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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3927 E Jasper Drive Gilbert, AZ 85296

$468,900

3 Beds

2.5 Baths

1,816 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6684552

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

Discover the epitome of modern living in this remodeled, beautiful single-family home nestled in Gilbert. With a spacious private yard, the master bedroom boasts luxury with a dual sink vanity, private toilet room, and a large walk-in closet. The gourmet kitchen features stainless steel appliances and ample cabinet space for culinary enthusiasts. Enjoy low-maintenance front and backyard spaces, while the community pool and spa offer a refreshing retreat during summer. Kids will love the nearby community park with a playground, and your pets will adore the green grass. Perfectly situated, with easy access to major highways like US 60 and San Tan 202, as well as the Mesa Gateway Airport.

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17063 W Butler Avenue Waddell, AZ 85355

$468,777

3 Beds

3 Baths

2,162 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6695624

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

Open-concept living is the name and Antelope is the place. Step inside this 2,162 sq. ft. two-story, 3 bedroom, 3 bath home that includes a downstairs study with double doors and a spacious upstairs loft area, perfect for all your entertaining needs. A beautiful Kitchen with quartz counter-top and 42 Inch Benton stone gray cabinets put the finishing touches on this home. Our High-Performance Homes come standard with home automation technology, a REME HALO Air Purification system and they are designed with you in mind, to stay healthier & more comfortable in your new home.

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12407 W Levi Drive Avondale, AZ 85323

$468,199

4 Beds

3 Baths

2,355 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6690900

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

Discover the difference in this home and buying experience! Under construction Dakota design at Highland Sage by Brookfield. 2-story includes an open-concept floorplan, boasting an inviting kitchen and bright great room that opens to the private covered outdoor room, the two-car garage leads you into the drop zone. Downstairs guest bedroom and bathroom with a bonus room upstairs along with the other 4 bedrooms. $47,000 in upgrades are included in this home! 5.99% Special financing is offered. Alamar is a new kind of master-planned community in the West Valley spread over 1,150 acres in Avondale, just 18 miles from Downtown Phoenix.

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Yuma Prooving Guard AZ 85365

$468,000

2 Beds

2 Baths

1,850 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6660419

Property Type Manufactured Home

Price Type --

ARMLS Brand Team's Test Listing - DO NOT EDIT

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909 W Madera Lane Payson, AZ 85541

New

$468,000

3 Beds

4 Baths

2,058 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6704908

Property Type Townhouse

Price Type --

Do you like views & being close to the Green Valley Park so you can enjoy all the activities Payson has to offer? You could even watch the fireworks from one of the two decks! This is the place your family has been looking for. Perfect home for getting out of the summer heat or easy year-round living with no yard maintenance. This Move-in Ready Home Boasts 3 Large Bedrooms all with Large Closets and 4 Bathrooms, plus a 20X15 Bonus Room with New Wood Flooring that could be used as another Bedroom/Office, etc. Other recent upgrades include Wood Flooring in the Living Room, Tankless Water Heater, Reverse Osmosis Water System, Water Softener, New Ceiling Fans, Smart Thermostat and New Paint throughout. Another plus is this is an End Unit. Come see this today!

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325 W Gina Marie Boulevard Paulden, AZ 86334

$468,000

2 Beds

2 Baths

1,455 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6680004

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

Wow you won't want to miss out on this completely remodeled home on 5 acres. New appliances. Open floor plan with a country flare. Barn doors open floor plan. Large master bedroom and master bath. Detached shop with a bar. Dog run, horse stalls and shelter. Private well with whole house filtration system. Completely fenced with lots of frost-free water spickets. All usable land. Amaizing views! Rv hook ups. Hot water heater, stove and dryer are set up for electric or propane services.

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2937 W Anderson Drive Phoenix, AZ 85053

$468,000

3 Beds

2 Baths

1,498 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6682918

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

Highly upgraded 3-bed, 2-bath home! New RV gates on both sides of property w/concrete driveway & 2-car garage w/epoxy floor, new cabinetry, & new door/motor. Brand new synthetic turf w/pathways & elegant fountain is the cherry on top! New roof & fresh in/out paint. Discover new windows, tile flooring throughout, new chandeliers, upgraded recessed lighting, new custom plantation shutters, & new doors. The comfortable living room offers a surround sound system for convenience! The remodeled eat-in kitchen has new shaker cabinets, granite counters/backsplash, SS appliances, new sink, island w/breakfast bar, & new handles. The main bedroom features a private bathroom & walk-in closet. Both bathrooms are upgraded! The paver backyard boasts covered patio, storage shed, & boulder pond. Stop by!

