5 Can Help Save a Slave thru International Justice Mission: Advent December 1

$5 Can Save a Slave thru International Justice Mission: Advent December 1

by Michelle Carr-Crowe, San Jose Saratoga Lynbrook Homes & Cupertino Schools Selling Specialist

This month, I'm blogging each day through Christmas about a charity or activity that truly shows the love of Christ in action.

I love Christmas music. However, there's a new CD I'm buying this holiday for $5 that will not only bless me with two discs of great Christian music, it will also go to saving people from slavery.

This unprecedented compilation was written and performed for the Freedom project by many of the biggest names in Christian music - artists MercyMe, tobyMac, Jars of Clay and Tenth Avenue North - who share in the vision of the International Justice Mission and donated their time and proceeds to this project. Third Day takes the lead with the first track, entitled "Arise," an amazing song that cries out to God for freedom and forgiveness. The accompanying DVD is IJM's compelling presentation on ending human slavery and includes a feature on The James Fund.

For more information about International Justice Mission click here.

Includes 2 CD's and a bonus DVD.

While supplies lasts. No further discounts.

FCS Exclusive
Every CD you buy helps to rescue another victim. In fact, 27 million men, women and children are held as slaves. That is why artists Natalie Grant, Sara Groves, Third Day and many others are uniting for the Freedom project, a music initiative to help the victims of slavery and violent oppression. International Justice Mission® is an agency dedicated to defending individual human rights. In response to Isaiah 1:17, IJM's professional work tirelessly to rescue, protect and secure justice for victims across three continents.

"...Seek justice. Help the oppressed. Defend the cause of orphans. Fight for the rights of widows." Isaiah 1:17 NLT.

Learn more at FamilyChristian.com/Freedom


DISC 1

1.Arise - Third Day
2.What Can I Do - Relient K
3.Hold On (Acoustic) - tobyMac
4.All I Have - Tenth Avenue North
5.Swing Low - Brandon Heath
6.When the Saints - Sara Groves
7.Instead Of A Show - Jon Foreman
8.Body and Wine - Jars of Clay
9.Prayer - Sixpence None the Richer
10.Hold Fast (Live) - MercyMe
11.The Living Proof - Sanctus Real
12.Amazing Because It Is - The Almost
13.Heaven - Derek Webb
14.Home (Acoustic) - Ntalie Grant
DISC 2

1.Don't Give Up - Green River Ordinance
2.Love Come Down (Reach) - Robbie Seay Band
3.Justus - Washington Projects
4.Poughkeepsie (Live) - Over The Rhine
5.Safe - (Acoustic) - Phil Wickham
6.Window - Philip Larue
7.Turn Down the Music - Shane and Shane
8.Love Come Down - The War
9.Anthem - The Wrecking
10.Daylight - Ten Shekel Shirt
11.Lost Dreams - Gabriella Dipace
12.Hope Again - Tal and Acacia

Bright & Spacious! Rent to Own /Lease Option Possible!

Bright & Spacious! Rent to Own /Lease Option Possible! Live in Beautiful Berryessa!

Have you wanted to own a home in Silicon Valley - San Jose, Cupertino, Los Gatos, Palo Alto or Saratoga? Don't quite have the full down payment but excellent credit and a financial windfall coming soon? This lovely 4 br / 2.5 ba home may be right for you!

Bright & Spacious! Rent to Own /Lease Option Possible! Beautiful Berryessa/Milpitas Border!



Beautifully Updated!

Bright & Spacious Floor Plan!

Largest Model!

4 Bedrooms & 2.5 Baths!

Gorgeous Granite Kitchen!!!

Rent to Own/ Lease Option Possible

2 possibilities

1) Rent to Own: Standard rent + extra amount towards the down payment with price & date chosen in advance*

2) Lease Option: Standard rent with no extra amount; price & date for option chosen in advance*

Rent: $1995 /mo (negotiable) for 4br / 2 ba updated townhome in Berryessa/Milpitas border

Updated Piedmont Hills Beauty! Lg. & Lovely 4 Br! Avail. Soon!

. Great Schools with API above 800 - Majestic Ele.! Sierramont Middle! Piedmont Hills High!

. Easy access to Highway 680, 237, 101, 880

. San Jose Airport in 4 miles

. Light Rail in less than a mile

. Fabulous Great Mall + Wal-Mart, Target, Costco, Grocery, Banks & Pharmacy Nearby

. Playground & walking trails

. Near Berryessa & Cataldi Park

Easy to see & show - Just Call ... (408) 252-8900! for appt.

