When it comes to buying or selling a property, one important piece of information that both buyers and sellers need is the square footage. Square footage is a crucial factor in determining the value of a property, and it can also impact the amount of space available for living or conducting business. In the past, finding the square footage of a property required hiring an appraiser or measuring the property manually. However, with the advancements in technology, it is now possible to find the square footage of a property online. In this article, we will explore four different methods that you can use to find the square footage of a property online.
Method 1: Using Online Real Estate Websites
One of the easiest ways to find the square footage of a property online is by using online real estate websites. Websites like Zillow, Realtor.com, and Redfin provide detailed information about properties, including their square footage. To find the square footage of a property using these websites, follow these steps:
- Go to the website of your choice (Zillow, Realtor.com, or Redfin).
- Enter the address of the property you are interested in.
- Click on the property listing that matches your search.
- Look for the square footage information in the property details section.
These online real estate websites pull data from various sources, including public records and MLS listings, to provide accurate square footage information. However, it's important to note that the square footage listed on these websites may not always be 100% accurate, as it relies on the information provided by the property owner or listing agent.
Method 2: Using County Property Appraiser Websites
Another method to find the square footage of a property online is by using county property appraiser websites. Most counties have an online database where you can search for property information, including square footage. Here's how you can use county property appraiser websites to find the square footage of a property:
- Visit the website of the county property appraiser.
- Search for the property by entering the address or parcel number.
- Click on the property listing that matches your search.
- Look for the square footage information in the property details section.
County property appraiser websites are a reliable source for square footage information, as they gather data directly from property records. However, keep in mind that the square footage listed on these websites may not be updated in real-time, so there could be a slight discrepancy between the listed square footage and the actual square footage of the property.
Method 3: Using Online Mapping Tools
Online mapping tools, such as Google Maps and Bing Maps, can also be used to find the square footage of a property. While these tools may not provide the exact square footage, they can give you a rough estimate of the property's size. Here's how you can use online mapping tools to find the square footage of a property:
- Go to the website of the mapping tool of your choice (Google Maps or Bing Maps).
- Enter the address of the property you are interested in.
- Zoom in on the property to get a closer view.
- Use the measuring tool provided by the mapping tool to measure the dimensions of the property.
- Multiply the length by the width to get an estimate of the square footage.
Keep in mind that the square footage obtained through online mapping tools is not as accurate as the square footage provided by real estate websites or county property appraiser websites. However, it can give you a general idea of the property's size.
Method 4: Hiring an Online Measurement Service
If you require an accurate and detailed measurement of a property's square footage, you may consider hiring an online measurement service. These services use advanced technology, such as laser scanners and 3D modeling, to provide precise measurements of a property. Here's how you can hire an online measurement service:
- Research and choose a reputable online measurement service.
- Visit the website of the chosen measurement service.
- Enter the address of the property you want to measure.
- Provide any additional information required by the service.
- Pay the required fee for the measurement service.
- Receive the detailed measurement report, including the square footage, via email or through the service's website.
Hiring an online measurement service is the most accurate way to find the square footage of a property online. However, it is also the most expensive option and may not be necessary for every situation.
In conclusion, finding the square footage of a property online is now easier than ever before. By using online real estate websites, county property appraiser websites, online mapping tools, or hiring an online measurement service, you can obtain accurate and reliable square footage information. Whether you are a buyer, seller, or simply curious about the size of a property, knowing the square footage can provide valuable insights and help you make informed decisions.
Summary
| Method | Accuracy | Cost |
|---|---|---|
| Online Real Estate Websites | Varies (may not be 100% accurate) | Free |
| County Property Appraiser Websites | Reliable (may not be real-time) | Free |
| Online Mapping Tools | Rough estimate | Free |
| Online Measurement Service | Most accurate | Expensive |