3 Tips to Help Homebuyers With Disabilities Find Accessible New Homes

Finding your dream home is part of the American dream. When you are living with a disability, however, finding that perfect home can be slightly more challenging. In addition to finding a home with features you desire, you also need to find a home that includes features that you need for accessibility and safety. So if you are starting your search for the perfect accessible home soon, be sure to refer to these steps to make the process a little less complicated:

Research Cities & Neighborhoods Before Homes

If you are considering buying a new home, you should start by thinking about where you would like that new home to be located and how much you can allocate to purchasing it. Using online search tools like RealtyHive, you can research locations so that you can get a feel for which areas will fit your needs and which areas will offer enough available homes. You can also use search tools to zero in on the average home sale price and features for a particular area so that you can narrow down your new home search quickly.

As you use these tools to assess different cities and neighborhoods, also look for ways to assess the accessibility of potential locations. For example, you can use public transportation apps to research the availability of public transit in potential communities, as well as how accessible those public transportation options will be for you. If you are still deciding on a specific city, and you use a wheelchair, you can also think about moving to a city with more accessibility, which will make daily life easier as you settle into your home. But any area can be accessible if you know which home and community features to look for.

Look into Average Costs for Accessibility Modifications

Once you know which city you would like to live in, you can start searching for accessible homes. You can narrow down your options to homes that include accessibility features like single-story floor plans or obstacle-free entryways. Otherwise, you may need to consider remodeling your new home to accommodate your individual accessibility needs. Some of the most common renovation projects used to increase accessibility for homeowners who are living with a disability include replacing stairs with ramps, widening doorways for more wheelchair access, or installing walk-in tubs for added safety and convenience.

Of course, with these added features can also come added expense, so be sure to get estimates for any desired home improvements so you can factor these costs into your overall home budget (for example, installing a walk-in tub costs an average of $5,000 to $7,000). Depending on your budget, buying a fixer-upper could be a good way to make renovations more affordable, or you can also look into whether you are eligible for home modification grants and programs.

Connect With a Reliable Local Real Estate Professional

Doing your own homework and assessing your accessibility needs are both smart ways to get a jumpstart on your search for a new home. Not to mention, you can do all of this from the comfort of your own home if needed. When you are ready to really get the ball rolling on your new home search, however, you should discuss your options with an experienced realtor.

While it is possible to purchase a home without a realtor’s help, doing so can make your search much more complicated and stressful. Real estate agents tend to have access to more local listings than are available online, and they should have knowledge of accessible homes in your desired location. Your real estate professional can also make negotiating your home purchase less of a hassle, so you may not want to skip this crucial step.

Finding the accessible home of your dreams doesn’t have to be stressful. Just use the tips above and enlist the help of an experienced realtor. That way, you can save yourself some headaches and find your perfect home faster.

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