Thank Goodness Georgia Doesn't Allow Stating Square Feet

David, I'm all for transparency.  But I think if you are going to quote square feet that people are going to base financial decisions on, you need to do at least do two things.

• State what the standard error range is.  People are mislead about accuracy when a number like 2269 square feet is stated. 
• State the standards you used to caluculate it.  I know there are several methods that are used to determine square feet.  How can you compare two numbers if you aren't certain which method is used.

Until these things are required, I think it best to rely on these numbers with great suspect. 

Gary,

It is not the law of Georgia but the regulations of the FMLS and other listing services.  It is also the recommendation of the Georgia real estate commission.  The sad thing about America today is everyone is so litigious.  Misquote the square feet and they'll sue you.  Someone in the past has been sued so that's why they recommend not quoting it.

Here's the FMLS rule.

10.3 The FMLS computer system shall not disclose any reference to total square footage of a listed property except for references to approximate square footage for Commercial property.

Here's what the Georgia real estate commission says.

How do you determine the square footage of a house? Do you measure from interior wall to exterior wall? Do you include finished space, the carport or garage, heated space only? Do you measure the property yourself, rely on MLS data, rely on architectural plans rely on county tax records?

The answer to each of these questions is "it depends." For example, appraisers usually base square footage for appraisal purposes on exterior walls. Purchasers seeking to accommodate their furniture needs will base square footage on the interior walls.

Perhaps the best policy for real estate licensees is not to attempt to calculate square footage. If a customer raises the issue, the licensee should allow the customer to make his or her own calculations. If the licensee gives the customer square footage data from the MLS, architectural plans, or other sources, the licensee should carefully disclose that he or she cannot verify the accuracy of that data.

Maybe if there was a law that prohibited people from sueing agents for incorrect measurements, maybe it would be safe to give out some numbers.  If you are buying a home and size is important, bring your tape measure and measure away.  Or maybe if there was some standard protocol in how measurements are taken, maybe the numbers would mean something.  You have to make sure you are comparing apples with apples.  

Maybe they could have a company that would certify how big a home is.  Other areas quote square feet.  I just wonder if everyone is playing from the same gamebook.