Whether you’re looking at homes online or you’re thinking about listing your home, square footage is important. Square footage not only lets you know how big the home is, but it’s also a huge indicator of the home’s value.
Let’s look at why square footage matters for buyers and sellers and what rooms and spaces should and should not be included.
For Sellers
Typically, buyers want a lot of space in their homes, so sellers want to ensure their homes look open in photos and include as much square footage as possible. Square footage helps to determine the listing price of the home by price per square foot, which is the list price divided by the total square footage. A typical price per square foot is between $150-$200, but it can be higher or lower depending on the features of the home and where the home is located.
For Buyers
Ultimately, if you fall in love with specific features and rooms in a house, you may not care as much about the overall square footage. However, square footage helps you determine how much home you can afford, and it’s important to know down the road if you decide to sell. In addition, square footage is used to determine the price per square foot, which helps buyers decide if the home is a good deal.
Included vs. Not Included
Any rooms with livable square footage can be included in your square footage. For a room to be considered livable square footage, it should include flooring, wallcovering, ceiling, and the ability to be lived in year-long.
- Sunrooms or porches: Four-season sunrooms can be included. Porches that aren’t heated or only have screens are not included.
- Garages and unfinished basements: These spaces are not included.
- Finished basements: As long as they have the above-mentioned factors, they can be included. Basement bedrooms can also be included, but they might not be considered actual bedrooms unless they have an egress window.
- Stairways and closets: These are included.
Square footage can be more complicated than you think! Think about these things the next time you buy or sell a home, and ensure the square footage is accurate. If you have questions about a home’s square footage, please reach out to us! We would love to be a resource for you!
