In our MLS we use the Appraisal Standard ANSI for square footage if is completely above grade it can be square footage for comparison and the other number we use is TFLA our square footage number which is total finished living area. Still agents use a variety of information and it makes it difficult to compare properties. I think agents think they are doing the seller a favor by increasing the square feet in the ANSI number. My belief is it only confirms that some agent don't run by the same rules and try to deceive.

I call it the downstairs unless its not finished then its a unfinished basement....however our MLS has a designation for a split........

Todd Hueffed

http://www.thathomezone.com/ in partnership with Keller Williams North Seattle

I consider the lower level of a split foyer a basement if it is below grade or paritally below grade. If the split foyer is on a slab I don't.

BTW... Tell Nina I said "Hi!"