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Rainmaker
1,624,853
Inna Ivchenko
Barcode Properties - Encino, CA
Realtor® • GRI • HAFA • PSC Calabasas CA

In CA the bedroom has to have a closet space and have at least one window. Closet should be build in( not mandatory, but preferable). The local codes are very specific on the measurements( room, window, heights, etc.) A bedroom must also have 2 exits (a window is considered one). The minimum ceiling height is 7'6."

I'd suggest to check your local codes to get the exact information. 

Nov 08, 2015 11:56 AM
Rainmaker
5,240,021
Wayne Martin
Wayne M Martin - Chicago, IL
Real Estate Broker - Retired

Fred, in Florida, no closet or window, not in the bedroom count!

Nov 08, 2015 07:46 PM
Ambassador
2,684,669
Fred Griffin Florida Real Estate
Fred Griffin Real Estate - Tallahassee, FL
Licensed Florida Real Estate Broker

The differences of opinion so far seem to be:

(1)  State or local Building Code requirements

(2)  Lender requirements

(3)  USPAP (Uniform Standards of Professional Appraisal Practice)

(4)  Older homes where clothes are hung in a free-standing piece of furniture.

                   Keep those answers coming, thank you!

Nov 08, 2015 12:11 PM
Rainmaker
1,728,256
Sandy Padula & Norm Padula, JD, GRI
HomeSmart Realty West & Florida Realty Investments - , CA
Presence, Persistence & Perseverance

That is the general rule in FL and CA, but recently an AR member posted a contrary ruling. If I was a buyer, I would require a 'bedroom' have a closet.

Nov 08, 2015 08:35 PM
Rainmaker
5,113,121
Nina Hollander, Broker
Coldwell Banker Realty - Charlotte, NC
Your Greater Charlotte Realtor

In our mls it's supposed to have a door, window and closet to be called a bedroom for listing purposes.

Nov 08, 2015 06:28 PM
Rainmaker
2,538,633
Joe Petrowsky
Mortgage Consultant, Right Trac Financial Group, Inc. NMLS # 2709 - Manchester, CT
Your Mortgage Consultant for Life

Good morning Fred. Most appraisers do not use the term bedroom if there is not closet.

Make it a great week!

Nov 08, 2015 04:52 PM
Rainer
321,564
Melissa Jackson REALTOR
Trinity Premier Properties - Azle, TX
Helping You Make The Right Move

On our MLS if a room has no closet it's not listed as a bedroom. I've seen the agent make remarks that 2nd room has no closet and could be office or bedroom.  I agree with Debbie, if they leave an armoire or equivalent it should be fine.   

Nov 08, 2015 01:09 PM
Rainmaker
979,596
Troy Erickson AZ Realtor (602) 295-6807
HomeSmart - Chandler, AZ
Your Chandler, Ahwatukee, and East Valley Realtor

Fred - In order for a room to be called a bedroom, I have always felt that it needs a closet. However, I am not the deciding factor.

Nov 08, 2015 12:16 PM
Rainmaker
530,966
Gary Coles (International Referrals)
Venture Realty International - Las Vegas, NV
Latin America Real Estate

It depends on local requirements and codes and also the lender.

Nov 08, 2015 12:14 PM
Rainmaker
5,772,587
Ron and Alexandra Seigel
Napa Consultants - Carpinteria, CA
Luxury Real Estate Branding, Marketing & Strategy

Fred,

Bedroom has to have a closet in our neck of the woods.  A

Nov 08, 2015 11:40 AM
Ambassador
3,167,714
Tammy Lankford,
Lane Realty Eatonton, GA Lake Sinclair, Milledgeville, 706-485-9668 - Eatonton, GA
Broker GA Lake Sinclair/Eatonton/Milledgeville

in my market it needs three things.  closet, emergency egress and large enough septic system to cover the bedroom count.

Nov 08, 2015 11:09 AM
Rainmaker
634,532
Kathleen Luiten
Resort and Second-Home Specialist - Princeville, HI
Kauai Luxury Ocean Home Sales

In Hawaii we can't list it as a bedroom unless it has a closet. Check your state and county rules to see what your area defines as a "bedroom".

