Current housing models are unfavorable for people with disabilities looking to buy a home. Let’s explore how to house shop if you have a disability!
When you prepare to buy a home for yourself, there are several aspects to consider and challenges to address. Do you ever wonder how the home-buying process becomes even more difficult for disabled individuals?
For people with disabilities, the process of buying a home comes with its challenges and nuances. Struggling with the down payment, in particular, is a problem many people with disabilities face during house shopping.
As a person with a disability, finding and buying a home built according to inclusive design standards can be difficult. It is crucial to identify your specific needs and not compromise on them.
Today, we will provide essential information to help you buy a home that meets your disability requirements. We will also help you deal with the financial complexities of buying a home.
It is worth noting that more than one-fourth of the US population comprises disabled individuals. Simply put, one in four American people has some kind of disability. Specifically, 12.1 percent of adults in the US encounter mobility disabilities that affect their ability to walk or take the stairs.
Additionally, 12.8 percent of adults experience cognition disabilities that interfere with their concentration, memory, or decision-making ability. Furthermore, 6.1 percent of adults have hearing or deafness, while 4.8 percent have vision impairments.
These statistics reveal that there is an entire community of people with disabilities that deserves the provision of adequate housing. During the process of buying a home, people with disabilities should make sure that their prospective house is the perfect fit for their specific needs.
It is essential to buy a home that serves as a safe, inclusive safe. People who use mobility aids should ensure the house has spacious passages (doorways and hallways) that allow easy wheelchair movement.
Moreover, a wheelchair-friendly home should also include sturdy railings and proper slopes. The slopes between different rooms in the house should be manageable. A house with built-in furniture can also boost convenience as it keeps the path of travel clear.
Doors should have lever-like handles instead of knobs. Having grab bars and non-slip flooring installed in restrooms is a must. Your prospective home should be well-lit, with energy-saving illumination sources, such as LEDs. Additionally, night lights can be considered for safety.
Is it possible for a house to have all of these features? Even if a home doesn't have all of the qualities that would make it friendly to people with disabilities, you should at least ensure that it's constructed in a way that allows you to make changes according to your requirements. It is essential to confirm this before they decide to buy a home.
People on the spectrum of autism have unique requirements. When people on the autism spectrum are buying a home, they must inspect the prospective house and location, keeping their needs in mind. Some have sensory processing issues, so they should be able to modify their living space to accommodate those specific needs.
Assessing your financial resources is crucial when you buy a home. People with disabilities may face unique monetary challenges due to medical expenses, but there are programs and financial assistance options available to help make homeownership more affordable.
For disabled home-buyers, a down payment is a crucial aspect. There are several loans that you can consider for making a down payment:
Disabled veterans can take advantage of mortgage aid programs offered by the U.S. Department of Veteran Affairs (VA). The most significant advantage of VA loans is that they don’t ask for a down payment. For people with disabilities who don’t have substantial savings, VA loans can ease the process of buying a home.
Many states and municipalities assist people with disabilities to become homeowners by offering down payment assistance programs. Individuals with disabilities may be eligible for low-interest loans through these programs. Programs that help with a down payment can aid in financing the initial costs associated with becoming a homeowner.
However, there are other financial concerns besides being able to make the down payment. Some programs offer funds to hold your hand through this process. These are called “home accessibility grants.” These grants can help improve accessibility, such as ramps, wider doors, and bathroom adaptations.
There are non-profit organizations that help people with disabilities by providing them with resources and information about the process of buying a home. Some of these organizations make this process more affordable by offering financial support that enables individuals to cover the cost of a down payment and other expenses that go into buying an accessible home.
You should research to get in touch with these organizations working to help people with disabilities buy homes that meet their needs.
When searching for the right real estate agent, don’t forget the three E’s: Experience, Expertise, and Empathy. An empathetic real estate with significant experience in the market will help you find a house that meets your accessibility needs. With their understanding and knowledge of the industry, the right agent can be an indispensable partner in your home search.
Unfortunately, the housing market can display discriminatory behavior towards individuals with disabilities, but you should never forget that the law is on your side. The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) deals with workplaces and public establishments, but it also applies to some aspects of residential dwellings.
For instance, the ADA mandates that multifamily housing complex common areas be accessible to people with disabilities. Moreover, the Housing and Community Development Act outlines that multifamily housing with four or more units should adhere to accessibility guidelines for disabled individuals.
Finding affordable and appropriate housing is a uniquely challenging experience for people with disabilities. There are many factors they have to consider in their home-buying process. Be emphatic and unapologetic about your unique needs.
Every single person deserves a house that they feel comfortable in. The correct information and resources can help you buy a home that suits your needs.
Consider accessibility to medical services, public transit, and a welcoming neighborhood. Get help from disability support groups before you decide on your home’s location.
The decision to apply for conventional loans depends on financial stability, creditworthiness, and your ability to make a larger down payment.
Ask the property owner to ensure that doorways, corridors, and room layouts are clear of obstructions. You can also assign a professional home inspector to examine the house on your behalf.
Subscribe to our monthly newsletter for up-to-date real estate industry trends, news, and insights.
Saved
