does the square footage of a listing include the garage?

No Square feet is normally living area only.

Does quality matter when there's a high demand for housing? Some homes are going under contract before photos even get added? Yet other consumers complain they can't tell enough about the photos b/c of the quality. Then you factor in out of town buyers who only look online until they come to purchase. What do you think? Is the quality of HAR/MLS photos still as important as it was in a down market?

The quality of photos online through HAR are the best introduction to any property. Too many photos are underexposed or poorly focused. Often they look to be taken by the agent with a smartphone. Since for most sellers their property is among their largest assets we also use a professional photographer and urge our clients to de-clutter the home so we see the home not their furnishings.

Can I list my house for sale on har.com without being an har member?

No, all listing are through members of HAR.com.However I am a flat fee broker. I will list your property for a small fee, you decide what if anything you'll pay the buyer's agent. Email me if you'd like information