How To Purchase A House With Accessibility In Mind

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When you live with a disability, you may need accommodations to make life safer and more convenient. Research shows there are only 6.6 million homes deemed accessible, but 15.2 million households with at least one member who has a physical disability. With these statistics, how can you find a house that fits your needs?

The good news is that you can find or even create a residence that accommodates you. All it takes is research, some planning, and a good understanding of your resources. Appliance Educator presents the following guide to help you find the perfect property.

How Can You Find a Home That Fits Your Needs?

To set up your home search for success, you must get all your ducks in a row. Fortunately, you don't have to do this alone. A real estate agent can help you understand your options.

Write Down Your Needs

One of the most important things to do is make a list of needs. For example, if you have limited mobility, write down features that make it easier to navigate a home:

  • No stairs

  • One flooring texture throughout the home

  • Shelves within easy reach

Research Your Local Real Estate Market

Looking at the real estate market will help you identify housing options. If it's a seller's market, you may want to delay the move until the market is more favorable, especially if finances are tight.

You should also take this time to familiarize yourself with the home-buying process. While real estate laws vary by state, there are a few steps that remain the same no matter where you are:

  1. Apply for financing

  2. Look at available homes

  3. Make an offer

  4. Get a home inspection

  5. Choose a mortgage program

  6. Get a home appraisal

  7. Sign the paperwork

  8. Close the sale

Plan for the Move

Look for ways to minimize chaos on moving day. Just a few tips can make unpacking easier:

  • Color-code labels to quickly identify rooms

  • Start packing with items you don't use every day

  • Make a "moving day checklist"

Hiring professional movers is another excellent way to make moving less stressful. Make sure to read reviews to ensure you're employing a reputable company, and don't forget to include this expense in your budget.

Consider Buying As-Is

If you plan to make renovations anyway, you can benefit from buying a house as-is. These properties tend to be cheaper, allowing you to invest more funds in modifications. Just make sure to do your due diligence:

  • Look over land records for red flags

  • Get a professional inspection

  • Talk with a lawyer

Budget for Your Checklist

Before looking for houses, make a budget to figure out how much you can afford. Don't forget to include all the costs that go into owning a home:

  • Closing costs

  • Private mortgage insurance

  • Homeowners insurance

  • Property taxes

  • Monthly mortgage payment


Is the cost higher than you hoped? You may be able to access grants or low-interest loans through the Department of Housing and Urban Development. There are also tax breaks available to homeowners renovating to increase accessibility.

What Kind of Modifications Can Make a House More Accessible?

Accessibility in architecture and interior design is a relatively recent effort. While modern homes are created with a broader range of needs in mind, when getting an older place, you don't have to renovate for every scenario. Instead, focus on the specific changes that would benefit you and your family, such as: 

  • Replacing steps with ramps

  • Installing handrails in the bathtub

  • Upgrading to smart lighting

  • Replacing small door handles and locks

  • Choosing minimum-effort toilets

  • Buying clearly labeled appliances

  • Widening doorways

You should also keep appliances in mind when thinking about accessibility around your home. For example, there are many ADA refrigerators, ranges, and dishwashers available that can make daily life a little easier. You can even find microwaves that are designed with accessibility in mind.

Finding an accessible residence may seem daunting, but there are resources to help you. With the right financing and modifications, you can create your dream home.

That concludes this week’s blog on what you should know when purchasing a home, and we wish you the best of luck in finding your dream home. Be sure to follow all of our social media channels for updates from Appliance Educator! 

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