Gross Living Area
Definition of "Gross living area"
The definition for the gross living area published by the Appraisal Institute’s Dictionary of Real Estate 4th Edition is: “The total area of finished, above-grade residential space excluding unheated areas such as porches and balconies; the standard measure for determining the amount of space in residential properties.” In short - the available space left for living or the surface of the building without the walls, that is suitable for year-round use. To better understand the definition of the gross living area, real estate agents must learn from the appraisers what areas are not included in the final figure. They also must learn to compare apples to apples. So, garages, basements and unfinished attic areas do not count as living space, especially if they have earth adjacent to an exterior wall on that level. So, any room below-grade is not included in the gross living area and it is priced differently than the above-grade area. When comparing two properties with the same square footage, the one that has more below-grade square footage will sell for a lower price.
Real estate agents are not required to provide the square footage of the property, but when they do, they should use the ANSI standard or a similar one. Fiberglass measuring tapes are the most common tool used by appraisers. It may stretch, and the measurements might be “almost” accurate, but there is no risk of scratching the walls or the furniture. So is the case with laser measurement tools (Disto) - the appraiser will point the red laser and find the exact distance to the red dot.
The gross living area is an important measurement not only for the future owners but for the mortgage companies as well. Consequently, Fannie Mae has issued some guidelines on measuring the gross living area, too, since appraisals are often undergone before a loan is secured.
Popular Real Estate Terms
Same as term appraisal: Valuation assessment of real property by an expert third party for the following purposes: developing a realistic market price. setting a market value at the time ...
The modified accrual method is defined as an alternative accounting method that combines the two basic methods of accounting, the accrual method and the cash method. While the accrual ...
Representative house, apartment, or cooperative used as a sales tool to show how the actual unit bought will probably appear in design and construction. An example is a model apartment. ...
Expert in real estate who has an education in real estate appraisal as well as having significant professional experience. A recognized license may be obtained from the Member Appraisal ...
Transfer of both real and personal property. An example is the sale of a home with personal belongings. Putting together a group of property to be sold together, perhaps at a discount ...
Local regulation on how real property may be used in a particular locality. The county may establish different zoning classifications and restrictions. If the ordinance is violated, ...
Property having an easement right through another adjoining property. The property through which the easement passes is considered to have the servant tenement. ...
(1) That portion of exposed beach formed by waves depositing sand as they dissipate on the beach. The size of the berm commonly varies with the season. In the summer, the waves move sand ...
fee to use a bridge or tunnel. Fee assessed to use someone else's property. ...
Have a question or comment?
We're here to help.