A very recent change to our MLS Listings in the DC area: Square Footage is ALWAYS displayed.

WOW.

Square footage used to always be entered by the agents when adding the listing into the Multiple Listing Service.  The problem; most agents don't want to take responsilbility for an error.

Real Estate professionals have been sued because they have said 1 thing and when someone bought the house; they found out it was something else.

Now however; our MLS "pulls" the square footage data directly from the tax records and displays it.

Good Idea or Bad?

Well as I have told my clients for years; the Tax Records for Sq Footage is a nice "guide"; but don't take it's word for it.  I have seen so many mistakes.  Heck; even my own condo I would dispute.  My condo is at least 60 sq ft larger than the tax records show.

What if someone has an addition?  A finished basement? Closed in a garage?

The tax records will be wrong.

I suppose by the MLS pulling directly from the Tax Records it prevents Real Estate folks from any liability for incorrect info; and it also keeps Real Estate Professionals from "exaggerating" the size of a tiny condo.

But is it a good idea?   I'm not sure.

What I do know; if you are thinking of selling - you should make sure the tax record has the correct size.  If your home is 2300 sq ft and the tax records say 1600; buyer will think you home is too small!

Contact James Downing of the Downing Real Estate Group, if you are selling, buying or have questions!

Office: 202-362-5800   Cell: 703.244.3971

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Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage - Chevy Chase
5028 Wisconsin Ave NW  Suite 100 * Washington DC 20016