Measurement Services
Home remodeling and poor estimates on public records can affect a property's value — and its attractiveness to potential buyers. Let Fortiz Appraisal Services give you a reliable calculation of property area to establish a fair value when buying a new home, selling to potential clients, or reducing property taxes.
What is a measurement or floorplan service?
Home measurement services are just what they sound like: Based on what you need, an appraiser will measure your house's dimensions and square footage, then draw a basic or highly detailed layout. The appraiser's report and floorplan is a document that can be used to prove an accurate Gross Living Area (GLA), the total livable area, of your home. These services are helpful and often necessary when disputing property taxes or selling a property.
How does a floorplan service work?
During a measurement or floorplan service, an appraiser measures the home with a measuring tool — either a tape or laser measuring device. As they move around the home, they mark the layout of the rooms and other features, like closets, patios, and fireplaces. They might draw a rough sketch of the property. Then, the appraiser develops a report and a more detailed sketch showing the total area and the general layout of the house. The finished report is a document that can be used to prove certain specs of your property — like the Gross Living Area (GLA) — on tax documents, home listings, and more.
When are floorplan services necessary? For property taxes, putting a property on the market, and material for real estate agents.
Property taxes
Property tax records often reflect the wrong square footage because the values can come from various sources, and occasionally go unverified — meaning you may be paying for more square footage than you have! Unless a certified appraiser has recently completed an evaluation on your property (after any updating that may have affected square footage), you'll need an appraiser to perform a home measurement service before contesting your taxes. An appraiser will determine the accurate Gross Living Area (GLA) of your property so your taxes can reflect your actual square footage — and you can stop overpaying.
Putting a property on the market
A measuring service can secure fair market value for your property. Living space is one of the most important elements potential buyers consider when purchasing a home — but since square footage values are frequently estimated rather than properly measured, your property listing might reflect less Gross Living Area (GLA) than it can take credit for. An inaccurate GLA not only reduces the selling price of your home, but possibly even the number of interested buyers. The only dependable method of using a definitive GLA when listing your home is to refer to a recent appraisal or measurement service carried out by an appraiser (after any renovation that may have affected square footage).
Material for real estate agents
To make sure that your client's home sells at a price that correctly reflects market value, we advise asking for a floorplan service for the property. Clients, and potential buyers, will appreciate your scrupulousness, and you can be confident in knowing the GLA on your client's listing is a true representation of their home. A measurement can also be a great marketing tactic for enticing potential buyers since they can view the layout and attributes of the home before and after a showing. Contact us today to learn more about our home measurement and floorplan services.