Lake Conroe Appraisals Blog

  Ever had that moment where you tell someone your home is “about 2,500 square feet,” only to find out later it’s actually 2,300? That missing 200 square feet isn’t just a rounding error—it could cost you thousands of dollars when it comes time to sell. Whether you're a real estate agent listing a property or a homeowner getting ready to sell , getting the square footage right is one of the smartest moves you can make. And no, your tax records, an old MLS listing, or that "eyeball measurement" from your uncle Bob don’t count. If you want to avoid pricing mistakes, low appraisals, and deal-breaking surprises at closing, you need a professional home measurement . Let’s talk about why Gross Living Area (GLA) matters, what counts as square footage (and what doesn’t), and how a certified measurement for $150-$250 could save you thousands in the long run. GLA: The Magic Number That Affects Your Home’s Value So, what is Gross Living Area (GLA)? In simple terms, it’s th...

The ANSI (American National Standards Institute) standards are essential guidelines used in the real estate industry to ensure consistent and accurate measurements of residential properties. These standards are crucial for appraisers, realtors, and homeowners, helping to define what constitutes Gross Living Area (GLA) versus non-livable or bonus space. What is ANSI and Why is it Used? ANSI provides a standardized method for measuring and reporting the size of residential buildings. This ensures that all properties are measured uniformly, which is especially important during the appraisal process. Lenders, appraisers, and real estate agents rely on these standards to accurately determine a property's value, ensuring fairness and transparency in transactions. Defining Gross Living Area (GLA) According to ANSI standards, GLA includes the areas of a home that are finished, heated, and suitable for year-round use. These areas must have a minimum ceiling height of 7 feet in at least 50% ...