I've noticed a couple of listing that state 2 bathrooms in the listing and then in the comments it states extra bath in basement. I've also seen that for bedrooms as well. Do they not include whatever is in the finished basement towards the square footage, total bathrooms and bedrooms?
2007-12-31 00:43:29 · 13 answers · asked by somewhat_med 2 in Business & Finance ➔ Renting & Real Estate
square footage is usally considered living space if the basement is not finished it wont be inlcuded. although some realtors will include it in square footage. you sometimes will also see gagares included in square footage. living space square footage is what you are looking for!
2007-12-31 00:49:33 · answer #1 · answered by Al-padrino 3 · 2⤊ 0⤋
Our multiple listing service gives both the total square footage of the home and also the square footage of the home not including the basement. I've also seen areas where the basement is not included in the total square footage.
Our county usually uses the square footage above grade to compute what the taxes will be on the home.
Just look thru the listing carefully and you should be able to figure out if they're including the basement or not. If you can't tell, call the agent.
2007-12-31 03:40:43 · answer #2 · answered by trblmkr30 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I think it depends on where you live. Here in the Detroit area they don't include the basement in the square footage listing even if the basement is partially or fully finished. The comments will list any bedrooms, bathrooms, or finished rooms in the basement.
2007-12-31 01:00:36 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Generally basement footage is not included in square footage descriptions, unless the basement has at least 'daylight windows' to ground level, or doors leading to ground level.
Other than those situations, basements aren't counted in square footage.
2007-12-31 04:43:39 · answer #4 · answered by acermill 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
A basement can be included in the square footage of a house only if it finished. Often times a basic bathroom is installed in the unfinished basement or a room is set up as a bedroom.
I would prefer to have an unfinished basement as it would lower the taxes. If there happens to be a room down there that can serve as a bedroom, Great.
Check with the code enforcement office in each town. They should be able to give you their definition of a finished basement. It may vary from town to town and doesn't cost anything to ask.
2007-12-31 01:05:28 · answer #5 · answered by I Know That 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Realtors include basements in the Sf of houses. Appraisers can only count area above grade as Gross Living Area (GLA) even if the basement is finished it does not count as GLA and this is something most realtors do not understand. As an appraiser I can not compair a 2 story 2000 sf home with a 1 story 1000 sf with a 1000 sf finished basement, even though they both have 2000 sf the 2-story has 2000 sf of GLA and the 1 story only has 1000 sf of GLA and a 1000 sf of basement. Same with bathrooms and bedroom. Also the assessors office does assess basement Sf.
2007-12-31 06:08:50 · answer #6 · answered by Leo F 4 · 3⤊ 0⤋
Square footage is always stated to be the house and then the outer lot/yard. Survey is needed to affirm what the outer square footage is and geometry is needed to calculated the dimensions of the house. If there is additions to the home after the fact, then, it should have been approved and documented with the city to ensure it meets code and can be taxed accordingly.
2007-12-31 03:11:33 · answer #7 · answered by ? 2 · 0⤊ 1⤋
In most cases it is listed in the total sq.ft. When the list 3 bedrooms, 2 baths, yes one bath could be in the lower level. That one bath could also be a 1/2 or 3/4 or full. It's a flaw in our system I think. What you are seeing may be an over statement if it was included in the overall sq.ft.
2007-12-31 01:11:12 · answer #8 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
I would never deal with an agent who "thought" rather than "knew" but that is your choice. The improvements you listed require a permit in most jurisdictions. If you obtained the permit, then you can list it. If you did not, tread very carefully.
2016-03-16 22:13:30 · answer #9 · answered by ? 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
As an appraiser, we have to list the living area as "above grade" and "below grade", meaning above ground or below ground. These are not "supposed" to be the same thing, even though you could use them equally. Ask realtors or appraisers in your area to clarify. I live in FL and we don't have basements here, they always flood! Typically basements aren't included in living area, but depending on the construction, they might be. If it's completely finished, has heating/air, etc. it should be considered.
2007-12-31 02:07:55 · answer #10 · answered by Casie 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