Why Confirming Square Footage with a Professional Appraiser is Crucial for Home Sellers and Buyers

 

When it comes to buying or selling a home, there’s one detail that can significantly impact the price: square footage. It might seem straightforward, but square footage is often misunderstood or misrepresented, leading to potential financial pitfalls. Let’s dive into why confirming the square footage with a professional appraiser is essential for both sellers and buyers in Montgomery County.

The Importance of Accurate Square Footage

For Sellers: When you’re setting a price for your home, every square foot counts. An accurate measurement ensures you’re pricing your home correctly. Overestimating the square footage can lead to overpricing, which may scare off potential buyers. Underestimating it, on the other hand, means you might be leaving money on the table. A professional appraisal provides you with a precise measurement, helping you set a competitive and fair price.

For Buyers: As a buyer, you want to ensure that you’re getting what you pay for. Relying on county records or the seller’s information might not be enough. These records can be outdated or inaccurate. For instance, if the previous owners added a room or expanded the living space, the county records might not reflect these changes. Confirming the square footage with a professional appraisal ensures you’re making a sound investment.

Common Issues with Square Footage Accuracy

Outdated County Records: County records are a common source for square footage data, but they can be outdated. If renovations or expansions have been made without proper documentation, the records won’t reflect the current state of the property.

Unpermitted Additions: Homeowners sometimes add onto their homes without obtaining the necessary permits. These additions won’t be included in the official records, leading to discrepancies between the actual and recorded square footage.

Misrepresentations: In some cases, sellers might inadvertently misrepresent the square footage of their homes, either due to honest mistakes or lack of proper measurements. This can lead to misunderstandings and disputes during the sale process.

Impact on Property Value: Inaccurate square footage can significantly impact the perceived value of a property. Overestimating square footage can inflate the price, making it less attractive to buyers. Underestimating it can result in undervaluing the home, leading to potential financial losses for the seller.

ANSI Standards for Measuring Square Footage

At Lake Conroe Appraisals, we follow the ANSI (American National Standards Institute) standards for measuring square footage. These standards provide a consistent and accurate method for measuring the size of a home. By adhering to ANSI standards, we ensure that our measurements are reliable and can be compared across different properties and appraisers.

The ANSI standards specify how to measure different areas of the home, including finished and unfinished spaces, basements, and attics. This uniformity is crucial because it eliminates discrepancies that can arise from different measurement methods. For instance, some homeowners might include the garage or unfinished basement in their square footage, which can lead to inaccuracies. By following ANSI standards, we provide a clear and precise measurement that reflects the true living space of the home.

Lake Conroe Appraisals Measurement Service

At Lake Conroe Appraisals, we offer a comprehensive measurement service to ensure that the square footage of your home is accurate. Our state-certified appraisers use precise measuring tools and techniques, adhering to ANSI standards, to provide an exact measurement of your property. This service can save you thousands of dollars by ensuring that your home is priced correctly and that you’re not overpaying as a buyer.

Whether you’re selling your home and want to set the right price or buying a home and want to ensure you’re getting what you pay for, our measurement service is invaluable. Don’t rely on outdated or inaccurate records—let the professionals at Lake Conroe Appraisals give you the peace of mind you deserve.

Conclusion

Accurate square footage is crucial in the real estate market. For sellers, it ensures you’re pricing your home correctly, and for buyers, it confirms you’re making a sound investment. At Lake Conroe Appraisals, our measurement service, following ANSI standards, provides the accuracy you need, potentially saving you thousands of dollars. Contact us today to schedule your measurement service and ensure your property’s value is correctly assessed.