on home builder sentiment, housing starts, building permits, sales of previously owned homes. The Federal Open Market Committee of the Federal Reserve released its customary statement at the conclusion of its meeting; Fed Chair Janet Yellen also gave a press conference. Weekly readings on new jobless claims and mortgage rates were released as usual.

NAHB: Builder Sentiment Increases in September

Home builder confidence in housing market conditions increased in September according to the National Association of Home Builders Housing Market Index. Builder confidence rose five points to 65; analysts expected a reading of 60 based on August’s reading of 59. NAHB said that September’s reading was boosted by more “serious” buyers entering housing markets.

Components used to determine NAHB HMI readings were also higher. Builder confidence in current market conditions rose six points to 71; builder confidence in housing market conditions over the next six months rose by five points to 71. Builder confidence in buyer traffic in new housing developments rose four points to 48. Buyer traffic readings have not reached 50 since 2005; 50 is a neutral benchmark for NAHB HMI readings.

Home prices continue rising at a higher pace than wages; this is pressuring first-time and moderate income buyers out of the market. An ongoing shortage of available homes is pressing prices higher as demand increases. Analysts pay close attention to the NAHB HMI as building more new homes is a key factor in easing the shortage of homes for sale.

Housing Starts, Building Permits Lower

Commerce Department readings on housing starts and permits issued were lower for August Housing starts were lower in August at 1.142 million starts on a seasonally-adjusted annual pace. Analysts expected 1.182 million housing starts based on July’s reading of 1.212 million starts. Regional readings showed a dip in starts in the South. Severe flooding in Louisiana contributed to the lower reading for housing starts. August’s reading for housing starts was 5.80 percent lower than July’s reading and 0.90 percent lower than for July 2015.

Building permits issued were nearly flat in August; this was likely due to the prime building season winding down 1.139 million permits were issued as compared to 1.144 million permits issued in July. Single-family starts were six percent lower than for July and were 1.20 percent lower year-over-year.

Existing Home Sales Dip: High Demand, Low Supply Cited

Sales of pre-owned homes fell by 0.90 percent in August to a seasonally-adjusted annual rate of 5.33 million sales. Analysts expected a reading of 5.48 million sales; July’s reading for sales of pre-owned homes was 5.38 million sales.

Low inventory of available homes continues to impact housing markets as demand for homes increased and prices rose; the national average home price was $240,000 in August. Rising home prices continued to be driven by high demand and low supplies. These conditions also impacted first-time and moderate income home buyers who were pressured to keep up with rapidly rising home prices.

While mortgage rates remain relatively low, higher home prices and tight mortgage credit requirements remain obstacles for first-time buyers.

Mortgage Rates, Weekly Jobless Claims Lower

Freddie Mac reported lower mortgage rates last week. The average rate for a 30-year fixed rate mortgage fell by two basis points to 3.48 percent; the average rate for a15-year fixed rate mortgage fell on one basis point to 2.76 percent. The average rate for a 5/1 adjustable rate mortgage was lower by two basis points at 2.80 percent.

Analysts expected new jobless claims to remain flat at the prior week’s reading of 260,000 new claims, but 252,000 new claims were filed for the lowest reading since July. The four-week rolling average of new jobless claims fell by 22250 claims to 258,500. The four-week reading is considered a less volatile reading than week-to-week readings.

Federal Reserve: No Increase in Fed Rate

The Federal Open Market Committee said in its post-meeting statement that the target federal funds rate would not be raised. In a press conference given after the FOMC statement, Fed Chair Janet Yellen said that although the economy continued to improve, the Fed had concerns over the labor market and decided not to raise rates. Any increase in Federal Reserve rates triggers increases in consumer lending rates.

What’s Ahead

This week’s readings include Case-Shiller Home Price Indices, readings on new and pending home sales and weekly readings on mortgage rates and new jobless claims.

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3627 E Bethany Home Road Paradise Valley, AZ 85253

$75,000,000

13 Beds

16 Baths

12,261 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6525456

Property Type Single Family - Detached

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Arizona's leading custom home builder, Cullum Homes, is proud to partner with WOW Luxury Properties and present Arizona's most expensive home to ever be built. Introducing the $75 million Palo Cristi Estate Luxury Properties purchased the land last April and immediately partnered with Cullum Homes with the direction to define a next level of luxury in Paradise Valley. The mandate has been to spare no expense in creating a home that is both functional and captures a WOW from every room. Shortly thereafter the team selected Desert Foothills for its landscaping with the same mandate. A mandate that applies to the two adding parcels which are also for sale. SEE MORE FOR DETAILS ABOUT THE HOME ! Owner/Agent

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20568 N 112th Street Scottsdale, AZ 85255

