As a seller, providing accurate information about your property is important, especially when it comes to square footage. If you do not have verifiable proof of your property’s square footage, here’s what you should do:

Steps to Take:

1. Check Public Records:

   • Start by checking your local tax assessor's office or property records, as these often include information about the square footage of your property. You can usually access these records online or by visiting the local office.
   • Note: Keep in mind that public records are not always accurate, but they can serve as a reference point.

2. Consider a Professional Measurement:

   • If public records are unavailable, outdated, or if you have concerns about their accuracy, you might want to hire a professional appraiser or a licensed measurement service. These professionals can accurately measure your property and provide an official report, giving you a solid basis for the square footage listed.
   • Cost Consideration: While this does incur a cost, it is often the most straightforward and reliable way to obtain the necessary proof of square footage.

3. Consult with the Builder or Developer:

   • If the home was built relatively recently and you are in contact with the builder or developer, they might have records of the property’s square footage. This can be particularly useful if the home is part of a larger development.

4. Use an Estimator Tool:

   • Online Estimation Tools: There are various online tools that can provide an estimate of square footage based on the property’s dimensions. However, these estimates are generally not as accurate or widely accepted as a professional measurement and should be considered a last resort when trying to provide an approximate figure.

   • Manual Measurement: You can also manually measure the interior space of your home by calculating the length and width of each room and summing the results to get a rough estimate of the total square footage. While this method can offer a general idea of the property’s size, it is less precise and may not meet the stringent requirements of some listing agents or MLS systems.

     Important Consideration: Some listing agents are very stringent about the accuracy of square footage data and may not proceed with a manual estimation. Additionally, some MLSs are equally strict and might require official proof of square footage to be uploaded before the listing can be made active. In these cases, using an estimator tool or manual measurement may not be sufficient, and a professional measurement or official documentation will be necessary to move forward with the listing.

5. Listing with a Disclaimer:

   • Estimate with a Disclaimer: If you use an estimate (whether from online tools or manual measurement), you can list the property with a disclaimer stating that the square footage is estimated and not verified. However, this approach may limit buyer interest and could still require further verification from the MLS or potential buyers.

   Example Disclaimer: "Square footage is an estimate and has not been independently verified. Buyers are encouraged to obtain their own measurements or appraisal to confirm the property’s size."

Recommendation

To make your listing active on the MLS as quickly and accurately as possible, the best course of action is to hire a professional appraiser or measurement service to provide an official square footage. This will ensure compliance with MLS requirements and give potential buyers confidence in the accuracy of the listing information.

If you’re unable to obtain a professional measurement immediately, consider using any available documentation or an estimate with a clear disclaimer, but be prepared that the MLS or buyers may still require verified proof before finalizing any sale.

By taking these steps, you can ensure your listing is both accurate and compliant with MLS standards, helping you to successfully market and sell your property.