Nov 08, 2015 11:06 AM
Rainmaker
3,988,013
Debbie Reynolds, C21 Platinum Properties
Platinum Properties- (931)771-9070 - Clarksville, TN
The Dedicated Clarksville TN Realtor-(931)320-6730

I have spoken with appraisers in my area and they say it doesn't have to have a closet because your could use an armoire like they did in older houses before closets. It does have to have a window of the appropriate size for egress.

Nov 08, 2015 10:40 AM
Rainmaker
1,525,616
Sybil Campbell
Fernandina Beach, FL
Referral Agent Amelia Island Florida

Fred, I believe it does have to have a closet to be considered a "conforming" bedroom.

Nov 08, 2015 09:54 AM
Rainmaker
3,071,489
Tony and Suzanne Marriott, Associate Brokers
Serving the Greater Phoenix and Scottsdale Metropolitan Area - Scottsdale, AZ
Haven Express @ Keller Williams Arizona Realty

Yes

 

Nov 08, 2015 09:09 AM
Rainmaker
2,817,727
Debbie Gartner
The Flooring Girl - White Plains, NY
The Flooring Girl & Blog Stylist -Dynamo Marketers

IMO, it should.  However, I have learned from some that there are some exceptions...I believe if house is over a certain age and they seem to be "grandfathered in" if seller leaves armoire or equivalent that transfers to new owner.  I know I've seen at least 2 older houses like this.  I don't know the cut off year.

Nov 08, 2015 09:02 AM
Rainmaker
3,986,308
William Feela
WHISPERING PINES REALTY - North Branch, MN
Realtor, Whispering Pines Realty 651-674-5999 No.

Most lenders require it

Nov 08, 2015 09:00 AM
Rainmaker
2,443,250
Evelyn Johnston
Friends & Neighbors Real Estate - Elkhart, IN
The People You Know, Like and Trust!

Yes, a room has to have a closet to be considered a bedroom.

Nov 08, 2015 08:51 AM
Rainmaker
443,220
Cindy Davis
SD Home Source Realty - San Diego, CA

I've always thought a bedroom required a closet although I have seen listing agents describe 2X4 cubbies as bedrooms! :)

Nov 08, 2015 08:50 AM
Rainmaker
4,319,773
Praful Thakkar
LAER Realty Partners - Burlington, MA
Metro Boston Homes For Sale

Fred Griffin to best of my knowledge, a closet is required for the bedroom.

I go by town records if there is a difference of opinion with the sellers.

Nov 09, 2015 08:29 AM
Rainer
67,369
Evelyn M Epperson
Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage - Johns Creek, GA
A Tradition Of [Excellence, Trust & Service]

Ga Apprasier require a closet to consider the room as a bedroom.

Nov 09, 2015 06:45 AM
Rainmaker
1,664,236
John McCormack, CRS
Albuquerque Homes Realty - Albuquerque, NM
Honesty, Integrity, Results, Experienced. HIRE Me!

In NM a bedroom has to have a closet.  Even a tiny one counts. 

Nov 08, 2015 09:46 PM
Rainmaker
1,513,143
Raymond E. Camp
Ontario, NY

From FHA: c. Bedrooms 24. The acceptability of a bedroom requires windows or a door that can accommodate 25. ingress/egress, especially in an emergency, regardless of location above or below grade.

https://www.google.com/url?sa=t&rct=j&q=&esrc=s&source=web&cd=1&cad=rja&uact=8&ved=0CB0QFjAAahUKEwiVgdHArIPJAhUBlx4KHeBSBhY&url=http%3A%2F%2Fportal.hud.gov%2Fhudportal%2Fdocuments%2Fhuddoc%3Fid%3DSFH_POLI_APPR_PROP.pdf&usg=AFQjCNETCrH3F61W0C3OyYHAlencpVd4og&sig2=s45S_MRQvn0s5QABtbLgig

Nov 08, 2015 08:35 PM
Rainmaker
846,475
Marco Giancola
Beachfront Realty - Miami Beach, FL
Realtor (305)608-1922, Miami Beach Florida

Hi Fred-YES and a window!

Nov 08, 2015 07:19 PM
Rainmaker
2,759,812
TeamCHI - Complete Home Inspections, Inc.
Complete Home Inspections, Inc. - Brentwood, TN
Home Inspectons - Nashville, TN area - 615.661.029

 Good Monday morning Fred. It is always been my understanding that a bedroom has to have a closet and an emergency means of egress. Often a window will serve that purpose.

