Valuing a home is a blend of data and intuition. Use the numbers to stay grounded, but remember that a home's value also includes the lifestyle it offers you. If the data says it's worth $400k but it's perfect for your family and the market is hot, $410k might still be a "good" value for you .

Compare apples to apples. If the house has 3 bedrooms and 2 baths, don’t use a 5-bedroom mansion as your benchmark. 2. Factor in the "Condition Tax"

If houses are sitting for 60+ days, you have the leverage to value the home lower and ask for concessions. 5. Don't Ignore the "X-Factors"

If you're getting a mortgage, the bank will require a professional appraisal. This is the ultimate "safety net" to ensure you aren't borrowing more than the home is worth. The Bottom Line

Sites like Zillow (Zestimates) or Redfin are good for a "ballpark" start, but they are algorithms and can't see the hole in the carpet or the smell of a damp basement.