What should be counted as a room?

Very often buyers are surprised to find out that the MLS listing says that the house has 5 rooms but in reality it has only 3. Why do some buyers think that a small room in the back is a bedroom?

In some states rooms are counted in a different way. For example, in Utah and Missouri a room without a closet is not counted, at least it is not counted as a bedroom. In California a room should have a closet and a window to be a bedroom. The erected curtain in the room makes the room to be counted. In some places home owners think that a combined kitchen and a dining room can be considered as two rooms as the functions of these areas are clearly divided and there is enough space between them.

In other states, for example, in Maine everything below grade or without heating is not counted for square footage but it is considered legitimate space (just for listing). If you have a big room completely finished but in the basement shouldn’t be considered but, in reality, it is.

In fact, if you like the place and neighborhood it’s a good idea to visit the house and compare what is listed and what is in reality.