Nov 08, 2015 05:35 PM
Ambassador
6,418,755
Bob Crane
Woodland Management Service / Woodland Real Estate, KW Diversified - Stevens Point, WI
Forestland Experts! 715-204-9671

I have had plenty of homes with bedrooms without closets.

 

Nov 08, 2015 03:29 PM
Rainmaker
1,506,163
Ryan Huggins - Thousand Oaks, CA
https://HugginsHomes.com - Thousand Oaks, CA
Residential Real Estate and Investment Properties

In california, to the best of my knowledge, you need a window and a dresser or closet.

Nov 08, 2015 01:37 PM
Rainmaker
1,683,912
Larry Johnston
Broker, Friends & Neighbors Real Estate and Elkhart County Subdivisions, LLC - Elkhart, IN
Broker,Friends & Neighbors Real Estate, Elkhart,IN

Yes

Nov 08, 2015 11:59 AM
Rainmaker
2,224,473
Debbie Laity
Cedaredge Land Company - Cedaredge, CO
Your Real Estate Resource for Delta County, CO

Does the room have any other features? Does it have a window? You have to have a window in my market. Is it heated? What do the lenders in your area require. A closet doesn't make a room a bedroom. You can always have something in which to store your clothes. 

Nov 08, 2015 10:54 AM
Ambassador
3,863,492
Margaret Rome Baltimore 410-530-2400
HomeRome Realty 410-530-2400 - Pikesville, MD
Sell Your Home With Margaret Rome

I have had sellers add a small closet to an extra room with a window and voila we have a bedroom.

Nov 08, 2015 10:05 AM
Rainmaker
1,241,879
Sam Shueh
(408) 425-1601 - San Jose, CA
mba, cdpe, reopro, pe

A bed room has to have a wardrobe or built in closet. Unless the house had a bedroom before. In that case you state: Bedroom was converted to become an office but can convert back..... It can be a deduction on the adjustment.

Sam Shueh

Nov 08, 2015 10:04 AM
Rainmaker
971,083
Frank Rubi
Frank Rubi Real Estate, LLC - Metairie, LA
FrankRubiRealEstate.com

Yes some sort of closet. 

Nov 08, 2015 09:51 AM
Rainmaker
5,877,905
Joan Cox
House to Home, Inc. - Denver Real Estate - 720-231-6373 - Denver, CO
Denver Real Estate - Selling One Home at a Time

Have added an armoir to a room with a window to make it an official bedroom.   A loft without a closet should not be considered a bedroom.

Nov 08, 2015 09:27 AM
Rainmaker
2,400,425
Bob "RealMan" Timm
Ward County Notary Services - Minot, ND
Owner of Ward Co Notary Services retired RE Broker

I don't know if it's a State thing or what but here it has to have a closet BUT I think you can even add a armorer and it's ok.

Nov 08, 2015 09:18 AM
Rainmaker
1,386,774
Joyce Marsh
Joyce Marsh Real Estate LLC - Daytona Beach, FL
Joyce Marsh Homes

Yes Fred I'm in agreement with most of the comments here regarding min ceiling height, one window and a closet to classify as a bedroom. 

Nov 15, 2015 02:39 AM
Rainmaker
4,478,856
Endre Barath, Jr.
Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices California Properties - Beverly Hills, CA
Realtor - Los Angeles Home Sales 310.486.1002

It has to have a closet as well as a window from my understanding,E

Nov 12, 2015 03:37 PM
Rainmaker
282,018
Nancy Robinson Ranked #6 in MI
Century 21 Town and Country - Royal Oak, MI
#11 Century21 Realtor in the US, #16 in the World

In Michigan we need a closet a window and a door. If its on the second floor  and there is  a slanted roof,  or a home with a  walk out basement the room measurements start where there is a five foot knee wall or exterior clearance.  However, if the home was built round the 1900's many of them did not have closets as people used wardrobes.

Nov 10, 2015 10:45 AM
Rainmaker
1,731,203
Rob Thomas
Prestige Homes of The Tri Cities, Inc. CALL....423-341-6954 - Bristol, TN
Bristol TN-VA & Tri Cities Agent, ABR, GRI, e-Pro

Fred ....Some say you have to have a closet and a window ....I think it definitely needs a closet ....not sure about the window ....

