[Laurawilcox]

When we were looking to make a similar decision on whether to pay for a premium lot of some sort, my realtor friend said it seems expensive the day you buy it, but it determines how you feel about living there. We bought on a preserve and have total privacy. That has been amazing for us. Several homes went on the market in our village and the difference between a $690,000 home and those going for over 1 million was the view. None of them were premier style with high ceilings, etc.

I wish we had someone in local real estate who could tell us the percentage of homes that have view lots versus those without, as well as the number of view homes with pools, that will tell us the exclusivity, which is what drives price andthat will also help you understand why it retains value.

I have also seen homes where people design amazing landscaping around the back of their homes so they create their own privacy from a visual standpoint usually adding an enclosed glass room for sound abatement from kissing lanais. Quite a bit less expensive but not the same resale as a true view.