Tax authorities typically measure from the exterior of the home, length times width. That’s one reason why square footage often doesn’t reflect the livability of a home or explain why the interior may seem much smaller than exterior square footage.
Living space measurements do not subtract the thickness of the exterior walls, insulation and drywall. Further, a lot of living space is simply unusable for actual living, such as empty space beneath stairwells, or the access space required around water heaters and other systems required by code.
So if square footage numbers don’t seem in your favor, talk to your real estate professional about ways to make what you have more attractive to buyers. Showcase your floor plan to advantage through videos, photos, staging and lighting. Bright, sunny spaces appear larger than dark closed spaces, so open the curtains and let the light in. Keep the lights on for showings.
Clear out all clutter. Clutter takes up valuable real estate and a messy room is distracting. Remove and store excess furniture and belongings, so that each room functions well with a minimum of furniture and accessories. Stage the home for optimum traffic flow around uncrowded tables and chairs.
Help your real estate professional stage your home for all photos that will appear online. Take the computer off the dining room table. Clear off counter tops and tabletops, make sure furniture and lamps are right-sized for each room, and that each room is represented as advertised.
Please provide third-party sources for square footage, such as a tax assessor or appraiser.
Put a disclaimer in your mandated seller’s disclosure that says the following: “All third-party measurements are approximate. Buyers must rely solely on their own investigation of the property and satisfy themselves that this property is suitable for their needs.”
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