How to Find and Buy an Accessible Home

Information On Loans, Accessibility Grants and Universal Design

Nov 25, 2008 Megan Drummond

Most people consider owning their own home a fundamental right, a natural progression into the world of independent living.

You can’t just wake up one morning, decide to buy a house and expect it to happen overnight. There are some steps you will need to follow to make your experience easier and more enjoyable.

Think about things. You can’t just jump headfirst into something as big as buying a house. There are some things you need to think about when deciding if homeownership is right for you.

What is your monthly and annual income?
Will you be able to afford a house payment plus utilities?
Will you be able to live by yourself or will you need 24-hour PCA care?
Do you want a roommate?
Where do you want to live?
Who will perform the upkeep?

Do Your Research

After you have thoroughly considered these and any other possible question that may pertain to your ability to purchase a home, start doing research. Research the different types of home loans available, and the programs that are specifically tailored to potential homeowners with disabilities. Some of these programs include HUD’s Housing Choice Vouchers, Fannie Mae HomeChoice and, in Pennsylvania, Keystone Home Loan Plus.

While you are researching home loans, it is a good idea to also research loans and/or grants that you can get to help make your new home accessible if need be. Most of these loans can be combined with the home loan and therefore can be available for use as soon as you buy your home. Many accessibility grants (money that you do not have to pay back) will not let you file an application and prequalify before you buy your house. This generally means that you must find at least a passably accessible house that will work for you until you can get the grant. Contact your local CIL for more information on accessibility grants.

Begin the Search

Start your search with the Yellow Pages. Find all the real estate agents in the area where you want to buy a home and find their web addresses (real estate agencies in the smallest towns usually have a website). Once you’ve browsed the listings different agencies have to offer, decide on one agency and meet with a real estate agent. Find one you like, get along with and trust will do the best job of helping you meet your needs.

Look for a real estate agent who knows something about universal design or accessibility. You want your home to work for you, not against you. Sadler Construction, based in Cary, NC, specializes in universal design for homes. Ask your agent to check out their website to get an idea of what you might need in a home.

In most areas, one real estate agent will be able to show you any home, regardless of the agency that the home is listed with. This makes the home buying process much easier on a buyer with a disability since one agent can get to know you and your accessibility needs rather than trying to deal with five different people.

Be Patient

Don’t expect your dream of owning a home to come true overnight. The home buying process takes a great deal of research, time and patience and can be overwhelming at times. But if you are persistent and don’t give up, you can achieve your dream and become a homeowner.

The copyright of the article How to Find and Buy an Accessible Home in Disabilities is owned by Megan Drummond. Permission to republish How to Find and Buy an Accessible Home in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.

One Story Home