Plus finder's fee to agent

Must provide references, application & non-refundable credit check $25 Agent Michelle Carr DRE #00901962 Just Call ... (408) 252-8900!

Photos at http://picasaweb.google.com/sumap2007/HomePictures?feat=directlink

Terms: Security Deposit: $1,500 Last Month Required: 2,000 Move In/Out Fee: - - Credit Fee: $25 Min/Max Lease Mo.: 6 / 36 Date Available: 04/01/2010 Listing

Agent/Office Information Michelle Carr (DRE#00901962) Altas Realty Pref-Phone: 408-252-8900 Agent Fax: 408-378-9056 Office Phone: 408-947-1583 Office Fax: 408-947-1585 Email: lynbrookhomes1@hotmail.com http://www.michellejudycarr.com

Renters Dream! Beautiful North Valley 4 Br with E-Z Commute Anywhere For Rent Open House This Weekend

Renters Dream! Beautiful North Valley 4 Br with E-Z Commute Anywhere For Rent Open House This Weekend

Open House & By Appointment showings This Weekend

Renter's Dream Granite Kitchen Photo of 3436 Cunard, San Jose home for rent

by Michelle C. Carr-Crowe

E-Z Care Berryessa/Piedmont Foothills 4 Br for Rent

$1,995/month (negotiable)

3436 Cunard Ct., San Jose 95132

Bright & Spacious! Northbrook Gardens TownHome!

Piedmont Hills Beauty!

Beautifully Updated Northbrook Gardens TownHome!

Bright & Spacious Floor Plan!

Largest Model!

4 Bedrooms & 2.5 Baths!

~1474sf!


Gorgeous Granite Slab Kitchen !!

San Jose homes Michelle Carr sign

Warm Oak Cabinetry All White Appliances

Large Granite Slab Breakfast Bar

Big Garden Window

Updated Light Fixtures

Newer Tile Flooring

Playground at Cunard home for rent

. Great Schools with 800+ API Scores! Majestic Ele.! Sierramont Middle! Piedmont Hills High!

. E-Z Access to Highway 680, 237, 101, 880

. E-Z Access to San Jose Airport & Light Rail

. Fabulous Great Mall + Wal-Mart, Target, Costco, Grocery, Banks & Pharmacy Nearby

. Playground & walking trails

. Near Berryessa & Cataldi Park

. Ideal Move-In Date 04/01…Early Move In Possible

Please provide references, complete application & non-refundable credit check $25 (copy provided for your records)

Easy to see & show … Just Call ... (408) 252-8900 !! Agent Michelle Carr-Crowe, DRE #00901962

Photos at http://picasaweb.google.com/sumap2007/HomePictures?feat=directlink

3436 Cunard Court at Half Crown, San Jose 95132

P.S. Finder's fee to agent bringing in selected renter

How Martin Luther King Jr. Can Help Silicon Valley Buyers Negotiate (and GET!) a Great Home Value

How Martin Luther King Jr. Can Help Silicon Valley Buyers Negotiate (and GET!) a Great Home Value

By Michelle C. Carr-Crowe, ABR, ALHS, ASP, CDPE, PME, RECS, SRES

Did you know Martin Luther King Jr. can help Silicon Valley buyers negotiate (and GET!) a great home value in 2010? With the three-day weekend to honor the civil rights hero, Santa Clara County buyers are getting an opportunity to get ahead as well. It’s estimated about 30 percent of the population in Santa Clara County leaves the immediate Valley during most three-day holiday weekends.

Even in this fiscally conservative environment, people still plan to visit friends or relatives, as well as get away to the snow, campgrounds, beaches, theme parks and pre-paid timeshares. What does this mean for the Buyers who stay in town?

Do You Qualify for the New First-Time Home Buyer or Existing Home Buyer Tax Credit?

First and foremost is OPPORTUNITY due to temporarily reduced competition among buyers! Especially in the more competitive market segments, such as under $1,000,000 for single-family San Jose homes in Lynbrook High, under $600,000 for detached homes in Willow Glen or under $400,000 for almost any single-family investment property throughout Santa Clara County, including Sunnyvale, Milpitas and Morgan Hill.

