First Time Buyers in Clintonville - Part 4: A Tree Grows in Clintonville (And Right Into the Garage)
A quick note before we dig in:
As always, I’m sharing this story a bit after the fact. As much as I wanted to post each twist and turn in real time, it was important to protect my clients’ negotiating position every step of the way.
How a Picture-Perfect Tree Nearly Toppled the Deal
This sweet 1920s garage had character—and a not-so-small problem growing right beside it. At first glance: storybook charm. A closer look? Structural stress, fire hazard, and a tricky decision ahead.
When my first-time buyers first saw the backyard of their Clintonville craftsman, they lit up. Yes, the house had charm for days—but that giant shade tree, stretching over the yard and filtering golden light through its branches? That was love at first sight.
They pictured lazy weekends in the hammock, string lights glowing under the canopy, maybe even a tree swing someday.
But on Inspection Day, that picture changed.
Yes, we knew the tree was pushing up against the detached garage—one of those “we’ll deal with it later” quirks you sometimes accept with older homes. But what we didn’t expect?
The roots were compromising the garage’s foundation and structural integrity
If left in place, the position of the tree and the extensive surface roots would make rebuilding the garage nearly impossible
And most seriously: the power lines were literally resting on the branches—posing a very real fire hazard
A moment of decision: charm meets reality when an old tree and an old garage share the same small space.
The timing wasn’t ideal. With just three business days to respond to the inspection results, and with most local tree companies booked weeks out during their busiest season, we had to move fast. So, I called in a few favors. We lined up three professional estimates—fast—for full removal and stump grinding, including the added challenges of power line proximity and alley-only access to the backyard. The tree wasn’t just big. It was a logistical puzzle.
And the quotes? Five digits. To remove one of the features they initially liked most about the home. Ouch.
The sellers were initially resistant to making any concessions. However, we reminded them that they had listed the home with a “1-car garage,” even though, in its current state, it wasn’t truly functional. My buyers took the high road: they shared their quotes for removal and garage reconstruction, but made it clear that they weren’t asking the sellers to rebuild the garage—only to acknowledge the cost of safely removing the tree.
Armed with solid numbers, a level-headed approach, and a clear explanation of the safety risks and structural implications, my clients were able to negotiate a fair solution—and decide with confidence whether this home was still the right fit.
It wasn’t easy. It wasn’t cheap. But it was honest—and smart. And ultimately, that’s what good home buying looks like.
Buying an older home often comes with surprises like this one—some charming, some challenging. But when you combine level-headed strategy with a little perspective, the lessons you learn along the way make the home (and the story) that much richer.
📖 Catch up on the story so far:
Stay tuned for the final chapter in their journey—because there’s still more to come on this classic Clintonville bungalow and the thoughtful, strategic decisions that brought it home.
