Home values are not as low as you think

The lead in for your front page article, "Why are assessments up when values are down?" is grossly inaccurate. The article starts, "As property values tumble to lows not seen in a decade ..." On what planet? Chicago area property values are not at their lowest for the past decade.

Depending on what index you use they've pulled back to 2004 or 2005 levels in some areas, still far above values for 1999.

The media's oversimplified, sensationalist approach to reporting today's real estate news adds to buyers fears, which pushes prices down. Instead, you should be educating your readership with facts. Real estate has always been a long-term investment. The recent pullback in prices, high inventory levels, combined with low interest rates is a great buying opportunity.

Fran Bailey

Baird & Warner Northwest Suburban

Arlington Heights