Navigating North Carolina’s Home Measurement Rules: What Sellers Should Know

Accurate square footage matters when you’re listing a home in North Carolina — especially if you’re going the FSBO or flat-fee MLS route. Here’s what the NCREC requires and how you stay compliant.

📋 What the NCREC Guidelines Say

The North Carolina Real Estate Commission (NCREC) provides detailed Residential Square Footage Guidelines to help brokers and sellers determine accurate living area measurements.

Living Area must be:

  • Heated by a permanent heat source
  • Finished and directly accessible from other living areas
  • Measured from the inside perimeter walls at floor level

Excluded areas include garages, unfinished basements, decks, porches, and unpermitted additions.

👥 Why This Matters for Sellers & Agents

While the NCREC doesn’t require that square footage be reported, if it is, it must be accurate. Misrepresentation of a property’s size can result in disciplinary action under N.C.G.S. §93A-6(a)(1) for misrepresentation or omission of material facts.

🛠️ Tips for Sellers Using a Flat Fee MLS or FSBO Approach

  • Hire a licensed real estate professional, appraiser, or measuring service familiar with NCREC standards.
  • Obtain a measurement sketch or report that follows official guidelines.
  • Exclude unpermitted or unfinished spaces from “living area.” Disclose them separately if needed.
  • Do not rely solely on tax records, old appraisals, or previous listings for square footage—they often differ from NCREC standards.

🎯 Summary

For home sellers in North Carolina, correct measurement isn’t optional — it’s a key part of listing your property properly and avoiding future liability. Whether you’re using a flat fee MLS service or working with a full-service broker, following the NCREC guidelines keeps your listing compliant and credible.

Ready to list? See our flat fee MLS pricing for North Carolina and ensure your home is accurately and competitively listed.