Think about it this way, for example if the main living floor of a home is 1000 sq ft and it has a full finished basement of 1000 sq ft. A listing agent cannot include the basement in the living space even thought it is finished. I live near you in Washington Twp, just sold a home like that and could not include the basement as part of the living quarters even though it had a full bath, kitchen area, game room, bedroom and fireplace. I don't think I agree with Carol and JR to include the area above the garage in the living space. I would state it in the remarks that there is additional living space above the garage, but not in the MLS listing information as far as square footage. Bonnie is correct. You can also check the county records and see how it is recorded.
I hope this helps, if you need any other information feel free to contact me.

Pam Bava
586-675-46533
GMAC Real Estate http://www.thekeegroup.net

So what happens when it is discovered after the fact that the square footage size of a home is substantially smaller than the number represented by the Seller? This just happened to one of my Buyers, prior to closing, and the outcome was that the deal fell apart, the Buyer may lose his Earnest Money, and the home will have to be returned to the market with the square footage amount corrected. The issue is a bit more complex than it first seems, and it’s one of those cases in life where, in my opinion, common sense and fairness collide with established law.

Bonnie Phillips
Select Real Estate Professionals
586-321-7591
phillips.bonnie@sbcglobal.net

The square footage of a property is the outside measurments of the finished living area. If this space is part of that area then it is to be included.