Acacia, There's a possibility that you're finding listings on web sites that are stating the TOTAL square footage instead of the living area. Unfortunately, we have no control over the external sites that pull listings from our MLS, and do this. Try going directly to REALTOR web sites for more accurate information on the listings that are of interest to you. Also try the Volusia County Tax Assessor's web site, which will break down the difference. That site is at http://webserver.vcgov.org/vc_search.html. Or, choose the REALTOR you want to work with, even if it's going to be 2 years before you plan to move. We have a way of keeping you automatically updated with listings that meet your criteria. It's a simple setup, and keeps you up-to-date.

Feel free to contact me if you have any questions. I'd love to help. My web site is below, where you can contact me by e-mail or by phone.

Good luck!

Lisa C. Hill, "The Smart Choice"
Adams Cameron & Co., REALTORS
My Blog" http://www.RealEstateBlogConnect.com
(see official web site below)

Your question is a bit open ended. When you say sq. footage is overstated, what do you mean?
That said, I will try to answer your question based on an assumption of what you are asking.

In most Multiple Listing Service descriptions, a living sq. footage will be given as well as as total sq. footage which includes non-airconditioned and outside (patio) type living areas.

I am not aware of local listings that are incorrect as far as having the sq. footage overstated in the MLS listings. However, here is a suggestion: If you see an listing in Volusia County that you are interested in, go to http://webserver.vcgov.org/vc_search.html

That is the County Property Appraiser website. You can search by owner name, address, or parcel ID. Once you find the desired property, you can scroll down to see what the County has listed for square footage.There will be a breakdown for living and total sq. footage. Keep in mind that the County site is not always correct especially if there have been non-permited improvements to the home that add to the overall or living area square footage. That also may be a reason why the square footage seems to be overstated.

Please let me know if I can assist you further. I am a native of the local area with several years experience in the Real Estate Industry.