Great question!

Nov 10, 2015 03:01 AM
Rainmaker
473,113
Katina Hargrove 352-551-0308
Stake Your Land Realty, Inc. - Eustis, FL
Broker/Owner, SFR®, e-PRO®, GRI, AHWD, REALTOR®

Good morning Fred,

Here in Florida a room must have a closet in order to be consider a bedroom. If not it is simply consider a bonus room:)

Nov 09, 2015 08:55 PM
Rainer
81,507
Louis Snitkin
Halstead Property - Manhattan, NY
"Results That Will Move You"

The rules definitely vary from state to state.  We have different codes for existing buildings and new construction.

We have a lot of brownstones, and several apartment buildings, here in Manhattan that don't have closets in the bedrooms. Hangers began to be used in 1850, and didn't really become popular for another 30 years. Prior to that, people stored their clothes (mostly flat) in armoires or on hooks. I believe that to be considered a bedroom, it has to have a specified ceiling height, and a window. The size of the window needs to meet specs to allow egress in case of emergency.

We also have some apartments here that are the size of closets, but that's a different issue.

Nov 09, 2015 05:03 AM
Rainmaker
212,755
Stefan Winter
Real Estate in IL & NV | Owner of Real Estate Web Tech | Daily Vlogger - Las Vegas, NV
Owner - Winter Group & Real Estate Web Tech

In the states I am licensed in by law to consider a room a bedroom it has to have a closet and a window someone can easily get in or out off incase of a fire etc.

Nov 09, 2015 02:50 AM
Rainmaker
5,583,328
Barbara Todaro
RE/MAX Executive Realty - Happily Retired - Franklin, MA
Previously Affiliated with The Todaro Team

every bedroom needs a closet, as far as I know....and the septic system needs to reflect the number of bedrooms allowed.... 

Nov 08, 2015 10:36 PM
Rainmaker
1,466,257
Michael Setunsky
Woodbridge, VA
Your Commercial Real Estate Link to Northern VA

Fred Griffin In my area, a bedroom has to have a closet and a point of ingress/egress (window) to be classified a bedroom.

Nov 08, 2015 10:27 PM
Rainmaker
3,416,038
Scott Godzyk
Godzyk Real Estate Services - Manchester, NH
One of the Manchester NH's area Leading Agents

IT SURE DOES, i wrote about this last week in a heate ddebate with another agent who listed a 3 br home as 6 bedrooms. Most often a bedroom has to have a closet, full window, heat and an entrance that does not have to go through another room,. 

Nov 08, 2015 10:14 PM
Rainmaker
913,568
Jeff Pearl
RE/MAX Distinctive / LIC in VA - Lovettsville, VA
Full Service Full Time Realtor

Not in Virginia. In VA a bedroom must have 2 ways to exit-one to rest of house and one directly to outside. Window must be min of 5.7 square feet and can't be more then 44" above floor. No locking bars on windows. Can't enter through another bedroom. Min square feet of bedroom is 70 and if 2 persons share bedroom you need 50 square feet per person. So a 2 kid bedroom has to be 100 SF. Min ceiling height is 7'. Bedrooms must have heat source ( not portable heaters), and natural ventilation. State, county, city, and town codes could vary.

Nov 08, 2015 09:35 PM
Rainmaker
1,056,432
Candice A. Donofrio
Next Wave RE Investments LLC Bullhead City AZ Commercial RE Broker - Fort Mohave, AZ
928-201-4BHC (4242) call/text

We need a built-in closet to call it a bedroom in our MLS. I think a closing door and probably window as well. Agents take liberties with descriptions. I recently saw a storage closet in a living area called a 'second master' and a bathroom in a garage called a 'casita', LOL!

Nov 08, 2015 09:23 PM
Rainmaker
1,553,599
Thomas J. Nelson, REALTOR ® e-Pro CRS RCS-D Vets
Big Block Realty 858.232.8722 - La Jolla, CA
CEO of Vision Drive Realty - Coastal San Diego

Closet & window or it's not a bedroom.

Nov 08, 2015 08:58 PM
Rainmaker
2,375,711
Lise Howe
Keller Williams Capital Properties - Washington, DC
Assoc. Broker in DC, MD, VA and attorney in DC

I love the question - lots of regional differences.

Nov 08, 2015 08:58 PM