Practical Tips for Those in Search of an Accessible Home
Finding the perfect accessible home is not easy. In fact, it can feel nearly impossible. But that doesn’t mean that you’re out of luck if you need to purchase a home that will accommodate your specific needs. As long as you find one with good bones that can be modified, you will be on the right path. Along with general advice on home buying, we’ve provided tips below to help you find the right home for you, whether it comes accessible or you need to adapt it to meet your needs.
Prepare for your home purchase.
If this is your first time buying a house, consult an FAQ guide to ensure you’re considering all necessary factors. First of all, ensure you’re in great hands by choosing a qualified real estate agency like the David Warren Home Selling Team to work with. Check your credit score, and take steps towards improving it before settling on a home loan if necessary. Take time to review your budget to figure out how much you have to spend on your new house, and be sure to factor in potential modifications. You will also want to research whether you’re eligible for any financial assistance for buying a home or covering the costs of modifications.
When it comes to getting a mortgage, look into pre-approval as well as all of your financing options. Many first-time homebuyers who have a shorter credit history or less money to put down find that PennyMac FHA loans suit them best. Before you commit, however, do your research to learn as much as you can about this option.
Use the right websites.
Though it’s still challenging to find an accessible (or potentially accessible) home, it’s easier than it used to be. Look to real estate websites that cater to those who need an accessible home, whether it’s a site specifically designed for accessible home searches or one that has an accessibility filter. If you have no luck there, most realty websites will allow you to view only single-story homes.
Determine your needs.
When hunting for an accessible home, it’s essential to know what you need. This includes what you currently need and what you could potentially need in the future. That way, you can narrow your options to homes that will require the fewest modifications possible.
Plan for modifications.
No matter what kind of home you get, you will probably need to make some modifications. It’s essential to plan for these in your budget and timeline. For example, if you use a wheelchair or other type of mobility device, your doorways and hallways will need to be wider than normal. Also, you will want to consider countertop height in your kitchen and bathrooms, since you want those to be as accessible as possible.
Other factors to consider include: having the right flooring installed; putting in a walk-in shower, grab bars, and other assistive devices in your bathrooms; and ensuring there is adequate lighting throughout the home for increased safety.
Double down on security.
Last but not least: make sure your home is extra secure. People with disabilities can be a target for break-ins and other kinds of property crime. Research the various smart home security systems, and invest in the best setup possible. Doing so will provide peace of mind for you and any other members in your household.
Yes, finding an accessible home can be difficult, but you can implement some tips for a smoother process. If you’re a first-time homebuyer, be sure to take any steps necessary to prepare for your home search and purchase. Also, look to websites that make it easy to find accessible homes, write out all of your needs, and estimate potential modifications that will need to be made. Lastly, plan on installing a top-notch security system to keep you and your loved ones safe.