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15717 W Polk Street Goodyear, AZ 85338

$468,000

3 Beds

2.5 Baths

1,997 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6689715

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

Welcome to this beautiful modern home. Seller offers $10,000 for the buyer to use towards pre-paids, closing costs, escrows, or rate buydown WITH A FULL PRICE OFFER. The kitchen boasts a large granite island with pendant Lights, upgraded tile backsplash, shaker-style cabinets that provide plenty of storage space. The owner's suite includes a spacious free-standing soaking tub, walk-in shower, and a roomy walk-in closet. The loft offers a Relaxing large private balcony, making this home ideal for those looking for a comfortable stylish living space. The open floor plan seamlessly connects the spacious living room to the modern kitchen, creating a perfect space for entertaining. Extra bonus room with separate entry makes the perfect area for a personal gym, creative workspace, private office, ect. The backyard is landscaped with grass, pavers, and rocks for easy maintenance. The two and a half car garage provides ample space for bikes, jet skis, and storage. The Bella Rosa community offers a heated pool, playgrounds, Tree-lined walking paths, multiple picnic gazebo's, easy access to interstate 10, restaurants, shopping, and the Goodyear Recreation Center. come tour today!! Home is still under builders warranty!

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1925 W Indianola Avenue Phoenix, AZ 85015

$467,900

3 Beds

2 Baths

1,500 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6689011

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

Pride of ownership...the ENVY OF THE NEIGHBORHOOD! NO HOA. Near light rail. This block home has ~$69K in UPGRADES inside & out. OVER 10,600SF lot. Paradise landscape in front & back. Backyard had feel of resort living w/ RV gate, lots of room to add a guest house/a giant pool/a garage. Basketball pad installed. Auto sprinklers & drip lines. Granite countertops in kitchen. Stainless steel appliances, W/D INCLUDED. Counter depth fridge has a built in look. All hardwood custom cabinets, large pantry. Slate floors in all main rooms, long tiles in bedrooms. 2ND BA has glass mosaic tile floor & Italian porcelain surround. Main bath has tile surround & marble tops. ALL low-E windows. Canned lights. Large dining area behind the kitchen and water feature in the LR. NEWER exterior paint. HURRY.

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7819 N 79th Drive Glendale, AZ 85303

$467,376

4 Beds

2 Baths

1,682 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6701697

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

Check out this Modern Spanish single story 4-bedroom home that is conveniently located in desirable Glendale! Minutes to shops, restaurants, entertainment and the 101 Hwy! This Godavari plan offers our curated LOFT LOOK with Light stained Shaker 42' cabinets, quartz countertops, brushed nickel cabinet hardware, beautiful upgraded Light grey faux wood 6x24 tile and lush carpet in bedrooms. ^^^Up to 5% of Base Price can be applied towards closing cost and/or short-long term interest rate buydowns when choosing our preferred Lender. Additional eligibility and limited time restrictions apply.

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17410 W Fulton Street Goodyear, AZ 85338

$467,120

3 Beds

2.5 Baths

1,939 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6696778

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

Welcome to El Cidro, where luxury living meets vibrant outdoor spaces. Our home features a spacious three-car garage, ideal for storage and convenience. Inside, discover a deluxe gourmet kitchen and a laundry room with ample storage. Offering spacious backyards and a wonderful community park with picnic tables, a basketball court, and two playgrounds. Gather with neighbors for picnics, games, and leisurely strolls along scenic pathways. Experience the perfect blend of modern comforts and natural beauty in our welcoming community. Welcome home.

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15820 W Windsor Avenue Goodyear, AZ 85395

New

$467,000

2 Beds

2 Baths

1,706 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6704361

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

Now here's a nice one. Excellent curb appeal. Situated on a common area lot and a low traveled street this wonderful home features 2 bedrooms, 2 baths, office, and open concept living, and is available for immediate occupancy. Kitchen is updated with white cabinets, updated appliances, and granite counters. Interior is painted in a nice neutral color. This one was appraised and priced at appraisal. Appraisal and home inspection in Doc section of MLS. This one is absolutely worth the money.

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