In a previous post, I debated whether it’s better to buy a home with a large lot or one with an amazing view. One important point was that unlike the increasing number of square footage available, it is almost impossible to create or improve the view.
Of course, you he can add a level of visibility to the surrounding houses. But building a new 1,000-square-foot facility in San Francisco costs $1+ million and takes two years – if you can also get permission. Who has the money, time, or patience for that? And while you’re at it, you’ll need to relocate and pay a very high rent.
And let’s be real: the house in front of you will never voluntarily shrink to give you a better view. That would be like burning home equity for fun. In real estate, available square footage almost always equates to added value. Investors build up, not down.
When you buy a home with the potential to expand, you can rebuild or smartly reclaim wasted indoor space. Increasing the available square footage of a home is not easy, but it is more possible than improving the look of your home.
But there is something one way to improve your home’s vision: with foresight, luck, and a lot of patience. Let me describe a fortunate situation that occurred at one of my rental properties.
How I Can Improve My Home’s Appearance (and Increase Its Value)
In 2014, I bought a fixer-upper in Golden Gate Heights for $1.24 million. It was quiet, safe, and had amazing ocean views. My wife and I were unwilling to rent our old Marina District place for $7,600–$8,000 a month, so the obvious solution was to rent it to people who would willingly pay that amount.
At the time, I was only two years into early retirement. The economy was recovering, but we were also planning to start a family, and I had promised my wife that she could negotiate a severance package and retire early if our finances were still strong by the time she turned 35 in 2015.
After some exploring, I stumbled upon a tired old house with world-class views. I could see myself writing in the living room or on the deck in the future on warm days. But there was one problem: a large, wide sycamore tree partially obstructed the view of the lower level.
Researching the View Block Tree
During the purchase process, I saw an arborist cutting trees nearby and asked about eucalyptus. Its trunk was about four meters across, which means it was 120 years old. He also saw the first signs of the disease. Although cypress trees can live for 200 years, he didn’t think this one would.
“Worse situation,” I thought, “this tree probably has 30 years left.” If I hold on to the house long enough and pass it on to my future children, maybe they can finally enjoy an unobstructed ocean view. I was 34 at the time.
For the next eight years, the tree continued to grow, about 6 inches tall per year, sprouting bright red leaves every spring. I love trees (planted a few myself), but losing the ocean view so much was not good. At its rate of growth, it will soon block 50% of views from up quality too.
The shock of 2025: The tree is disappearing
Then in July 2025, 11 years after I bought the house, I came back from my 5 week trip to Honolulu and the tree was gone. Absolutely. Before we left there was; five weeks later, nada.
After politely asking over the years about cutting it down (and being turned down after doing so once), the neighbor decided to remove it completely. He said the tree has become a common sight as the branches are rotting and power lines are running through it. Removing it was the safest option.
A bad tree. But again… hallelujah!
Suddenly my partially obstructed low-level view was fully panoramic again. And I no longer have to worry about the high-level vision being affected, at least for another 120 years!
Home Value with a Better View
The view is undeniably better now than when I bought the home, and even better than after the tree grew 3-4 more feet.
So I began to think: What is the value of this advanced vision?
As a financial person, my gut says a better view is worth at least $100,000 more because I would happily pay $100,000 more for this home for a better view.
And this is partially supported by the fact that I would happily pay a $50,000 professional quote to remove that tree to improve my view. Since the neighbor paid for it instead, it felt like winning the $50,000 lottery and another $50,000 for a better view.
As a percentage of the property’s current value, $100,000 is about 4%. But measuring the value of an idea is difficult. Land, available square footage, interior quality, location, and views are key components of a home’s value. But panoramic ocean views can cost a small fortune. There are phrases like “million dollar views” and “priceless views” for a reason.
From the there is no view of i a wonderful sight can increase home value up to 50%, depending on comps. But my home did not go from zero to hero. It went from a “slightly obstructed view” to a “completely uninterrupted panoramic view.”
So honestly, I estimate the tree removal increased the value of my home 2%–4%, or $50,000–$100,000.
If I ever sell, I will include before and after photos, as I do with all remodels, to help buyers see the transformation and appreciate the time, cost, and effort behind it.
In my experience, the value of a remodel goes up when the buyer understands how much time and effort went into it. So keep a running spreadsheet of all items, costs, dates, and work completed, along with before and after photos.
How to Improve Your Vision: Study the Trees Around You
One of the sad aspects of aging is awareness nothing it lasts forever. Everything is falling apart. Everything needs maintenance, from cars, roofs, water heaters, even century-old cypress trees.
So if you are looking for a home with a great view but some obstacles related to a tree, remember: trees eventually die and must be removed for safety reasons. In addition, trees can be cut if you negotiate well with your neighbor.
Here’s what you should do before buying your home:
1. Study the surrounding trees
Spend time looking at all the trees that touch your line of sight.
Then hire a farmer or farmer for free who wants a business and ask:
- How many trees?
- What is its lifespan?
- Are there any symptoms of the disease?
- Is it binding?
A tree trimmer can provide rough estimates for free. In addition, you can upload a tree to ChatGPT or Claude and ask the same questions. Their answers are usually strong.
Please be aware of the potential liability of having a large tree on or near your property. A large branch or an entire tree can fall and damage your home during a severe storm. That’s why it’s important to understand the true cost of removal.
2. Ask a neighbor (politely)
Ask your agent to ask the listing agent to ask the neighbor if they are open to cutting. A better view increases the value of your home, and theirs too. They have to like that makes sense, especially if you’re paying for the cut.
Pruning also helps to improve the health of the tree, if done properly. But sometimes people need to be motivated.
Giving a gift or financial compensation works surprisingly well when it’s done right. I’m happy for my neighbors to cut down my trees for free, as long as the trees continue to provide privacy. I’m all about that cozy home feeling that comes with having lots of plants around.
3. If the neighbor says no…
It happens. Tree disputes have led to lawsuits, neighborhood fights, and bad blood. If they are not open to cutting, the only option is to estimate when the tree will eventually be removed.
Long-time residents sometimes hate it when potential new residents start asking for change. So, strategically, you may want to build a good relationship with your neighbors for several years, give them a lot of small things, and ask if you can pay to cut their trees. Your chances are much higher if you go this route.
4. Note the new construction
Trees are not the only visual hazards. Check:
- Pending permit applications for surrounding properties
- Scheduled renovations
- Whether neighbors can legally build
The view and air space are usually not protected. Then again, cities usually have rules where you can build as high as your neighbors.
It’s Not Weird To Think This Is A Long Way To See
Some people will think I’m crazy for calculating the lifespan of a tree to estimate future viewing power. But if you are facing a housing crisis, big money it is at risk.
Thinking is FREE. Not thinking can cost you hundreds of thousands.
I have spent 23+ years buying and selling real estate and I share what I learn so you can avoid costly mistakes. A home will likely be the largest purchase of your life. It can make you rich or make your life miserable.
Please do not opt out of professional testing after multiple self-tests. I don’t care how many people you bring to inspect the house when you visit multiple times, there is always something you will miss that will cost you money on the way.
My goal is to help you make the right financial decisions so you can achieve financial freedom soon.
And with a little foresight and luck, maybe you too can buy a home that magically gets a better view one day.
Readers, have you also improved the view of your home? If so, how did you do it and how much did it cost? Do you recognize the potential benefits and liabilities of trees in and around your property?
