SWMLS has scheduled a series of changes in 2015 to better improve the listing data and to comply with national data standards.  To learn more about the full changes that are scheduled to occur this year and why we are making them please read this article from August 8th.  This purpose of this guide is to provide a clear understanding of the MLS definitions of stories, levels, and split-level to ensure the MLS listing data is reported consistently.  

Description of field changes that will be made in SWMLS on October 1, 2015

• # of Stories – This change will affect the selection choices for Stories. The Stories option will change to a numeric input field and will allow choices for 1, 2, 3, 4 or 5 story structures (currently is 1, 2, 3+).
• Split-Level – As part of this change Split-Level will no longer be a choice for # of Stories and will be entered as a Style Detail.

Definition of Stories, Levels, and Split Level

Some home designs maybe have different floors, levels, or stories and may cause confusion for you or your seller on how to report it on the listing. When you are not sure on how to report split level and story information consider using ANSI national standards for guidance. 

The MLS definitions for stories, levels, and split-level are based on guidelines from the American National Standard for Single-Family residential buildings (ANSI) and the Real Estate Standard Organization (RESO).

• Standard definition of Stories – The number of floors in the property.
• Standard definition of Level - Areas of the house that are vertically within two feet of the same horizontal plane.
• Standard definition of Split-Level – A composite between a one-story and two-story dwelling.   Having a room or rooms higher than a lower level but less than a whole story between each level.

Comprehensive Guide showing examples of Stories with or without a Split-Level floor.  The examples presented are to help the listing broker make a determination on how to report the # of Stories and identify the presence of a Split-Level floor in the property for sale.  The guide is also available as a single document and can be downloaded here.  

Image 1.  # of Stories: 2  Split-Level = No

Image 2.  # of Stories: 1  Split-Level = No

Image 3.  # of Stories: 2  Split-Level = YES

Image 4.  # of Stories: 3  Split-Level = YES

Image 5.  # of Stories: 2  Split-Level = No

Image 6.  # of Stories: 2  Split-Level = YES

Image 7.  # of Stories: 2  Split-Level = YES

Image 8.  # of Stories: 2  Split-Level = YES

Image 9.  # of Stories: 2  Split-Level = YES

Image 10.  # of Stories: 2  Split-Level = YES

Image 11.  # of Stories: 2  Split-Level = YES

For questions about the upcoming changes to stories and levels please contact SWMLS at 843-8833.