Written by Patrick Young
Accessible homes are designed with the needs of older adults and people with disabilities in mind. There are many reasons someone might want an accessible home, including buying a home for aging in place or accommodating an elderly or disabled family member. For some families, the everyday conveniences of a barrier-free home are reason enough to prioritize accessibility in their home search.
While accessible homes offer a lot of benefits, finding an accessible home in Charleston or elsewhere can be challenging. There are over 15 million American households with a physical disability, yet only 6.6 million accessible housing units in the U.S. Not only are accessible homes a rarity, but many listing services don’t include filters for accessibility, making it harder for buyers to find the right property for their needs.
So how can buyers find and buy an accessible home in this climate? Oklahoma Welcome invites you to read about what to consider as you start your accessible house hunt.
Are you ready to buy a home?
Today’s housing market is highly competitive. For buyers with specific, non-negotiable needs, it’s more important than ever to get financially organized before entering the market. That includes getting pre-approved for a mortgage and setting a price range that reflects expected renovation costs (more on that later).
Are you considering buying a home through an LLC? Many people with disabilities work and run businesses from home and deducting business purchases does save a lot on taxes. It can also help you qualify for a mortgage if your business credit is stronger than your personal credit. However, buying a house under a business has liability and tax implications, so it’s important to consult business and tax professionals first. Even if you’re not buying property under a business, it’s worth forming an LLC to protect your assets. Formation services keep the process simple and affordable no matter your business size.
What are the must-have features for an accessible home?
Accessibility concerns everything from the way you enter your home to how you operate the lights. However, when it comes to house hunting, one of those is far more important than the other.
If you’re struggling to find a fully-accessible home, broaden your search by focusing on homes with these key features.
Exterior and landscape
- Low-maintenance landscape.
- Level driveway and/or garage with space for accessible vehicles.
- Zero-step exterior threshold.
- Safe, accessible neighborhood.
Interior
- Single story or bedroom and bathroom on the first floor if multilevel.
- Doorways and hallways 32-36 inches wide.
- Open floor space for wheelchair navigation and turnaround.
- Easy-to-reach electrical outlets and light switches.
Other accessibility features
Finding a home with these basic features minimizes remodeling expenses. If possible, look for a home that includes these accessible add-ons as well:
- Adequate interior and exterior lighting.
- Accessible cabinets and countertops.
- Accessible door, cabinet, and faucet hardware.
- Knee space under sinks.
- Barrier-free tubs or showers.
- Hard flooring or low-pile carpet.
- Slip-resistant bathroom flooring.
Running a business from home? Add an accessible home office with a private entrance and bathroom to your wishlist.
Renovating for accessibility at home
Unfortunately, many buyers struggle to find a house that hits every mark. Include renovation costs in your home buying budget and prioritize upgrades so you can spread costs out over time.
Don’t have the cash for a home remodel? Even with limited equity, there are a variety of options for financing disability modifications. These include 203(k) loans, which roll mortgages and renovation costs into a single loan, HUD Title 1 loans, and special grants and programs.
With the tips above, you can find accessible homes for sale in your area. When you have a clear vision for your future home, contact a realtor for expert help buying your accessible dream home.
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