A View Is Pretty but Will It Last?

Let’s face it, when home buyers are winnowing their purchase options, the “million-dollar” view can be an aesthetic magnet.

After all, who would want to look out a window day after day at a brick wall, alley or even a neighbor’s backyard, when they could gaze at mountains or the sparkling lights of an incandescent downtown?

That view, though, despite the premium paid for it, is more precarious than many people think. And many cities with those delectable panoramas don’t have ordinances or codes related to the views for which they’re famous.

Homeowners, in fact, have no rights to a view, unless it’s been granted in writing by a law or subdivision rule, according to Nolo Press, which publishes a variety of books and guides on legal issues for consumers.

So it’s best, before buying, to ask if city or county codes and laws protect that enticing view, or whether a homeowners association makes a point to enforce its own restrictions on view blocking.

And always do your own check: Are there young trees that could grow into a problem? Or does the neighbor plan any building additions that could sour that breathtaking view?