Sales of previously owned U.S. homes rose 5.5 percent last month, the biggest gain since July 2003. The National Association of Realtors on Friday said that sales of existing home rose to a 5.18 million-unit annual rate from the 4.91 million-unit pace set in August.  The median national home price declined 9 percent from a year ago to $191,600, the lowest level since April 2004. Sales jumped 16.8 percent in the West, while rising 4.4 percent in the Midwest and 2.2 percent in the South. In the Northeast, sales fell 1.2 percent. Sales of single-family homes, which represent the lion's share of the market, rose 6.2 percent. Sales of condominiums held steady.     Gina Burgio, Mortgage Agent VERICO Designer Mortgages Inc. Toll Free: 1-877-345-6265 Fax: 1-877-345-6256 Email: gina@ginaburgio.c... 10/25/2008