patrick.net

cab says

It’s also foolish because buyers are much more educated these days about buying homes, and it totally alerts you when you see them pulling a stunt like that.

A good listing offers a lot of information and pictures. A "smart" realtor would realize that the more information and pictures that are in the listing, the more legitimate interest there would be. Otherwise the realtor is lazy or thinking it will slip a buyer's mind. Wouldn't a realtor prefer to be called with an interest in seeing a place or be asked silly questions like the square footage?

Reminds me of used car ad's that do not list the mileage. When they do not list the mileage you know it is going to be high. So now the used house salesmen really are using the used car salesmen tricks.

Doesn't really matter. People wanna "buy" access to The Fortress, or the Coolness and Hipness of SF.

It's a broker liability thing. If agent lists a sf number and is wrong, there could be grounds for a lawsuit. If they enter sf, then they identify the source... per tax records, per homeowner, etc. Apparently there are different measuring methods, and different RE agents or appraisers could come up with different numbers.

But, ptiemann is right about permitted space. Tax records would have a lower sf number and RE agent wants home shoppers to know about the extra space but can't legitimately claim it.

Norbecker says

Reminds me of used car ad’s that do not list the mileage. When they do not list the mileage you know it is going to be high. So now the used house salesmen really are using the used car salesmen tricks

So, tell me, what kind of deal can I make that will have you driving this condo off the lot to-day? I'll throw in floor mats & an air freshener. Yes, siree.

Payoff2011 says

It’s a broker liability thing. If agent lists a sf number and is wrong, there could be grounds for a lawsuit. If they enter sf, then they identify the source… per tax records, per homeowner, etc. Apparently there are different measuring methods, and different RE agents or appraisers could come up with different numbers.

That's BS though. If you disclose adequately, there is no exposure. "2106 sqft per tax records" or "2143 sqft per architect's plans" is better than not putting anything.

In reality, the listings where it's most common not to see a square footage listed are where the realtor is afraid of the price per square foot -- in some cases well above comps, even in San Francisco. The same realtorused house salesman will put the square footage when it's to his/her benefit.

Payoff2011 says

It’s a broker liability thing. If agent lists a sf number and is wrong, there could be grounds for a lawsuit.

They all have a disclaimer saying that information was "designed for accuracy, but not guaranteed." They can put whatever they want.