Everything You Need to Know About Buying an Accessible Home

Every homeowner has a unique list of “needs” and “wants,” but homeowners who are specifically seeking an accessible property might have trouble finding a house with all the features they require.

There’s no doubt that finding the right home requires more patience for seniors or individuals with disabilities, but if you thoroughly research the process before diving in, you’ll find it much easier to acquire the keys to the home you want. The following tips will help you finance your major purchase, make the most of open houses, and modify your home with all the fixtures you need.

Financing Your New Home

You do not want to buy more house than you can afford, so before you start combing through listings and contacting real estate agents, it’s time to sort out your budget. Look at your savings, income, and monthly spending to determine what you can afford to spend on your new home. If you will be selling your current home to pay for your new one, take some time to carefully assess its value.

If you’re worried that your income or net worth will severely limit your options, don’t fret because there are organizations that people in need of accessible homes can turn to for help. Be sure to explore all your options for grants, special loans, or other forms of financial assistance as you figure out your final budget.

Finally, if this is your first time purchasing a home and you’re a little unsure of where to begin, there are plenty of guides available to help you through the process. Using a home affordability calculator is a good place to start, as is connecting with a real estate agent who you feel you can trust. You’ll also need to start thinking about your down payment options.

What Type of Housing?

Some people with disabilities would prefer to live in an apartment complex, where their neighbors are right nearby if they need assistance. Seniors with limited mobility might like to reside in a 55+ community, where they can find an accessible home while enjoying their independence. Carefully weigh all your options when deciding which type of housing is right for you. 

How to Approach Open Houses

Work with a real estate agent who understands your accessibility needs to find promising open houses. Live in Montana Real Estate has a dedicated team of skilled agents who can help you find the right home for your individual needs. If possible, consider newly constructed, single-story homes that will require little maintenance after you move in. 

A home inspection to check carefully for cracks in the ceiling, mold in kitchens or bathrooms, and drafty areas near doors or windows is recommended. Once you’ve had your chance to see your future home in person and the professionals have given it a thorough inspection, you can start planning for any renovations or modifications you will need to have completed before you can officially move in. 

Wood Flooring 

Most people who use mobility aids will find that it is much easier to maneuver safely on wood flooring compared to carpeting. As far as maintenance goes, keeping your wood floors looking shiny and clean is simple. Another perk? Wood flooring can even bump up your home’s value.

Installing wood flooring can be an expensive endeavor, so it’s important to plan ahead by making an accurate budget. Will you need your old furniture removed? How about having old flooring disposed or getting repairs for your subfloor? All these factors will increase the cost. If you’re working with a tighter budget, you might consider cheaper woods like bamboo or pine, or perhaps splurging for an affordable engineered wood like acacia.

Additional Modifications

Once your wood floors are installed, what’s next? Your additional modifications will be unique to your situation. MobilityWorks suggests converting smaller closets to walk-ins, working with a contractor for personalized recommendations on remodeling your bathroom, and considering door sensors to make it easier to move between rooms. 

If you’re a home buyer on the hunt for an accessible house, you may find it frustrating to wade through a sea of listings that just aren’t right for you. Yes, it might take you longer than the average home buyer to find that perfect house, but if you move forward with the right strategy, you’ll soon be signing the closing papers and getting ready for your housewarming party.  

More information available at Ableusa.info