Question about square footage (Syracuse, Manlius: real estate, houses, living)

[Fodder]

Due to a promotion/relocation, it looks like Syracuse here we come!! We are primarily considering the areas of Baldwinsville, Manlius or Jamestown-DeWitt those areas appear to deliver most of what we are looking for. So, I have been living on the well known real estate listing site for the past week and my question is this: What is the rule of thumb in the area regarding the measurement of a houses square footage? It appears that sometimes the basement is included in the measurement, sometimes not. I would like to compare apples to apples and that information would be helpful.

[skaneatelesmom]

As a realtor, I never include the basement in the overall square footage. I will state in the listing that the house ALSO has xx square feet in the basement. Some realtors include it in the ad as part of the house. I think that can be misleading, so I don't. I wish there was one answer, but there isn't. Your realtor can make calls and find out. Also, on the MLS system that we use, the realtors usually make a separate note if they have included the basement in the overall s/f.
Good luck with your move.
Joanne (Skaneatelesmom)