$32,000,000

7 Beds

10 Baths

17,267 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6413286

Property Type Single Family - Detached

Price Type --

A Dream Team Comes Together Like a Symphony to Create a Custom Estate That is a Work of Art, introducing Ellington Heights in Silverleaf''There is no art when one does something without intention.'' -- Duke Ellington.Without a doubt the King of Jazz would consider Ellington Heights--a sleek and stylish gem--a superb work of art. Nestled in the sun-kissed upper canyon of Silverleaf, an exclusive enclave in Scottsdale, Arizona, the design for this magnificent estate collected inspiration from the social, artistic and cultural dynamism of the Roaring Twenties era. Further, the design journey for this modern desert prairie-style home, included finding perfect harmony with its Sonoran surroundings.(see 'more' now)

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7265 N 40th Street Paradise Valley, AZ 85253

$30,600,000

5 Beds

6 Baths

18,000 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6495034

Property Type Single Family - Detached

Price Type --

Amethyst is the crown jewel of Crown Canyon located at the highest point of the gated Crown Canyon community. This private 5+ acre homesite awaits an architectural masterpiece to capture the most prolific views of Camelback Mountain and downtown city lights. Premier Paradise Valley homebuilder BedBrock Developers, with award-winning in-house architect Stratton Andrews, is prepared to fully design and build your custom dream home on this impressive mountain hillside. To inspire you further, Andrews designed this 18,000-square-foot showcase estate to demonstrate the endless possibilities within the homesite. ''The breathtaking Amethyst property itself ignited the inspiration for this architectural masterpiece. The design flows with the topography, allowing 270-degree views of Camelback

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21235 N 102nd Street Scottsdale, AZ 85255

$29,500,000

6 Beds

8 Baths

14,048 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6485821

Property Type Single Family - Detached

Price Type --

The Barn at Silverleaf - Discover the ultimate in luxury lifestyle. This awe-inspiring modern interpretation of this Prairie style estate is the result of a two year design effort by renowned architect CP Drewett and a hand selected team of consultants. World class interior design is currently being developed by Claire Ownby, founder of Ownby Design. While the vision is a sophisticated custom estate of just over 14,000 square feet, the functionality is comfortable and inviting. The unique design truly elevates the tenets of desert modernism and resort style living. Perched at the summit of a long private driveway, every area of this three-acre estate has spectacular views and are destinations within themselves. The Barn is horizontal in nature with extremely deep overhangs and a

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20958 N 112th Street Scottsdale, AZ 85255

$28,000,000

7 Beds

8 Baths

13,617 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6375239

Property Type Single Family - Detached

Price Type --

Welcome to ''The Aerie'', perched high in the McDowell Mountains in Scottdale's most exclusive community of Silverleaf sits this one of a kind masterpiece with unmatched views of the valley below. Thoughtfully designed by Erik Peterson of PHX Architecture and built with the ultimate in perfection by Paragon Custom Homes into a true work of art, this brand new desert contemporary home is an amazing estate. From the open great room which leads to the designer kitchen and hidden catering kitchen to the thoughtfully designed entertainment zone, and the palatial master wing this home has it all. Embodying a true indoor outdoor lifestyle, entertaining spaces flow to the beautiful outdoors all with amazing views of the valley below.

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5247 N Invergordon Road Paradise Valley, AZ 85253

$27,999,999

7 Beds

13 Baths

13,364 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6447698

Property Type Single Family - Detached

Price Type --

Introducing ''The Royal Chateau'', an exquisitely remodeled estate (completed May 2022)! Boasting 7 bedrooms, 13 bathrooms with sweeping views of Camelback Mountain, this home is sure to please with only the highest level of finishes. The main residence offers nearly 10,000 sf of luxury interior living with 2 separate guest houses. This custom residence includes a custom 600 Bottle Wine Cellar, 7 Car Garages w/ AC, Chef's Kitchen w/ Dual Sinks, custom built-in Subzero Fridge & Freezer, and large walk-in pantry with appliances. Featuring a state-of-the-art home theater, home office with views of Camelback, parlor with wet bar & custom woodwork throughout the entire home. Guests may stay in either of the 2 guest casitas and enjoy the several outdoor entertaining areas throughout the property

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5531 E Mockingbird Lane Paradise Valley, AZ 85253

$27,500,000

8 Beds

11 Baths

20,949 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6534041

Property Type Single Family - Detached

Price Type --

In most prestigious pocket of Paradise Valley with incredible views of Mummy Mountain lies this clean contemporary compound. Soaring ceilings beaming with natural light from sunrise and sunset peak windows, rift oak cabinets, white oak floors, large butler pantry, dirty kitchen & dual wine wall. In the close to completed basement addition you can watch electric go carts circle the track out of your subterranean lounge. Complete with full movie theater, spa and hair salon, concrete cased hidden gun range, sauna, massage room, space in basement for indoor sport court, 2nd story office w mezzanine, large indoor/outdoor gym, kids playroom, 20 car garage, workshop, football field yard with viewing deck, large pizza oven, outdoor Ramada & full kitchen/ grilling station, pool house, resort style

