Guest Post by: Patrick Young with AbleUSA.info
Are you in the market for an accessible home? Chances are you’ve either heard about the
challenges that come with finding an accessible home or you’ve experienced them yourself. It’s
true that it can be hard to find a home that meets your unique needs, whether you have a
physical disability, limited mobility, or any other number of disabilities. But that doesn’t mean it’s
impossible. In fact, if you implement a few practical tips, you can find the perfect home, even if
that means you have to make a few changes to it before moving in.
Know what to expect as a first-time buyer.
A lot goes into finding and purchasing a home, and if it’s your first time, it can feel
overwhelming. To help the process go more smoothly, you will want to do things like:
● Check your credit score.
● Get an experienced real estate agent.
● Figure out what documents you will need to provide to lenders and keep them organized and handy.
● Come up with a budget for the new home, including the purchase price, operating expenses, repairs, modifications, and any other related costs.
Also, it’s important to check whether you’re eligible for any assistance programs or grants that help those with a disability buy a home or make modifications.
Look into your financial assistance and loan options.
One type of financial assistance to consider is a VA loan, which is available to all veterans. If you have served in the armed forces, look into your options with VA loans. This kind of loan can help you purchase a home without the need for a down payment. Plus, you’re not required to pay for private mortgage insurance and you can get better rates than if you were to go with a conventional loan. If you’re not a veteran and have a limited credit history and less money to put down, a PennyMac FHA loan could be your best option. Some FHA loans will allow you to purchase a home with as little as 3.5 percent down.
Make a plan for your needs.
When searching for an accessible home, you will need to take into account what “accessible” means to you. The whole point is to purchase a home that allows you to live and perform your daily tasks safely and comfortably.
For instance, if you use a wheelchair or other type of mobility aid, you will need to consider aspects such as the width of the doorways and hallways, the height of the countertops, the number of stairs, and the type of flooring throughout the home. Remember that you can make modifications but that you want to make as few as possible for budgetary purposes.
Consider the neighborhood.
Not only do you need to consider the accessibility of your living space, but you also want to live in a neighborhood that allows you to move around safely and in a community that is inclusive. For any home you’re considering, visit the surrounding area to evaluate the accessibility of sidewalks, parking spaces, and nearby stores, and try to gauge how welcoming the people are.
Get professionals to do the work.
When you’re developing your budget, consider including professional services. For instance, hire a contractor to perform any home modifications that you need, preferably one with specific experience in accessibility modifications. Such professionals will be able to properly widen doorways, lower cabinets, install grab bars and entrance ramps, and complete any other number of tasks.
Also, hire a reputable professional moving company to help you get all of your belongings from the current home to the new home. If you have friends or family who are willing to help, that’s also an option to consider.
Finding and purchasing an accessible home doesn’t have to be overwhelming. Research and learn about the process if you’re a first-time buyer, and look into all of your financial assistance options. Keep your unique needs in mind when shopping for a home, extend your search to neighborhoods and communities, and hire professionals to handle the more laborious tasks. When you’re settling into your new accessible home, it will be well worth all the investment you put into the process!
Image via Unsplash
