There are actually different ways to measure square footage. (measure each room from the inside or the whole house from the outside walls?; include floor area with a minimum of 7 foot ceiling height or the total floor area, including rooms in the eaves? , etc). The method that an appraiser uses is probably the best standard.

My question back to you is, "why is pinpoint accuracy so important?" Is it to be able to compare past sales on a price- per- square- foot basis? If so, there is no way to know, let alone guarantee, that the comps were listed or measured accurately or used the same method for measuring that you want to. Is it for your use that a certain house meet a minimum square footage requirement? Some clients will say to me - I do not want anything under such & such square footage and they are not worried about resale- rather how thier stuff is going to fit in the house. I say to that, take a look at the house-- many homes that are larger will feel smaller due to the floor plan and vice versa. If it is for estimating construction or remodeling costs, let the contractor meaure him/;her self. They have a different stardard of measurement than anybody else. I am sure you seller will let you come in and measure the house prior to making an offer. That way- you can do it anyway you like.

Sun Apr 20 2008, 08:54

If square footage is important to you, I would recommend you have your agent put a contingency in the purchase and sale agreement allowing you to have an independent professional measure the square footage during the inspection time period and state, the buyer may rescind offer and receive earnest money back if mutually satisfactory resolution isn't reached between you and the seller during the inspection time frame set forth in the contract.

Sat Apr 19 2008, 12:52

Most real estate agents are not certified appraisers and must cover themselves with that disclaimer. It is very common for agents to post what is available from the county tax offices. Most buyers want to know the approximately square footage and it's an important part of the marketing information. Very rarely do I show houses that don't have square footage. Hope this helps! Best of luck selling your home!

Sat Apr 19 2008, 12:22

The disclaimer is standard. Real estate agents go by the tax records from the county government and we all know that those can be inaccurate. The true square footage, as Timothy said below, is best determined by an appraiser.

If I were the listing broker/agent, I would not confirm the square footage nor remove the disclaimer. Agents are not qualified to be appraisers nor start measuring the houses with a tape measure.

Sat Apr 19 2008, 12:06

If you would like an accurate measurement of square footage than an appraisal would provide this information. If the sellers have an appraisal it should have a square footage measurement unless they have made modifications since it was done. The listing agent is simply relaying information given to them by the sellers regarding the square footage, they aren't going to measure it for their own benefit. You can make an offer contingent on the home being a certain square footage. You can reserve the right to lower your offer if it is. This is extremely rare, but it is an option.

Sat Apr 19 2008, 11:28