If you do decide that windshield replacement is your best bet, you have a few choices. First of all, make sure you check to see if your insurance covers it. In a lot of instances it does. The problem is that many policies have a deductible that is higher than the cost of the replacement or front window repair job. If that is the case, you will have to pay for it yourself.

The plant was for sale or had just been sold, and there was a lot of friction on all sides. Everyone was eager to impress one of the new managers or throw up a smoke screen to protect his or her own personal interests.
Determining the ARV is a fairly simple process and definitely the most important. This is where you should spend most of your thinking time and efforts. One of the easiest ways to do this is to get a CMA or comparative market analysis or "comps" from your realtor. When a realtor gives you comps they show you notice I didn't say tell you what price other houses that are similar to the one you are looking at have car auto glass near me sold for in the past months.
However, before asking for an entire replacement that could cost hundreds, consider a few different types of solutions to fix the windshield. Look into a windshield chip repair kit. You can get one with enough materials for multiple chips or you can also buy a disposable kit with a syringe that is tossed after one time.
Another way to figure out ARV is to get an appraisal from a certified appraiser. Yes this costs money, but if everything else looks good about the deal and you are uncomfortable with the realtor's comps, you can always get the opinion of another professional. They go more in-depth when appraising properties then realtors might. However I only trust the appraisal when I actually hired the appraiser. This way I know that I have given him/her the instructions on how I want the appraisal to be completed.
Taking immediate care of cracks in the windshield can save you a ton of hassle later. So it's better to invest in a smaller amount of money now than a huge amount of money later.