Yes, that stinks, but the new owner is free to do as he pleases. Everyone has different goals.
When I plant, I like to make sure the front door is not shaded. I found that when the front door is shaded, its an invitation for mosquitoes. Also a nice breeze helps keep them away too since they aren't strong flyers.
I plant for comfort (sun, wind, shade), convenience, either to preserve or block a view. I like to keep a buffer zone around my house to experience the beautiful night sky, keep the wind breeze, have grass to enjoy (for kids and pets), avoid leaves off front and rear patios etc. This may include using dwarf (condo) trees and/or palms around the house. Small fruit gets placed on walking paths as to get picked/observed without going out of the way. Snack trees like guavas, loquats, and sapodilla near kids play areas to encourage them to snack on fruits.
When I had a small lot, I had 2 or 3 fruit trees. Its hard to put much thought into it. Its either do or don't. Many homeowners just want grass for easy maintenance.