The importance of a backyard

I thought I’d post to gather other people’s thoughts.  As I’ve said before, we’re in the early stages of looking for a brownstone in Brooklyn.  We’re definitely willing to overlook a lot of flaws, but a tiny backyard seems to be one of my dealbreakers.  To me, that’s one of the major benefits of living in a brownstone as opposed to a condo.  It’s like your own private sanctuary where you can grill, entertain, let your kids and/or pets play, etc.  Yet I’m amazed at how many places on the market right now have tiny-to-nonexistant back yards (a few examples below).  Is this more common that I realize?  Do you think I’m overrating the benefit of a yard?   635 10th St: http://bktothefullest.blogspot.com/2012/03/park-slope-under-2m-635-10th-street.html 177 Carroll St: http://streeteasy.com/nyc/sale/659984-multi-177-carroll-street-carroll-gardens-brooklyn 233 Garfield: http://streeteasy.com/nyc/sale/659384-multi-233-garfield-place-park-slope-brooklyn