ACCESSIBLE HOME SEARCH

What features to consider – By Dean Burgess

Accessible housing is extremely important for the 48 million households that have one or more residents who are 65 or older, have a disability, or both, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. If you or a loved one happen to be one of them, you already know how challenging this can be. Here are some tips that can help with your search for an accessible home.

Evaluate Finances You’ll need to familiarize yourself with the mortgage process. Use a mortgage calculator to estimate monthly payments based on the purchase price, down payment, interest rate, and loan length to decide what you can afford. Better yet, get preapproved, so you know what you’ll qualify for and what you’ll pay.

Know Your Rights Research the Fair Housing Act before buying an accessible home. It prevents discrimination when buying or renting a home for many reasons, including disability. It applies to the seller, lender, and real estate agent, so you have protections against discrimination throughout the home-buying process.

Find the Right Agent Find a real estate agent with experience in accessible homes. They’re better able to locate accessible homes or spot a home that could easily be modified. They might also have connections with a handyman service to make modifications.

Consider Necessities Be clear with your agent about the accessibility you need. For mobility, a home with a wheelchair ramp or zero-step entry, wide hallways, lots of floor space, lower countertops, and wide doors is ideal. Use this list to evaluate homes.

Assess Homes Finding a home in your price range with all the features you need is not always possible. Consider what you can live without or what you can add later. Purchasing a home “as-is” can save a little money to put toward remodeling and reconfiguring your new house. You can even filter house finding sites to see what’s available. Consider the conditions of the housing market to determine whether it’s a good time to buy. And take into consideration things like access to public transportation and school quality.

Consider Modifications It can be difficult to find a home that’s already accessible. Look at the structure to see if additional modifications are possible and easy to do. For instance, if the home doesn’t have a ramp, does it have plenty of space near the entry to add one? Consulting with a handyman can give you an idea of possible modifications, costs, and the amount of work involved. Consider the cost of the home and the modifications to ensure it fits your overall budget.

Working with the right professionals helps you find an accessible home that fits your needs. So, take some time to assemble a team you know you can trust and begin looking for that perfect accessible home.