It happens more often than most people realize: a home hits the market with a square footage number that’s… wrong. Sometimes it’s 50 square feet off. Sometimes it’s 300. Either way, it can cost thousands of dollars and cause major headaches.
Imagine listing a home at $200 per square foot and discovering—too late—that it’s 150 square feet smaller than advertised. That’s a $30,000 difference in perceived value that could derail the sale or lead to tough negotiations.
Whether you’re buying or selling, accurate home measurement is not just a detail—it’s a cornerstone of fair pricing and smooth transactions.
How Square Footage Affects Home Value
Price-per-square-foot math matters. If your market averages $175 per square foot, a 100 sq. ft. error equals $17,500 in value difference.
Buyers use it to compare homes. A home that looks bigger on paper will often be priced higher, even if that number is inflated.
Appraisers use it to support value. If the square footage on the MLS is wrong, the appraiser’s corrected figure can change everything.
Common Sources of Square Footage Errors
County assessor records – often based on outdated blueprints or incomplete data.
MLS listings – can perpetuate old errors if agents pull from public records without verification.
Previous appraisals – may have used different measurement standards.
Misinterpretation of living area rules – especially for finished basements, attics, or enclosed porches.
Above-Grade Living Area vs. Below-Grade — What Counts?
Not all finished space is treated equally in real estate valuation.
Above-grade living area is typically everything above ground level, fully finished, and connected to the main living space.
Finished basements, even walkouts, are often valued separately.
Attics may or may not count, depending on ceiling height and access.
📌 Related reading:
When You Should Get a Professional Measurement
✅ Before listing your home – avoid pricing mistakes and protect against appraisal surprises.
✅ After an addition or remodel – update your square footage before marketing or refinancing.
✅ If you suspect an error in county records – public data is often outdated.
A small measuring mistake can mean the difference between a smooth sale and a deal falling apart.
Bottom line: Square footage errors are more common than most people think, but they’re also one of the easiest issues to fix—before they cost you thousands.
The Easiest Way to Get Clarity
The good news? You don’t need a full appraisal to get an accurate home measurement.
We offer standalone measurement services—perfect for homeowners, Realtors, and attorneys who simply need verified square footage without a full valuation.
📌 Learn more here: Home Measurement Services
💬 Wondering if a Home Measurement is right for your situation?
Contact Authority Appraisals — We’re happy to walk you through it.