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5724 E Mockingbird Lane Paradise Valley, AZ 85253

$25,000,888

7 Beds

9 Baths

14,801 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6408372

Property Type Single Family - Detached

Price Type --

Brand New 5 Acre Estate with Stunning Views under construction completed Q4 2023. This stately property offers a split, single level floor plan, lush & mature manicured grounds, impeccable finishes and design throughout in one of Paradise Valley's most expensive locations! Enjoy the world class amenities, indoor and outdoor lifestyle, pool, spa, ramada, tennis court and never before seen features in a home with the iconic view of Mummy Mountain as the backdrop. Located in the highly desirable 3 C's school district, also featuring an 11 car garage for auto collectors. This is Arizona's most prestigious presale opportunity and offers the buyer the ability to select their own finishes. Contact the listing agent directly for a private tour.

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5636 E Mockingbird Lane Paradise Valley, AZ 85253

$25,000,000

7 Beds

10 Baths

18,575 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6507679

Property Type Single Family - Detached

Price Type --

Your own Private Luxury Resort! 18,575 sq ft estate on 5 ACRES w/ absolutely exquisite finishes and $4.5 million in upgrades completed in 2015. This SINGLE LEVEL residence has 21 ft ceilings, 2 swimming pools w/ 75ft lap pool, 2 libraries w/ elegant Pierre Langue mahogany millwork + leather floor, 14 seat mahogany theater w/ glass ticket booth, 2 parlor bars + wine rm, huge exercise rm, luxurious master suite w/ floors of 7 ft slabs of marble + 2 huge closets w/2 elegant bathrms + 1,850 sqft 2 bdrm guest house! A chef's white kitchen opens to a large family rm w/ white hickory floors. VERY PRIVATE w/ fabulous mature landscape.GARAGES FOR 30+ CARS and a jaw dropping SHOW GARAGE. Motorcoach + Show Garage double as family activity rooms perfect for year-round-play + entertaining.

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11235 E Wingspan Way Scottsdale, AZ 85255

$24,220,000

6 Beds

8.5 Baths

11,556 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6362093

Property Type Single Family - Detached

Price Type --

An artful masterpiece, this stunning estate was recently completed in July of 2021 by Salcito Custom Homes. Grandly positioned on 4.67 acres on one of the best homesites in Silverleaf, this home sits prominently in the iconic ''saddle'' of the Upper Canyon Summit in Silverleaf. Exuding warmth and sophistication with a unique French Modern style and architecture thoughtfully designed by Dale Gardon, this regal home captures the spectacular views of the Silverleaf Golf Course and the Valley throughout the home. The garages are perfect for a car collector with capacity for 11 cars. The superb interiors, designed in collaboration with Rebecca Salcito feature distinctive elements such as a fireplace carved from marble to hand-blown glass chandeliers, custom artwork

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11269 E Moonlight Canyon -- Scottsdale, AZ 85255

$21,500,000

7 Beds

9 Baths

11,530 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6384286

Property Type Single Family - Detached

Price Type --

Renowned architect Bing Hu is creating a masterpiece in the Upper Canyon of the prestigious and highly acclaimed Silverleaf community. This 11,530 SF estate is a modern adaptation of the Prairie style of architecture, perfectly situated sitting on the high foothills of the McDowell Mountains with panoramic city lights, mountain and valley views. The superb quality of the finishes and the amenities included are sure to please the most discerning, certainly everything you'd expect in a home of this stature: green building materials and technologies, state of the art automation throughout, Sonos Surround Sound entertainment theater, Gaggenau ''Art of the Kitchen'' custom creation and more. Added opportunity is the GOLF MEMBERSHIP AVAILABLE with this home. Creating a masterpiece

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10719 E Rimrock Drive Scottsdale, AZ 85255

$20,000,000

6 Beds

8 Baths

13,114 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6455254

Property Type Single Family - Detached

Price Type --

Immediate occupancy opportunity! Offering Silverleaf Golf Membership and Furnishings. Warm and welcoming, nestled on a flat pad. Home's motor court, detached guest house, front-and-rear yard, are all accessible without elevation changes. Secondary rooms, second wet bar and additional flex rooms offer views. Perched on McDowell Mountains, offering an exclusive 'front row seat experience' of sprawling and vibrant golf course, twinkling city lights, plus captivating near/far mountain views. Flawlessly crafted; meticulously maintained by valley's renowned luxury home builder, Desert Star Construction. This signature address encompasses of over 9 acres; 13,111 square feet of living space to including 1,789 SF 2 bedroom guest home. SEE MOTION VIDEO

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