Some of the most critical data points on the MLS® are room measurements and square footage. 

In terms of quality of information, it’s one of the most susceptible fields for incorrect data to be added. And there can be serious consequences for misrepresenting the size of the property you’re marketing, or the rooms within it. 

Here’s what you need to keep in mind when reporting square footage and room measurements on your MLS® listings. 

You’re obligated to provide accurate measurements through:

• The Standards of Business Practice, Article 4 – Discovery of Facts.
• The Standards of Business Practice, Article 12 - Skilled and Conscientious Service
• Rules of Cooperation and Rule 3.06 - Accuracy of Listing Information
• REALTOR® Code of Ethics - "Professional competent service"

• As of the 2020 Rules of Cooperation update, you’re required to include the source of your room measurements in the REALTOR® Remarks section of your listing. For example, “Insert Measurement Company Name Here is the source of all floor area and room measurements” would suffice. 
• Never copy square footage and floor area information from a previous listing. You could be perpetuating existing errors and/or not accounting for any changes made by previous owners, both huge risks. 
• Don’t include square footage for ‘unauthorized’ areas, which are, generally, areas not intended for human habitation. This includes any unfinished space, and areas like garages, crawl spaces, patios, decks, balconies, gazebos. Use your REALTOR® Remarks to include details about these spaces, along with the sources for any measurements you provide for them, but don’t include them in the Data Input Form. 

Consult your broker if you have questions about a particular issue with your listing.