Important information about the way that your property will be measured for display as an MLS® Listing by ComFree.

RMS Guidelines:

1. The Real Estate Council of Alberta requires all brokerages to adhere to the Residential Measurement Standard (RMS) when measuring and advertising properties.
2. Identify if the measurement system is metric or imperial and apply it consistently. Measurements must be calculated within 2%.
3. For detached properties, measure the property using the exterior wall at foundation.
4. For semi-detached and townhouse properties, measure the property using the exterior wall at the foundation. If the thickness of the demising wall(s) cannot be determined, the thickness of an exterior wall shall be used.
5. For apartment-style condominiums, measure the interior perimeter walls (paint-to-paint) at floor level. An additional area representation may be made assuming exterior measurements.
6. Include floor levels that are entirely above grade and exclude floor levels if any portion is below grade. Below grade may be measured, but they are not included in RMS area.
7. Include all additions to the main structure and conversions of above-grade areas within the structure if they are weatherproof and suitable for year-round use.
8. The property must have a minimum floor-to-ceiling height of 2.13 m (7 feet). If the ceiling is sloped, the area with a floor-to-ceiling height of at least 1.5m (5 feet) is included in RMS area, provided there is a ceiling height of 2.13m (7 feet) somewhere in the room.
9. Include extensions from the main structure that have a minimum floor-to-ceiling height of 1.5 m (5 feet) such as cantilevers, bay and bow windows, and dormers.
10. Exclude open areas that have no floor (e.g., vaulted areas).

Correlation between property size and asking price: Some sellers and buyers may think there is a direct correlation and proportional relationship between the sale price and the size of the property, but this is often not the case. The precise correlation depends on the specific circumstances of the transaction. Size is often only one factor in assessing the asking and selling price of a residential property. While some buyers are concerned only with property size, others base their price decisions on multiple variables that may determine the property’s suitability. It is wise to consider the other factors that differentiate the comparable properties such as location, layout, style, modernization, finishing, amenities, fixtures, and even the direction the home faces. As a result, small size differences between properties may not affect the sale price.

Condominiums: Difference between RMS and the condominium unit registered size. The area that is included in your unit’s registered size as set out on the condo plan may differ from the RMS area. Registered size may include below-grade areas, storage lockers, garages, balconies, and even wall thickness. If these types of inclusions are made, the total size will differ from the RMS area.

Sellers are not required by law to represent the size of their property. However, Real Estate Boards require that all MLS® listings show property size. Therefore, if you have an MLS® listing, you must show RMS area.