How to Determine Accurate Square Footage for House Listing

[beekrock]

My question involves real estate located in the State of: PA

I'm in the process of listing my house using a flat-fee listing service and I need to know the square footage of the house for the listing. I was under the impression when I bought the house that it was around 1,800 sq/ft, but today I measured all of the rooms and came to about 1,300 sq/ft. Zillow has it at 1,883 which is what I thought it was.

I don't want to misrepresent the square footage, but I don't want to lowball myself either. Is Zillow accurate (I don't know how they get their numbers)? Would it be safe for me to list it as 1,883? Or, am I overthinking it and it doesn't really matter?

I'll note that all the houses on this particular street are just about the same except that many people have added additions and/or converted closets to bathrooms, etc. Zillow has them at between 1,300 to 2,100 sq/ft.

Any way I can tell for sure?

[Tort]

My question involves real estate located in the State of: PA

I'm in the process of listing my house using a flat-fee listing service and I need to know the square footage of the house for the listing. I was under the impression when I bought the house that it was around 1,800 sq/ft, but today I measured all of the rooms and came to about 1,300 sq/ft. Zillow has it at 1,883 which is what I thought it was.

I don't want to misrepresent the square footage, but I don't want to lowball myself either. Is Zillow accurate (I don't know how they get their numbers)? Would it be safe for me to list it as 1,883? Or, am I overthinking it and it doesn't really matter?

I'll note that all the houses on this particular street are just about the same except that many people have added additions and/or converted closets to bathrooms, etc. Zillow has them at between 1,300 to 2,100 sq/ft.

Any way I can tell for sure?

Measure the outside horizontal dimensions of the house and subtract for exterior and interior wall thicknesses. Interior walls are probably 4.5" thk.
I'd think this is the max. you could claim for SF.

BTW, because of Significant Figures, 1883 SF implies they know the footage to be between 1882.5 and 1883.4.
I doubt they know it to that accuracy. Even saying 1880 SF is pushing it.

Here's a link on that
http://homebuying.about.com/od/reale...re_footage.htm

Depending on the SF and house prices in your area, each SF claimed could be worth $100 or so.

[flyingron]

Square footage and other things in the listing are usually disclaimed against having any accuracy.

Do you have an attached two car garage? The footprint of that may account for the discrepancy.

[beekrock]

Thanks for the info, guys.

Flyingron- There is an attached 1-car garage and a walk-up attic, if that has any influence. If you were me what would you put on the listing for sq/ft?

[flyingron]

Only "conditioned" space is usually counted (heated and/or cooled as is customary in your area).