Ask Phyllis: a blog series of frequently asked real estate questions.
Square footage discrepancy
Dear Phyllis,
I always enjoy your column and love learning something new. My son plans to sell his home in the next few months. He will use a friend who is a Realtor for both the sale and the purchase of a new home.
The appraiser measured the home at 1,981 square feet. However, the tax assessor lists only 1,745. With homes selling for about $850 per square foot, this square footage discrepancy could significantly affect the home’s value. It does not appear that any rooms were added to his home. My son’s Realtor says he cannot quote the appraiser’s measurement. I am curious about the best way to handle this situation.
Nancy
Dear Nancy,
Thank you for your question and for being a loyal reader. He could appeal to the tax assessor to update the record, but I don’t think that is necessary. Square footage discrepancies between tax assessor records and professional appraisals are common. Still, this difference could have a real impact on your son’s selling price, especially in today’s market.
I don’t see why your son’s Realtor cannot disclose both numbers. For example, the listing could state that the assessor notes 1,745 square feet, while the appraiser measured 1,981. This approach is transparent and helps potential buyers understand the situation.
Because this discrepancy is substantial, I recommend obtaining another opinion from a professional measurer. If your son’s Realtor does not know a reliable measurer, his real estate agent can call my office for a recommendation. I typically hire a professional to tape the home and develop a floor plan. This enables buyers to determine furniture placement, etc. Getting a precise measurement before going on the market is important and can help avoid a later renegotiation.
It is also important that your son or his agent disclose the square footage discrepancy to interested buyers. They should be encouraged to verify the measurement themselves if they wish.
While the numbers differ, your son has options. He can disclose both figures, obtain a professional measurement, and advise buyers to confirm for themselves. Taking these steps helps ensure a smoother sale.
Best wishes to your son as he prepares to sell his home. Handling the square footage discrepancy before marketing to the public is the smartest approach.
