If you are reading the price per sq ft on an MLS sheet, as I suspect you are, then you should check with the local MLS to inquire how they calculate it. There's a very good possibility that there computer program simply adds all finished area (even basement area) and divides it into the price. Not an accurate way to determine anything - but still might be their computer solves the equation.

Hi Paul:
If you are buying in Wichita you will probably see the MLS sheets from your agent. The square footage references will be AGLA (above ground living area), TFLA (total finished living area) and BFA (Basement finished area). The TFLA is a combination of the AGLA and BFA. Generally the price per sq ft will reflect the AGLA. Basement square footage is usually much less costly to finish out compared to the space on the ground level and above. You can ask your agent for the $/TFLA if you need it. Our MLS does generate these numbers. Please let me know if I can be of assistance.
Rebecca

We just bought a basement home. The basement is fully livable, and IS counted as ppft2 IN the total price of the home, as it should be. If what you have is more like a cellar, then perhaps not.

Thanks for your answers. That does clear it up for me. Charlotte, I am sorry that I asked you this question again. I am new to the site, and hadn't noticed that my question had already been answered.

Paul, If you're looking on an mls sheet in our Wichita area, $/AGLA is price per square foot for above ground living area and does not count the basement. $/TFLA is price per square foot for total finished living area which counts the basement. Feel free to call or email me with any other questions or further clarification. Charlotte Patterson 409-0398

Paul,

Square footage for a basement is virtually never counted in the conditioned space by an appraiser, nor the tax assessor. Some owners might want to count it, and some might even go so far as including it, but a true basement is not typically considered the size of the home. That said, if you had a full ceiling height walk out basement that is professional finished out, then it could be counted as living area, but that space would typically be discounted significantly in the valuation of the home.

Hope this was helpful,

Jeffrey