Is there a set of definitions for home facts? E.G. what should a should not be included in sqft?

Profile picture for henril
Zillow uses county info for my house. County defines sqft as above ground living space, but acknowledges that family room, one bedroom, and one bath are in fully finished walk out basement.  Using only the main floor sqft would indicate much smaller cramped rooms than really are and makes a big difference in the Zestimate.  Which is correct to Zillow? Also is basement considered a level? 
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May 18 2010 - Mount Vernon
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Answers (2)

Profile picture for Rick Chumsae
It would be rare for cellar sf to be seen by buyers or appraisers to be as valuable as above grade sf.  A converted above grade garage is rarely valued as
high as original interior sf unless the walkway is seemless
between the main floor and conversion space floor.

More general, living sf is usually that which is heated and cooled, but again, lesser spaces are valued as lesser amounts.
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May 20 2010
Profile picture for Stan Humphries
Ideally, the definition that a user should use when editing their home facts is that which the county used in computing the number that is found on Zillow's home detail page.  Unfortunately, we don't have a way of specifying the myriad definitions used by different counties so it's left up to users right now.  Don't worry if the sqft/bedroom is low when using your county's definition.  If recently sold homes around your home use the same definition of sqft, then the models will learn the relationship that exists between sqft and bedrooms, on the one hand, and sale price, on the other hand.
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May 20 2010
 

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