Questions to Ask When Purchasing an Accessible Home
November 27th 2007
Are you in the market to purchase a home? Buying an accessible home can be not only stressful but terrifying if you don’t know what to look for when purchasing your new home. Since purchasing a home is such an overwhelming experience, many people seek the assistance of a licensed REALTOR®
to help them find their home. While working with your Real Estate Agent, you will need to determine what level of accessibility you require for your new home. Just because a property is listed as an accessible home, it doesn’t mean that it will meet your needs. After evaluating the house, you can then decide if it meets your accessibility needs.
While you are evaluating a dwelling, there are many factors you need to consider. You will need to evaluate each home separately to see if they meet your accessibility needs.
Here are some questions to ask your REALTOR® when purchasing an accessible home. Use these questions as a guide in deciding if a residence will fit your needs. They are also helpful in deciding what type of modifications are needed before you move.
1. Where is the home located? You will want to consider if it is located in a safe area, and if it is going to be convenient for you. After evaluating the home for accessibility, you should ask yourself if you are going to be comfortable living in the home.
2. Are there stairs at all the entrances? How many? Will you be able to get through the front/back door? Can you enter the home safely? Can you enter the home by yourself or will you need assistance getting through the entrances? Can you reach the lock and the door handles? What kind of locks does the home have? If you use a wheelchair, is there a ramp at the front entrance? Do you have acceptable lighting at the front and back entrances? Do you have access to the peep hole on your door?
3. In the rooms of the home, do you have access to the light switches, blinds, and windows? Is the flooring adequate? Can you operate the thermostat, smoke detectors and security alarms? Are the hallways wide enough? If you have a wheelchair, do you have room to turn around in the hallway?
4. Are the kitchen, bathroom, and laundry rooms accessible? Will they require modifications such as grab bars? Are the sinks and counters lowered?
5. Will you have difficulty moving from your vehicle to inside the home such as uneven pavement, stairs, or an alley?
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Thanks and Have a Happy Holiday Season!
Denise Naspinski