Or even see and buy a home such as our Warm and Welcoming Westwood Oaks Beauty with Cupertino High that's open on Saturday and Sunday - before it even goes on the Multiple Listing Service! How's that for a great opportunity?


Opportunity Knocks! Buy Now Before Home Hits MLS!


Essentially this three-day holiday weekend effectively removes about one-third of your potential competition. Those on holiday are likely "taking a full mental break" and also unplugging from the phone and Internet. (Some may just be traveling to areas where Internet and phone service is poor or intermittent.)

Don’t underestimate the competitors still here. The flip side is those who remain in town during a holiday weekend are the most committed and/or motivated to buy in the near future.

Second, Sellers and Agents holding open house this weekend are committed to selling. It means the Sellers and their Representatives also gave up a three-day weekend to achieve the goal of selling that home.

Thirdly, a three-day weekend gives you as a buyer that extra third "weekend" day. You have more time to review and fully process the data, disclosures and reports provided, perhaps re-visit the home(s), sleep on the decision Sunday night and go over the pros and cons and think things through one more time without immediately rushing back into your usual work and school routine.

And with the current limited-time government tax incentives for first-time and existing buyers, home buying is definitely worth a careful look.

Last, for Buyers who are truly prepared (pre-approval letter already on file, clear goals and a defined plan), it's a chance to leap ahead by making an offer while others are relaxing.

As in Aesop's Fable, this is that window of time when the turtle can sneak ahead of the hare. In wise Aesop’s morality tale, the hare had run so far ahead of the turtle that he relaxed and stopped to take a nap. While the confident hare slept, the perseverant turtle crept ahead and reached the finish line first.

The moral of the story is a three-day weekend allows the “slow but steady” Silicon Valley home buyer a chance to get ahead of the competition and win the real estate race by completing a contract while competitors are “asleep” to the opportunity. If you're pre-approved, prepared and know precisely what you want to buy-and see it available this weekend, this may be your big chance to hop ahead of the competition and secure a great home buy in 2010.

Calif. Gov. Schwarzenegger proposes extension, expansion of $10,000 home buyer tax credits

Calif. Gov. Schwarzenegger proposes extension, expansion of $10,000 home buyer tax credits

By Michelle C. Carr-Crowe

Did you miss it? Amongst the numerous proposals for 2010 in Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger’s State of the State address today one stood out to benefit buyers of both new and existing homes in 2010.

During his State of the State address, Governor Schwarzenegger included in his proposals a recommendation to set aside $200 million for a new round of $10,000 state tax credits for first-time home buyers.

If passed, it increases housing affordability for first-time home buyers throughout Santa Clara County, from Morgan Hill and San Jose to Los Gatos and Saratoga, including Palo Alto and Los Altos to Cupertino and Santa Clara.

The Governor’s new proposal expands upon the initial $10,000 state tax credit by including both new and existing homes.

The 2009 tax credit from last year applied only to buyers of newly constructed homes.

Joining the 200 Club

Joining the 200 Club

By Michelle C. Carr-Crowe

Since my blog about passing the 100-post milestone, I’m happy to report this is my 200th blog post on ActiveRain.

What’s happened between 100 and 200?

Since I posted my 100th blog on October 15, 2009, in less than 2 months I’ve

1) Moved up from somewhere in the 500 zone to being in the Top 200 AR bloggers in my state (California, the most populous state in the nation-and FULL of RE agents! As in 24,591 on AR)
2) Upped my ranking in Santa Clara County to #6 (out of 1081 agents-as I was writing this, 2 more joined, it’s now 1083 agents in Santa Clara County)
3) Become the #2 Featured Agent in San Jose (out of 556)
4) Seen my Google ranking rise on October 27th to the Top 10 position in 2 different target markets (Cupertino homes for sale, Saratoga homes for sale) and Top 20 position for San Jose homes for sale)
5) Presented a Webinar at the inaugural Virtual Real Estate Bar Camp on It’s Raining Blogs: How to be an ActiveRain Rainmaker, and why agents should blog and be on Active Rain.

Thanks to all who are reading this and you can do it, too!

Lovely 3 Br Home in Exquisite Neighborhood Missing Just 2 Things-YOU & 1 Other Thing …

Lovely 3 Br Home in Exquisite Neighborhood Missing Just 2 Things-YOU & 1 Other Thing …

Lovely 3 Br Home in Exquisite Neighborhood Missing Just 2 Things-YOU …and 1 Other Thing...a Second Bath...But WAIT!
More than half of the homes on this street only have 1 Bath also.
Before you reject, come see it Sunday from 1:30 to 4:30
You can't buy a better neighborhood for the $$!

