Accessible homes aren't as few and far between as you might imagine. In fact, it is possible to find a home that will cater to all your requirements if you know where to look and who to contact to make it happen. This guide shared by FriendsNews can help you get started.

Get specific

If you are a senior or person with a disability, you'll know best what type of home you need to make you happy. If you're not good at articulating your thoughts, it may be beneficial to put pen to paper and describe in detail exactly what you're looking for. This information will also help your Realtor narrow down your options so you get exactly (or close to) what you're looking for. Besides enlisting the assistance of a Realtor, you can do part of the research yourself by browsing properties online and filtering down to your minimum requirements to ensure you get as close as possible to what you want. Also, make comparisons of properties so you can get an idea of how properties with similar features are priced.

What is your affordability?

Your budget will also influence what you are realistically able to buy. As far as how big of a loan you can apply for, financial lenders will take several factors into account, including your credit score, your income, what you do for a living, and how much you want to borrow.

Do it yourself

If you've researched the housing market online and you're still unable to find your dream accessible home, then you may have to opt for an as-is property, which is usually cheaper than buying a home straight off the market. You could then use the additional savings to customize your home exactly to how you want it. Before settling on an as-is property, however, have it inspected by a property inspector so you can be sure you are buying a home without serious defects.

Examples of accessible features you might want to add

The nice thing about having an accessible home is that it does allow you to create a personalized home for yourself. Some examples of extensions, upgrades, and renovations that are popular inside accessible homes include:

• Access to ramps if you aren't able to use stairs.

• Wide doorways, hallways, and entrance ways for better mobility.

• A bathroom on every level of the home. Popular accessibility upgrades include a seat in the shower, a level floor leading into the shower, handrails that could assist you in getting in and out of the shower without difficulty, non-slip flooring, adequate lighting, and a higher-positioned toilet for those who find it difficult to bend.

• Modified levers and handles to make entering and leaving a room a hassle-free affair.

Getting ready to move in

If you are living with a disability, moving can have its challenges. However, you can make the moving process much easier and stress-free by choosing a moving company that has experience in moving your assistive devices with the utmost care.

The steps above should make moving to an accessible property a little bit easier. Be sure, though, to research as much as possible so you know what you qualify for to make your dream home a reality.

Image via Pexels

Contributed by Elijah Dawson