Square Footage in LA Real Estate: Why It’s Not Always What It Seems
In the competitive Los Angeles real estate market, square footage can be more art than science. If you’ve ever seen two listings for the same home with different square footage numbers, you’re not alone—and there’s a reason why.
The way floor plans are measured often depends on who’s doing the measuring—and what they stand to gain.
The Agenda Behind the Measurement
Lenders and Appraisers
When financing a home, square footage affects appraisals and loan approvals. Lenders prefer larger square footage, as it typically means a higher property value and more collateral for the loan. This can lead to floor plans that include unfinished areas, garages, or outdoor patios in the total count.Homeowners and Sellers
Sellers want to maximize perceived value. Some listing agents might present maximized floor plans to make a property appear larger than it is, sometimes including stairwells, storage areas, or spaces below minimum ceiling height.Buyers and Inspectors
On the flip side, buyers want accurate, usable space. They care about what they can actually live in, not inflated square footage that doesn't reflect reality. Inaccurate measurements can lead to mistrust and even legal disputes.
The Problem with Traditional Floor Plans
Traditional measurement methods—like tape measures, rough laser range finders, or even manual estimates—are prone to:
Human error
Inconsistent standards
Variations in what "counts" as living space
In a high-stakes market like Los Angeles, even a 50-square-foot discrepancy can impact decisions worth tens of thousands of dollars.
Walz Street Photography Solves This with LiDAR Precision
At Walz Street Photography, we use LiDAR-based scanning to produce floor plans with accuracy down to less than an inch. Our scanning technology maps your property in 3D, eliminating guesswork and ensuring both agents and buyers are working with facts—not fluff.
Key Benefits:
Ultra-accurate measurements
Faster turnaround than manual floor plans
More credibility in your listing
Optional ANSI-compliant deliverables (meeting appraisal and underwriting standards)
ANSI-Compliant Floor Plans: What Are They?
ANSI (American National Standards Institute) provides the gold standard for how residential square footage should be measured. If you're selling in Los Angeles and want a floor plan that aligns with industry regulations, we can deliver a fully ANSI-compliant measurement report.
This is especially useful for:
Appraisers
New construction sales
Properties over 2,000+ sq ft
Avoiding post-sale disputes about size
Final Thoughts: Honest Square Footage Builds Trust
Whether you’re a listing agent, a homeowner, or a buyer, accuracy matters. In a market like Los Angeles, transparency builds trust—and trust sells homes faster.
If you’re listing a home and want floor plans that are accurate, professional, and ready for today’s tech-savvy buyers, reach out to Walz Street Photography. We bring precision, honesty, and cutting-edge tech to every shoot.
Serving Los Angeles and Surrounding Areas
Residential and Commercial Real Estate Photography
Drone • Floor Plans • Video • Virtual Tours
Book your next shoot at www.walzstreetphotography.com