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On Oct. 1, those higher limits are slated to drop back down again in expensive markets nationwide -- ranging anywhere from $483,000 in counties like Monterey, Calif., to $625,500 in cities like New York and Washington. As a result, about 1.4 million homes will be pushed out of eligibility for lower-rate conforming loans, according to the National Association of Home Builders. Homeowners looking to buy or refinance those properties will instead have to take out "jumbo" mortgages," which require a much larger down payment -- generally 20% to 30%, compared with the typical 10% for conforming loans -- and carry interest rates that are typically half to three-quarters of a percentage point higher.The upshot? More downward pressure on prices in high-end markets. The new loan limits will affect approximately 8% of the total U.S. housing market, according to industry estimates, with particularly significant impact across the Northeast and California, as well as parts of Florida and Illinois. (You can find local market specifics at fhfa.gov.) But everyone should take heed: If expensive homes stop selling, then prices for the houses under them will feel the pressure too.