As we approach the new year, it's crucial for all members to be aware of upcoming changes to the Residential Measurement Standard (RMS) that will be effective from Jan. 1, 2024.
These changes are designed to enhance consistency and accuracy in property measurements, reducing the risk of unintentional misinformation and ensuring compliance with the industry standards set by the Real Estate Council of Alberta (RECA).
Are you listing a semi-detached or townhouse/row-style property? This update is for you!
Semi-detached properties (half duplexes) and single units in a row or townhouse-style property will now be measured using the exterior wall at the foundation.
As row/townhouse and semi-detached properties were deemed to be a style that is more similar to a detached property than an apartment-style property, the industry council deemed it appropriate to align the measurement method for all non-apartment properties.
Apartment-style condos measurement
Apartment-style condos will continue to be measured from paint to paint, providing a more precise representation of the living space.
For a comprehensive understanding of the changes, we encourage all members to visit RECA's RMS page and review this guide that outlines the new standards for measurement.
These changes have been carefully considered and approved by the Residential Real Estate Broker Industry Council, with the goal of improving measurement accuracy and consistency across the industry.
Did you know?
When listing a detached, semi-detached (AKA half-duplex) or row/townhouse property, if it has an upper floor, the upper floor areas should also be taken from the exterior, not paint to paint. Don’t know how thick the upstairs exterior walls are? That’s okay. This measurement can be assumed by using the width of a door frame.
Avoiding a measurement migraine
We understand that semi-detached properties (half duplexes) and row/townhouse-style properties will have larger square footage under the 2024 RMS. If the seller deems it advantageous to apply the 2024 RMS to their property that was listed before Jan. 1, 2024, listing agents can remeasure the property using measurements from the exterior foundation.
Suppose you remeasure to align with the 2024 RMS. In that case, as a professional courtesy, please indicate that the property has been remeasured so that information is available to active buyers and their agents, and the historical MLS® System data will remain valuable when doing CMAs.
Should members choose to apply the 2024 RMS to properties that were listed before Jan. 1, 2024, please:
- Disclose in the remarks “2024 RMS measurement used” or something similar.
AND
- Ensure the RMS supplement matches the total above-grade square footage entered on the MLS® System.
Introducing the Below Grade Measurement Standard (BGMS)
RECA has introduced the BGMS. The BGMS is separate from the RMS and only applies to properties with developed space below grade. If an agent chooses to advertise below-grade square footage, they must adhere to the BGMS for accurate measurements.
BGMS principles
Principle 1 - The BGMS only applies to floor levels below grade.
Principle 2 - All measurements are to be taken at the exterior of the foundation.
Principle 3 - All developed floor areas included in the measurements must have a ceiling height of no less than 60 inches or 1.52 meters.
Principle 4 - All measurements must be clearly shown on a diagram, with the excluded area identified. Below grade diagram/ measurements must form part of the listing file.
RECA has shared that developed floor areas mean spaces that have been finished to a similar standard as the rest of the property, with the understanding that in many homes, the basement will have a lower standard of finishing than the rest of the home.
BGMS and MLS® listings
We understand that Pillar 9™ has been working with RECA to collect the necessary BGMS information to consider appropriate adjustments for the MLS® System. We’ll continue to work with Pillar 9™ to discuss optimization opportunities so the MLS® System remains valuable to your business.
As we move towards 2024, let's ensure a smooth transition to the updated standards and continue to uphold the highest level of professionalism in our industry.
ICYMI: Click here to watch a recording of the RMS and BGMS changes webinar RECA hosted on Dec. 8.
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