Residential Measurement Standard

YES, Alberta has a Residential Measurement Standard (RMS).

This is a benefit for the Seller and the Buyer!

The RMS gives consumers, real estate professionals, and other industry professionals accurate and consistent property measurements

RECA - Property measurement is the process of identifying and quantifying the physical area of a property. A measurement standard is a consistent methodology to determine an area; such standards are based on transparent, uniform principles and protocols. The Residential Measurement Standard (RMS) contains nine principles, which licensed real estate professionals must follow when measuring residential properties. The RMS does not apply when real estate professionals measure non-residential properties, such as commercial, industrial, or retail premises. RECA does not require sellers or their real estate representatives to represent a property’s size when marketing it. However, if they are including property size in their listing information or marketing materials, it needs to be an accurate representation of the RMS area. 

Sellers

Although the Seller is not required to market the size of their home when for sale, many Real Estate Board’s require the Realtor® to market your home showing the RMS. 

Benefits of marketing the RMS:

• property size is often important to buyers and other real estate professionals  
• there is a standard all agents must follow
• sellers want their property size accurately described
• real estate appraisal professionals need comparable property measurements for appraisals
• it details what exactly is being measured

Buyers

When a Buyer is purchasing a home, size may be a factor, or at least a guide for them to use. There are many other factors, RMS is just one. 

Benefits of marketing the RMS:

• how property size factors into the buyer’s decision to purchase
• the relationship between property size and selling price
• the RMS: - what is included and excluded in the measurements - how professionals will take measurements and calculate them 
• if the property is a condominium: - the difference between the RMS area and the condominium unit registered size - what is included and excluded in the RMS area - what is included and excluded in the condominium unit registered size 
• the buyer’s options to determine property size, and their instructions

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