Lisa Eagan

Leagan Realty, Scottsdale Arizona

  • About Us
    • Lisa Eagan
    • Gary Eagan
    • Accessibility Statement
  • Resources
    • Investment Properties
    • First Time Home Buyer Tips
    • First Time Home Seller Tips
  • Blog
  • Home Search
  • Reviews
    • Reviews
  • Contact Us

What’s Ahead For Mortgage Rates This Week – February 22, 2022

February 22, 2022 by Lisa Eagan

What's Ahead For Mortgage Rates This Week - February 22,  2022

Last week’s economic reporting included readings from the National Association of Home Builders on housing markets, reports on sales of previously owned homes, housing starts, and building permits issued. Weekly readings on mortgage rates and jobless claims were also released.

NAHB: Rising Materials Costs, Supply Chain Problems Weigh on Builders

The National Association of Home Builders’ February housing market index reading was 82 and one point lower than in January. This was the second consecutive month that builder confidence dropped by one point. Homebuilder confidence in housing market conditions remained relatively high as any index reading over 50 indicates that most builders are confident about market conditions.

Short supplies of available homes and high demand combined to hold builder confidence steady, but growing concerns over rising materials costs, delivery delays, and labor shortages put downward pressure on builder confidence. NAHB chair Jerry Konter wrote, “Many builders are waiting months to receive cabinets, garage doors, countertops, and appliances. These delivery delays are raising construction costs and pricing prospective buyers out of the market.” Rising mortgage rates coupled with rising home prices were regarded by homebuilders as threats to affordability for moderate-income and first-time home buyers. 

Building Permits Increase as Housing Starts Decline

The Commerce Department reported that building permits issued exceeded expectations and the prior month’s reading. 1.90 million building permits were issued on a seasonally-adjusted annual basis in January as compared to the expected reading of 1.75 million permits issued and December’s reading of 1.89 million permits issued.

January housing starts decreased to 1.64 million starts on a seasonally-adjusted annual basis from December’s reading of 1.71 million starts and the expected reading of 1.69 million housing starts. Economists expect a slowdown in home building as shortages of available homes, rising home prices, and mortgage rates continue to impact affordability.

January sales of previously-owned homes rose to 6.50 million sales on a seasonally-adjusted annual basis from December’s reading of 6.09 million sales. Analysts predicted a reading of 6.10 million sales.

Mortgage Rates Rise, Jobless Claims Mixed

Freddie Mac reported higher average mortgage rates last week as the rate for 30-year fixed-rate mortgages rose 23 basis points to 3.92 percent. Rates for 15-year fixed-rate mortgages averaged 3.15 percent and were 22 basis points higher. The average rate for 5/1 adjustable rate mortgages rose by 18 basis points to 2.98 percent. Discount points averaged 0.80 percent for fixed-rate mortgages and 0.30 percent for 5/1 adjustable rate mortgages.

First-time jobless claims rose to 248,000 claims filed; analysts expected 218,000 new claims to be filed based on 225,000 initial jobless claims filed in the prior week. 1.59 million ongoing jobless claims were filed last week as compared to the previous week’s reading of 1.62 million continuing jobless claims filed.

What’s Ahead

This week’s scheduled economic reporting includes readings from S&P Case-Shiller Home Price Indices, the Federal Housing Finance Agency Home Price Index, data on new home sales, and the University of Michigan’s Consumer Sentiment Index.

Lisa Eagan

Shop the “Real Time MLS 24/7” www.LeaganRealty.com Call/Text at 480-766-2115 #scottsdalerealestate #scottsdalehomesforsale #phoenixrealestate #phoenixhomesforsale 

Filed Under: Financial Reports Tagged With: Case Shiller, Jobless Claims, Mortgage Rates

Contact Lisa and Gary Eagan

Owners/Brokers

Lisa & Gary Eagan

How can we help?

Connect With Us

Article Categories

Quick Links

  • Schedule an Appointment
  • Accessibility Statement
  • Privacy Policy
  • Contact Us

Recent News

  • 3 Reasons Why Buying an Investment Property Is the Best Way to Build Your Net Worth
  • S&P Case-Shiller Home Price Indices: Home Prices Fall In November
  • How to Run a Quick Financial Health Check Before You Apply for a Mortgage
  • Why You Receive So Much Junk Mail After Closing On Your Home

Leagan Realty

12862 East Summit Drive
Scottsdale, Arizona 85259
Phone: 480.766.2115
Fax: 888.422.9951

Email: lisaeagan@leaganrealty.com
equal housing opp

Copyright © 2023 · Powered by MySMARTblog