Advice for Disabled Homebuyers Seeking Accessible Housing

If you’re a disabled individual entering the home-buying market, you have a lot of factors to take into consideration. You’ll probably have an idea of where you want to buy a home based on location and neighborhood, then there’s the school district to look into, as well as the price range, square footage, and the number of bedrooms. And of course, you’ll also need to bear in mind floor plans and accessibility, especially if you’re in a wheelchair. It’s a lot to take into account, and it takes time and plenty of patience to find what you’re looking for.

Using the internet and finding a knowledgeable and experienced real estate agent can help matters considerably. Keep an open mind and be willing to compromise throughout the process.

Online Resources

There aren’t a lot of resources available online for disabled house hunters, but you can find useful information and detailed listings on sites like Barrier Free Home, which includes basic information such as square footage and the number of bathrooms, as well as information about disabled accessibility features like external wheelchair ramps and stairway chair lifts. AMS Vans offers information about wheelchair-accessible houses and apartments, and Easy Living Homes is a voluntary certification program that encourages the addition of cost-effective features that improve accessibility in housing.

Mobility

If you’re a disabled person, finding a home with sufficient mobility means you need to look for properties with hallways and doorways wide enough to accommodate a wheelchair or other mobility assistive devices. Hard, smooth flooring (such as tile, cork or laminate) is preferable to carpeting where a wheelchair is involved, and smooth, even transitions between rooms is also an important feature. However, bear in mind that some things can be added or altered later, so don’t automatically dismiss homes that don’t have everything you’re looking for.

Modifications

Doorways should be at least 32 inches across, a modification that most contractors can handle, either with structural adaptations or through the installation of expandable door hinges. Threshold ramps provide level transitions between rooms. Bathroom accessibility is a major factor — grab rails near the toilet and in the shower/bathtub are essential, as is non-skid flooring in front of the toilet and sink, all of which can be easily added.

Creditworthy

Creditworthiness is a must-have if you intend to secure a mortgage loan on favorable terms. It’s advisable to know your credit score and review your credit report so you’re aware of any outstanding debt, can address inaccuracies, and formulate a plan for clearing up outstanding debt before applying for a mortgage. Be diligent and patient about your credit standing – it’s well worthwhile because it can save or cost you money, depending on where it stands.

Lining Up Your Move

Planning ahead for moving day can save a lot of headaches and more than a few dollars. Do some research to find the best moving company at the best price. Pay attention to customer reviews and Better Business Bureau ratings; always get several quotes before signing a contract (which should include every relevant detail). The last thing you’ll want is to spend a lot of time cleaning before moving in with all your stuff, so spend some time finding out about cleaning companies so you can concentrate on getting settled and oriented in your new home.

The first thing you should always do upon moving is to have all the locks rekeyed, which means you’ll need to find an experienced locksmith. Plan on spending from $96 to $210 for new locks — it’s a wise and affordable investment in your safety and the security of your belongings. Talk with several to make sure you’re getting the best price for this valuable service.

Finding a home where you can be both safe and happy requires patience and careful attention to detail. Follow your search criteria, but be prepared to compromise if you’re not able to find a home that checks everything off your list (it happens sometimes). Remember, safety and accessibility modifications can often be made once you’ve moved in.

Image courtesy of Pixabay