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
Failure or refusal to perform a specified action. The failure to fulfill contractually agreed upon terms or actions. Nonperformance creates a liability which can enable a judicial damage ...
Legal instrument permitting one to grant others general or specific powers for administering their finances. ...
The meaning of a development impact fee or impact fee defines a one-time cost the local government imposes on a brand new or planned development project (regularly on a property developer.) ...
Warm air heating system where ducts are located in the concrete slab of a building constructed without a basement. As the name implies, a perimeter heating system is located around the ...
Everyone is aware of the perplexing complexities of a real estate transaction. Enter Opendoor, a company that aims to simplify this experience. If you're a house hunter, seller, real estate ...
House that can be bought at a low price because it is in poor condition. A buyer who is handy may find it attractive because he can personally make the needed repairs without hiring others. ...
(1) Methods that involve discounting the future cash flows generated by an income property. These techniques are used primarily for valuation. (2) Methods of selecting and ranking ...
A method widely used for evaluating real estate projects. Under the net present value method, the present value (PV) of all cash inflows from the project is compared against the initial ...
Metal or wood channel attached immediately below or along the eaves of a building for the purpose of channeling rainwater away from the structure. The gutter prevents rain runoff from ...
Have a question or comment?
We're here to help.