U.S. home prices rose 3.7% for the 12-month period ending in July when compared to year earlier levels, the Federal Housing Finance Agency said Tuesday.The index edged up 0.2% from June to July, and June's reported 0.7% increase was revised down to 0.6%.The U.S. home price index is still 16.4% below the peak reached in April 2007, but is now at roughly the same level obtained in June 2004, according to the FHFA index.The FHA obtains its data by studying the purchase prices on mortgages owned or guaranteed by Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac.The report comes out the same day that the S&P Case-Shiller shows July prices rising in both the 10-city and 20-city composite indices.More questions we can help you, at County Properties, 26 years of brokerage experienc and trust. If you have equity in your home, we will sell your home and get top dollar in this challenging market with our  Internet Marketing and Sales Program or click Want to know what your home is worth? . If you do not have enough equity, and you must sell your property as a short sale we have the expertise to do so also, go to www.ShortSaleRealtors4U.comNew Pro-Property Search. We will setup a customized search for you by our professional REALTOR® Team. Sit back relax and shop at home! We will make changes to your Pro-Property Search any time you like, just let us know. Have fun!Want to know what your home is worth? [iframe http://tools.1parkplace.com/valueWizard/vluredirect.aspx?userid=47042 780 1100]