Measuring square footage gives you control over listing accuracy, allowing you to prevent misrepresentation and improve buyer confidence.
Every detail matters when buying or selling a home. However, one of the most important yet often overlooked details is the square footage. You might be surprised to learn that the square footage listed for a home could be completely off if you did not check it thoroughly. Accurate square footage is crucial for both buyers and sellers, and getting it wrong can cause a lot of headaches.
The problem with inaccurate square footage. You might think the square footage listed on a real estate website or MLS is spot on, but that’s not always the case. Discrepancies happen more often than you might think. Sometimes, county records or old listings have outdated or incorrect numbers. National websites may pull their data from estimates, which can miss key details, like unfinished rooms or spaces that aren’t part of the livable area.
This can lead to confusion or even problems down the road. For example, if square footage is misrepresented, it could cause issues with pricing or even legal disputes. That’s why it’s essential for agents to take their own measurements when listing a home.
Why should agents measure square footage themselves? As a real estate agent, relying on existing data isn’t always enough. There’s a lot of information out there, like builder specs and blueprints, but they can vary. A builder’s floor plan might include areas that aren’t actually finished living space, and you can’t always trust that the numbers are correct.
“Accurate square footage protects sellers from potential complaints or disputes.”
Homes built between 1997 and 2008 often have the biggest discrepancies. Many of these homes had two-story great rooms or vaulted ceilings, and back then, builders sometimes included that upper-level airspace as finished square footage. But when listing a home on the MLS, we have to report only the true livable space. That means any airspace needs to be excluded from the total square footage.
Accuracy matters. The best way to avoid these issues is simple: measure the space yourself. By doing this, you ensure the square footage you’re providing is accurate and transparent. This benefits both the seller and the buyer. It eliminates confusion and builds trust between everyone involved.
For sellers, accurate square footage protects them from any future complaints or pricing problems. And for buyers, knowing exactly what they’re getting in terms of space helps them make informed decisions.
The next time you’re listing a home, don’t rely solely on old records or estimates. Take the time to measure the space yourself. It’s a small step that can make a big difference in your real estate transactions. If you have any questions, feel free to call or text us at 952-212-3597 or email us at ChadandSara@edinarealty.com. We’ll be happy to help you out.
