Fraud in MLS disclosure

[Walt Strader]

I recently signed a contract to purchase a home in VA in which the MLS listed the house as having 2460 sq. ft. When the appraisal was done, the appraiser verified the house only had 1948 SF. I shared this disparity with my realtor and told him since I based my offer on the home having 2400+ SF that I would like a reduction in price--sellers refused. I then asked to be released from sales contract under the grounds that the size of the house was represented inaccurately and the size differential represented a "material" or major difference. The sellers will not sign a release from contract. I am contacting a lawyer. Closing is scheduled in 2 weeks! Do I have a legal case to be made here? I'm seeking any advice at this point--thanks for your help!

[Jay Hinrichs]

Originally posted by @Russell Brazil:

In Virginia square footage in the MLS is directly imported from state/county tax records. Further, properties in VA do not trade on a price per sq foot basis

I like the Charleston SC MLS in bold letters at the bottom of the listings it says.. " IF SIZE MATTERS MEASURE"

We just sold a new build that my architect put 2010 sq ft which my wife relied on.. since it had not been assessed yet it just shows vacant lot on tax records.. appraiser came in at 1825  sq ft.. same thing they wanted to know what we would do about it.. I said nothing. the house still appraised for your purchase price of 570k.. so were is the damage.. etc etc.. they closed.. no issue. If they wanted out though I would have let them out with no problem.. I never want to close deals were one side is not happy  life too short.