Appraiser measured sqft larger than listed sqft

[Allen L.]

Hi guys,

I recently purchased a 3 bed/2.5 bath SFH in San Antonio. Upon finishing mortgage appraisal on the property, I realized that the property size measured during appraisal is 103 sqft larger than the listed size! This is my first property so I have no prior experience with this, but I am assuming this is good for property price. By my own calculation, this should increase the property price by $3000-$4000.

A few questions:

1. Can a leasing agent advertise this property using the appraisal sqft or must they use the sqft on public record?

2. Is there any opportunity to increase property value when I decide the sell the property? 

Correct property size with county

• Will this increase property tax?
• Is an appraisal usually good enough to convince the county to correct their record?

3. If you had to guess, what would be a good explanation for why the seller listed the property sqft smaller than actual?

[Aaron Poling]

It is common to see different square footage sizes between assessments, appraisals, mls, etc... The assessor only measures the outside dimensions and or building permit submitted information. They typically are close but not to be used as exact. From my experience they come in lower than actual square footage with the understanding that people don't care if they pay on a smaller assessment, but would complain if they were paying on a larger assessment from incorrect square footage. You can probably have the assessors office change the dimensions by showing them a copy of the appraisal, but it won't change your market value only your assessment value. 

When you go to sell I would use the appraisal square footage in your marketing, it should be the more accurate. You could also calculate the square footage yourself and use that number. 

Hope this helps! Aaron