REMEMBER: Tax Credit and Unemployment Benefits Officially Extended & Expanded
The existing tax credit for first-time buyers, originally set to expire at the end of the month, has been extended, expanded and approved by the House, Senate and President Barack Obama.

The new measure benefits a larger group of potential home buyers. It allows both first-timers and existing homeowners to take advantage of thousands in the form of a tax credit. All properties must close by the end of April.

The measure would continue giving an $8,000 tax credit to first-time buyers. In addition, it provides a $6,500 tax break to qualified homeowners looking to move up to middle-market homes that cost no more than $800,000.

The legislation also significantly raises the qualifying income levels to $125,000 for individual income tax filers and to $225,000 for joint filers.

Grandma's Cottage! Updated Willow Glen Charmer! Located in Superb Neighborhood!
* REDUCED $!
* FREE Gifts at Open House on Sun, 10/18 1:30-4:30!

*Grandma's Cottage is Light, Lovely & Squeaky Clean!
*Move-In Condition & Located on Quiet St in Fabulous DRY CREEK Area of Willow Glen!
*Gleaming Hardwood Floors!
*Dual Pane Windows!
*Custom Blinds!
* Great Natural Light-Fabulous Airy Feeling-All BR Feature 2 Windows!
* Gated CourtYard!
* Pretty Patio!
* Yummy Fruit Trees!
* E-Z 2 Block Walk to Booksin, Willow Glen Jr & Willow Glen High!

2180 Cheryl Way, San Jose

Tax Credit and Unemployment Benefits Officially Extended & Expanded

Tax Credit and Unemployment Benefits Officially Extended & Expanded

By Michelle C. Carr-Crowe

The existing tax credit for first-time buyers, originally set to expire at the end of the month, has been extended, expanded and approved by the House, Senate and President Barack Obama.

The new measure benefits a larger group of potential home buyers. It allows both first-timers and existing homeowners to take advantage of thousands in the form of a tax credit. All properties must close by the end of April.

The measure would continue giving an $8,000 tax credit to first-time buyers. In addition, it provides a $6,500 tax break to qualified homeowners looking to move up to middle-market homes that cost no more than $800,000.

The legislation also significantly raises the qualifying income levels to $125,000 for individual income tax filers and to $225,000 for joint filers.

Finally, the bill would extend unemployment benefits 14 more weeks nationwide and 20 more weeks in California and other hard-hit states. That would give the long-term unemployed nearly two years' worth of benefits.

Reprinted with permission from the National Association of REALTORS®.

Lynbrook High Homes Mini-Update 10.31.09

Lynbrook High Homes Mini-Update 10.31.09

Hello & Happy Halloween, this is Michelle Carr Crowe with your Lynbrook High Homes Update for 10.24.09. GREAT NEWS: 4090 Yellowstone in West San Jose just closed & with 8 great above-asking-price offers. Now we have an opening for a New Seller Client-Who do you know who'd like to get this kind of RE$ult$? Just Call ... (408) 252-8900.

Now we have an opening for a New Seller Client-Who do you know who’d like to get this kind of RE$ult$? Just Call … (408) 252-8900.

Keep your children safe this holiday. Click here to read Judy Carr’s Tips for Treats Not Tricks

*Remember to set your clocks BACK 1 hour Sat. night before you go to bed as the time changes at 2:00 am on Sunday, Nov. 1st.
SELLERS: Homes in Lynbrook are selling – again this week there are three times as many PENDING single family homes as there are homes FOR SALE. (6 for sale vs. 19 pending). Condos & townhomes are at 9 for sale and 4 pending. As the deadline looms for obtaining the $8K first time homebuyer tax credit, more buyers are pushing themselves to act now and take advantage of the free money while it’s available. I have *6* different pre-approved buyers who want to buy in the next 3-10 weeks but the homes they want and need aren’t on the market right now. Who do you know who’s thinking of selling?
SELLERS: Click HERE to Find Out Home Values BEFORE You Sell
BUYERS: This week we have something really special! 1 3 Br Lynbrook TownHome & *3* separate 3 Br TownHome Opportunities in Monta Vista! All 3 are at least 3 Br and 2 Bath! All are in low-traffic locations, and feature 2-car garages, too. Please call 408.252.8900 to request a showing time. We must have your most current pre-approval letter on file prior to showing– you can email it to info@michellejudycarr.com or fax it to 408.378.9056.
VIP BUYERS ONLY: Call me to set your time on Sunday to see the 3 Br TownHome with Dilworth, Miller & Lynbrook! Also, All 3 Monta Vista TownHomes will have showings daily on Sat. & Sun.-Just Call (408) 252-8900 for times.
BUYERS: Click HERE to Find Out Home Prices BEFORE You Buy

