The Nashville perspective

Feature scarcity: count documented matches, failures and unknowns

A feature search should distinguish a verified match from a missing field. Sparse listing data cannot prove a feature is absent.

A hypothetical step-free-entry filter

Among 80 fictional active listings, 12 have a verified qualifying entry, 48 are known not to qualify and 20 lack enough information. The verified-match share is 15% of all 80 listings. Among the 60 known records it is 20%. Neither percentage means only that many homes could qualify after a visit.

ClassificationCount
Verified matches12
Known non-matches48
Unknown20
All-listing verified-match share12 ÷ 80 = 15%

Write a feature definition someone else can repeat

For step-free entry, state which entrance and route were observed, whether thresholds were measured and what remains unverified. For a first-floor bedroom, distinguish a room label from a usable layout and required access. Save the source and observation date. Do not convert a marketing phrase such as “accessible” into a certified design claim.

Make another reviewer able to repeat the classification

Define the exact feature, acceptable evidence and exclusions before counting. For step-free access, specify the full route to the required living spaces rather than relying on a listing label. Keep unknowns distinct from failures and confirmed matches. The share of records with documented evidence is not automatically the prevalence of the feature in all local housing.

Sources & further reading

  1. CFPB determine a comfortable home budget checked 2026-09-26

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