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Why don't we put square footage information in the MLS in Georgia?

By Matthew Share

Real Estate Agent with Maximum One Greater Atlanta Realtors

April 03, 2008 01:51 AM

Whenever I work with clients from other states, they are amazed that I am not able to tell them accurate square footage information about a listed property. Quite frankly, I am on their side and wish that I could get access to this information and give it to my clients. The price per square foot is a good indicator of value. I often refer my clients to the tax records to get square footage information but find that data is notoriously incorrect. Does anyone know how this came about. What is the history and reasoning behind why agents in GA can not give out or advertise this information? I'd love to know because I get asked this often by my clients.

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Bob Southard

Atlas Realty Service, LLC - Kennesaw, GA

e-Pro - Cobb,Cherokee,NorthFulton,Paulding,Bartow

HI Mathew,

The story that I've heard is that somebody got sued over a discrepency in the square footage. Supposedly the difference was only a few square feet. I cannot attest to the truth of this it is just what I have heard. Although I have heard from both brokers and appraisers. As it is now the buyer gets the square footage in the appraisal since the appraiser has measured and they can legally quote footage. If this is true I would love to know the case law that supports it. Anyway it is definitely an FMLS rule that sqft can't be quoted on the listing.

On one hand it would be nice to have the square footage in listings. I have also heard from agents in other states that they have to measure every home when they list it. This can be very time consuming.

Apr 03, 2008 02:00 AM

Terry & Bonnie Westbrook

Westbrook Realty Broker-Owner - Grand Rapids, MI

Westbrook Realty - Grand Rapids Forest Hills MI Re

We had that same myth here in Michigan and it has been several years since we added sq footage both the appraisers ANSI above grade square footage and Total that we call TFLA Total finished living area.

Apr 03, 2008 02:40 AM

Why don't we put square footage information in the MLS in Georgia?

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