This previously unwritten "standard" is accepted by FHA, VA, HUD, Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac, and has been used by real estate professionals for over a century. It has provided millions of square footage calculations used in MLS listings and appraisals for federally regulated mortgage transactions. It is exactly what the name implies: the American Measurement Standard. A voluntary Guideline presented for the measurement of square footage in single-family dwellings. This publication provides specific definitions, procedures, and detailed illustrations.

It was specifically developed to allow for the consistent creation, calculation, & communication of residential square footage, and is suitable for use as a formal measurement standard or a "Standard of Practice," and a proper source of disclosure. Created by a consensus of real estate professionals with over 175 years of combined experience.

A historic tradition with modern sensibility.

• Fundamentals of residential square footage
• For agents, appraisers, & anyone who provides square footage information for others, and interested in learning the art of measuring residential square footage.
• Stairs and upper levels; sloped ceilings, GLA vs. GBA, finished vs. unfinished & measuring lower levels; dormers, dual siding exteriors, corners & caps and much, much more.
• Definitions and descriptions, and over 70 pages with detailed illustrations
• Method accepted by HUD, VA, FHA, Fannie Mae, Freddie Mac

This "standard" provides a comprehensive data-source which helps to promote the public trust. As the world gets smaller and communication methods continue to improve, the real estate industry must provide an internationally recognized square footage "language." Square footage information is currently provided by a hodge-podge of methods across the country. Agents, appraisers, builders, architects, and property assessors all have their own unique system of creating and reporting square footage data. This data (which is created by many different methods) is then shared between professionals, often providing "apples to oranges" home comparisons and often inaccurate home valuations. The value of a home is often dependent on who takes the measurements, and who reports the data. The "American Measurement Standard" offers a specific method to consistently create residential square footage; the "currency" of real estate and the very foundation of property values. While there will always be exceptions to the "rule," the real estate industry must find a way to agree on one measurement method and establish industry-wide "rules." One language of real estate; internationally accepted, Mandated, and then taught to every real estate professional.

The "American Measurement Standard" is the most comprehensive measurement guideline available today.

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