This Weekend’s Get RE$ult$ Team Special Events:
1 Lynbrook & 3 Monta Vista SNEAK PEEK PREVIEWS! This Weekend & Weeknights!
Grandma’s Cottage Charmer in Willow Glen! 2180 Cheryl Way, San Jose 95125 - REDUCED $$!
Asking $612K OR BEST WRITTEN OFFER !!
For Sale Single Family Homes: 6
Address City Beds Bath DOM LOE SqFt $/SqFt Lot(SqFt) List Price Age Sale Price
1033 Windsor St San Jose 6 4 29 4,956 $482 10,950 $2,388,800 6
1693 Provincetown Dr San Jose 5 3 54 2,701 $518.29 6,500 $1,399,888
1473 Sharon Manor Ct San Jose 5 4 (3/1) 243 3,493 $400.52 5,500 $1,399,000 14
1142 Johnson Av San Jose 5 2 73 1,904 $530.46 6,549 $1,010,000 51
1428 Yilufa Ct San Jose 4 4 (3/1) 40 2,309 $433.07 2,132 $999,950
1403 S Blaney Av San Jose 3 2 3 1,357 $713.99 6,180 $968,888 50
For Sale Condos/TownHomes: 9
1566 Duckett Wy #6 San Jose 3 4 (3/1) 43 1,740 $516.6 $285 $898,880
7202 Via Vico San Jose 4 3 (2/1) 17 1,822 $436.33 $330 $795,000 30
7250 Clarendon St San Jose 3 3 (2/1) 3 1,448 $531.77 $300 $770,000 30
7126 Clarendon St San Jose 3 3 (2/1) 22 1,448 $502.76 $300 $728,000 30
1082 Norfolk Dr San Jose 2 2 (1/1) 10 1,149 $598.78 $295 $688,000 37
7150 Rainbow Dr #21 San Jose 2 2 (1/1) 263 1,050 $476.14 $393 $499,950 45
7100 Rainbow Dr #7 San Jose 2 1 25 968 $485.54 $374 $470,000 45
1155 Weyburn Ln #28 San Jose 2 1 52 814 $526.89 $330 $428,888 47
6890 Chantel Ct San Jose 1 1 99 582 $513.75 $305 $299,000 22

To receive a FREE subscription to the full Lynbrook High Homes Update, including information on homes not yet on the open market, send an email request to subscribe to lynbrookhomes1@hotmail.com orinfo@michellejudycarr.com.
To see any of these homes, Just Call 408.252.8900.
Pending Single Family: 16
Address City Beds Baths DOM LOE SqFt $/SqFt HOA List Price Age Sale Price
1400 Oak Knoll Dr San Jose 5 4+ 175 4,634 $351.75 10,454 $1,629,998 2
1264 Oak Knoll Dr San Jose 6+ 2 1/2 11 2,156 $556.53 7,360 $1,199,888 44
1436 Yilufa Ct San Jose 4 3 1/2 45 2,416 $495.86 2,700 $1,198,000
1432 Yilufa Ct San Jose 4 3 1/2 12 2,309 $475.53 2,171 $1,098,000
1568 Loch Lomond Ln San Jose 3 2 15 1,472 $650.48 6,000 $957,500 50
7088 Phyllis Av San Jose 3 2 3 1,438 $589.71 6,240 $848,000 48
1019 Corvette Dr San Jose 5 4+ 164 2,789 $530.26 6,348 $1,478,888
1015 Avondale St San Jose 6+ 4+ 70 3,708 $377.29 10,200 $1,399,000 59
5962 Royal Ann Dr San Jose 5 3 10 2,023 $568.46 5,974 $1,150,000 45
1044 Avondale St San Jose 3 1 7 1,050 $919.05 10,875 $965,000 59
6316 Wisteria Wy San Jose 3 2 7 1,328 $715.28 8,700 $949,888 42
1254 Regency Dr San Jose 4 3 14 2,160 $439.3 6,136 $948,888 42
1438 Bing Dr San Jose 3 2 10 1,430 $662.94 5,974 $948,000 49
1046 Jacqueline Wy San Jose 3 2 8 1,394 $680.06 5,880 $948,000 53
1194 Miller Av San Jose 4 2 6 1,500 $620 6,099 $930,000 48
1005 N Avondale St San Jose 2 1 66 840 $1,071.43 10,200 $900,000 59
6111 Royal Ann Dr San Jose 3 2 2 1,280 $699.22 7,080 $895,000 50



















