The most accurate value, simply put, is the highest amount a buyer is willing to pay.
Estimates are simply guesses of what that would be, no matter how sophisticated the model used.
I so would hire a local agent who has seen all of the comparable sales in the area, get their opinion, and take it from there.
I so would not (and do not) rely on on-line data to determine the value of that - or any - property in any market.

I have lived in Gig Harbor for 57 years and have seen this area move from farm land with Ma & Pa stores to one of the best places in Washington State to live. I have served this area for 20 years in Real Estate. If you need answers to the current and past Gig Harbor, call on me. My company "John L. Scott Real Estate Inc" has provided me with the tools that can give you answers to all your questions.
I work for free. Yes for free. I get paid when you trust me enough to use me in as your Realtor for Life.
Go to my web site to learn more about me and the area I serve. You will not be disappointed
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Real estate agent can provide you that information based on comp values in MLS.

National Featured Realtor and Consultant, Mortgage Loan Officer, Credit Repair Lecturer
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Lynn911

Find a Realtor in the Gig Harbor area and have them show you some comparable properties that have sold recently. Make sure, like Joanne said, that they know this area well. Gig Harbor is a very different market than the surrounding towns.
Make sure the comparables they're showing you are recent sales. A lot has changed in just the past 6 months.
Sounds like you're looking to buy a home, so paying for an appraisal prior to the offer doesn't seem wise to me.
I'd be happy to chat with you about the specific property if you'd like.

There are several options that will help you to accomplish this:

1. pay $300 to $400 for an appraisal

2. contact a real estate professional and request a free CMA, comparative market analysys

3. do your own research on Trulia (recently sold property) for your target location and generate your own information.

Good luck,
The Eckler Team

The difference between this issue and the other issues that come up in buying a house is you know you don't know how to do this. In contrast, you don't even know what the other issues are that you don't know!

You really need to get an agent to assist you. Buying a house involves a lot more than picking a price and putting it on paper.

Also, if you think you're saving money not using an agent, think again. When we were buying we didn't take the commission off the table even though we were agents because we had no way of knowing the listing agent wouldn't just get 6% rather than 3%. If saving money is your goal, try a rebate broker that will give you X% of the commission back.

Are you working with an experienced Gig Harbor Realtor? If you are, they should be able to put together an accurate market analysis on the property you are considering. That's the best way to find out an accurate value. If you aren't working with a Realtor, you can have an independent appraisal done - but appraised value and market value are sometimes two different animals. If you go the appraiser route, make sure you get one who knows the local market well.

Don't rely on online services like Zillow for actual values if you are getting ready to spend hard-earned money! They are great for generalizing - but they are only as good as the data they get. And don't rely on the sellers opinion or what other properties are currently listed for. A live, experienced Realtor can tell you what other local buyers would be likely to pay for a particular property - what it's defects and advatages are - that is your best barometer and worth every extra penny you might pay for the service!

Call a reputable Gig Harbor real estate office and find out how they can help you - you will be pleasantly surprised!

Good luck!
Meredith Laws

I am a Realtor for Coldwell Banker Bain in Gig Harbor and know the area well. I would be more than happy to help you with some comparables to help establish current market value.

Joanne Chester, Realtor
Coldwell Banker Bain
253-678-7599
joannechester@cbbain.com