Square Footage and Buyer Expectations

September 2026

Square footage remains one of the most common pieces of information buyers look for when evaluating a property. But in Oregon, there is no mandated method for calculating square footage. To reduce confusion and risk, brokers and principal brokers should clearly communicate the source of the square footage calculation and advise buyers appropriately if square footage is important.

Listing Agent: Disclose the Source

Since square footage and acreage data from MLS, appraisals, or county assessors can be estimates, listing agents should always:

Clearly state the source of any published square footage (e.g., “per assessor” or “estimated from previous listing”).
Include qualifiers, such as “approximately.”
Clarify that square footage may include finished and unfinished space when applicable, such as in a partially finished basement area.
Utilize the public remarks section on MLS for explanatory language, not the private broker-to-broker remarks that are invisible to the public.
Confirm that all advertising is truthful and not misleading, especially when including square footage. Failure to do so could be a violation of Oregon Administrative Rule 863-015-0125 and result in disciplinary action.

Buyer Agent: Encourage Buyer Due Diligence

Buyer agents should guide buyers in weighing the importance of square footage:

Ask early whether the square footage matters to the buyer.
Advise independent verification if square footage will influence their offer. This might include hiring someone or calculating the square footage themselves.
Make measurement a contingency in the purchase agreement when needed.

Manage Inaccurate Measurements and “Red Flags”

Even when relying on published sources, brokers and principal brokers should remain alert to warning signs:

A drastic price-per-square-foot inconsistency compared to nearby properties.
Discrepancies between MLS figures and assessor or appraisal values.
Unexpected irregularities in room sizes or layout.

If a licensee is aware of any of the above red flags and fails to disclose them to the parties, it could be a violation of Oregon Revised Statute 696.805(5)(d) or 696.810(5)(c) and result in disciplinary action against the license.

Reduce Risk with Clear Communication

The best defense for licensees is transparency:

Be precise about how square footage was derived.
Flag measurement uncertainty early.
Encourage buyers to take ownership of measurement verification.
Refer buyer to the licensed appraiser’s report if purchase is subject to satisfactory appraisal.

By openly discussing square footage accuracy, you build trust, avoid misunderstandings, and reduce the risk of an investigation by the Oregon Real Estate Agency.