Pending Condos & TownHomes: 5
1081 Di Napoli Dr San Jose 4 2 1/2 97 2,040 $421.08 $270 $859,000 37
1030 Whitebick Dr San Jose 3 2 1/2 8 1,532 $499.34 $295 $764,988 36
6942 Chantel Ct San Jose 1 1 57 582 $462.2 $305 $269,000 109
1075 Whitebick Dr San Jose 3 2 1/2 7 1,532 $502.58 $295 $769,950 37
6957 Chantel Ct San Jose 2 2 1/2 56 1,051 $447.05 $380 $469,850 22

SOLD Single Family: 3
1019 Corvette Dr San Jose 5 4 164 39 2,789 $493.73 6,348 $1,478,888 $1,377,000
1438 Bing Dr San Jose 3 2 10 24 1,430 $667.83 5,974 $948,000 49 $955,000
1005 N Avondale St San Jose 2 1 66 29 840 $1,041.67 10,200 $900,000 59 $875,000

SOLD Th/Condo: 1

1075 Whitebick Dr San Jose 3 3 (2/1) 7 23 1,532 $513.71 $295 $769,950 37 $787,000

Curious about home values and sales in your area? Wondering how prices are in the area you’d like to move to? Simply click on the link below, fill in your current address and submit it to obtain a free, detailed market snapshot of what’s happening right now in your area. To find out about values…

Click Here to Find out Home Values in Your Area!

SNEAK PEEKS! 1 Lynbrook 3 Br-Sunday by Invitation Only! 3 Monta Vista 3 Br Homes! Showing Daily! RSVP to 408.252.8900!
2180 Cheryl, Willow Glen REDUCED! $612K! Open Sun., Oct. 25th, 1:30-4:30! FREE GIFTS!
4090 Yellowstone, West San Jose $OLD! Multiple Offers! Asking $599K … $OLD! Multiple Offers $651K!
Thank you for your time in reading this. Aloha & God bless you!

New Treats for Silicon Valley Home Buyers-

New Treats for Silicon Valley Home Buyers

by Michelle C. Carr-Crowe, ABR, ALHS, ASP, CDPE, RECS, SRES

By voting to extend the temporarily raised Fannie Mae, Freddie Mac, and FHA loan limits of $729,950 through 2010, Congress gave Buyers (and the U.S. economy which relies heavily on the housing industry) a great big treat. The present loan limits were set to expire at the end of 2009 and revert to previous lower limits of $417,000.

Due to extremely high costs of housing throughout Silicon Valley, especially West San Jose, Cupertino, Los Gatos, Palo Alto and Saratoga, as compared to the rest of the U.S., this good news is especially welcome.

Now buyers are waiting expectantly for one more piece of good news-for the federal $8,000 tax credit to be extended in some form past the current expiration date of Nov. 30, 2009.

The NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS® thanked Congress for its speedy action.

“NAR commends both houses of Congress for their quick action in continuing these higher limits during a time for recovery in the housing market and national economy. The higher limits, along with the home buyer tax credit extension, are necessary to keep the markets moving at this critical time,” said NAR President Charles McMillan.

“Home sales have shown significant movement upwards in the past six months and reduced inventory in some segments of the housing market, but not in all. Home purchases in the middle-income and higher brackets have not moved much, and those markets must improve before we can experience a fully sustained housing recovery. These higher loan limits will help motivate qualified home buyers to purchase in those markets,” McMillan said.

The resolution would extend the present conventional loan limits for Fannie and Freddie through the 2010 calendar year at 125 percent of local median home sales prices, up to a maximum of $729,750 in high-cost areas. The floor for FHA is $271,050; the floor for Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac conforming loan limits is $417,000.

The resolution now goes to President Obama, and he is expected to sign it today or Saturday to avoid an especially nasty trick in the form of a government shutdown.