Finding a home that supports your needs can often be an arduous adventure, but it can reward you with a sanctuary at the end of the journey. An accessible house search is an exacting challenge that must factor in concerns such as budgets with features that ensure quality of life. This may sound daunting at first, but it’s an investment that can pay off with the right approach.
Search Online
Of course, before you can start planning the logistics of moving, you need to find the perfect home that suits your needs and budget. The easiest way to begin your search is by going online. You might even find accessible options depending on where you look. While looking at listings, you’ll come across the most up-to-date prices, which will help you narrow your search. You’ll also find that currently, the average sale price of homes in Colorado Springs is $430K.
Research an Area
Photographs and viewings let us better appreciate a home’s qualities, but what about the surrounding area? You may find a home that is adaptable to your needs, but this can be undermined by poor sidewalks or buildings without accessibility. Worse, your new community could lack essential support structures, such as hospitals, physicians, or public transportation. Research any area for these necessities and anything else that could support a good quality of life. Identify the pros and cons that you notice around the home and neighborhood. Certain things may dwindle in importance compared to your dream house, but the basics cannot.
Consider Realtors
A realtor from a trusted, knowledgeable company like Venterra Real Estate can provide you with personalized assistance that could further your efforts. After all, they may offer valuable insights into what is available in your desired area and help you locate homes with the necessary features. If you are apprehensive about approaching a company, remember that you are protected against discrimination under the ADA.
Financing Your Home
One way to narrow your hunt is by knowing your financial thresholds to ensure your focus is only on properties that won’t stretch your budget. This is especially vital as some houses may require extensive modifications to create or enhance accessibility. Thankfully, you may be eligible for financial assistance depending on your income and disability, such as from the VA or Department of Housing and Urban Development. In fact, Fannie Mae maintains government programs to increase mortgage affordability alongside greater availability to the disabled community. If you are unsure where to turn, consider contacting organizations that may offer further guidance. Whatever home you find, there is help available to help you purchase it.
Have a Checklist
Moving to a new place can be exciting, but it may not be an easy transition if your home is not ready. With that in mind, have a checklist in place before the move. Any list should focus on the basics, like ensuring there is electricity, WiFi, working appliances, as well as functioning showers and faucets. Also, you will want to feel safe in an unfamiliar environment, so hire a locksmith. This is a priority, as there are no certainties when it comes to unchanged locks or home security.
Take Care of Repairs
Ideally, the home you choose won’t need repairs, but this isn’t always the case. If there are outstanding repairs, address them before you move, as contractors can disrupt your ability to settle in. For example, if the roof looks like it’s in need of work or a replacement, make sure you assess the damage to get an idea of how long the work might take. Signs of a damaged roof include water stains on the ceilings and exposed or missing shingles. Even if you spot these signs yourself, it’s still a good idea to hire a professional to perform a more thorough inspection (which costs an average of $358) in case there’s any hidden damage.
You deserve a house that feels like home, a place where you can feel at ease. By doing your research, knowing your needs, and being aware of your rights, you can achieve your goals. All these efforts, as well as working with a real estate company such as Venterra Real Estate, can guide you to the home of your dreams.
Content provided by Patrick Young, www.ableusa.info
Image courtesy of Pixabay