Yard Improvements Index
This index represents the appearance, fitness, and features
of the landscape around a dwelling. It includes lawns, flower beds,
shrubbery, trees, walks, drives, fences, and patios. Determine indexing in
this category based on how the property compares to the real estate
market as a whole, not just to properties in the immediate neighborhood.
Consider the following factors in determining the yard improvements
index:
- Use the “excellent” classification for yard improvements representative of professional planning, landscaping, and maintenance. These yards should include features such as underground sprinkler systems, special gardens and lighting, gazebos, fish ponds, fountains, custom fencing, special planters.
- Use the “very good” classification to describe yard improvements reflecting above-average landscaping and maintenance. Yards in this category may have some of the features noted for the “excellent” classification.
- Use the “good” classification to describe a yard with typical features that reflect recurring maintenance.
- Use the “fair” classification to describe yards that display few improvements, little landscaping, and mediocre care.
- Use the “poor” classification to describe yards that have very little landscaping and show substantial neglect.
- Use the “none” classification to describe yards showing no sign of enhancement or care.
In developing an index number, there will be instances when
a dwelling will have improvements atypical of dwellings being studied.
In these cases the supplement preparer should use his/her judgment
to keep a reasonable relationship between the displacement and comparable
dwellings. The index system cannot solve all comparison problems
that may arise and is intended as a guide to be supplemented by
experience. Explain any interpolation of index numbers used to describe
a dwelling on form
for comparable dwellings
and on form
for the
displacement dwelling.