Jake Tasharski of Compass Real Estate fosters genuine and meaningful relationships by helping buyers, sellers, luxury renters, landlords, and investors navigate the local housing market with the least amount of friction. Team up with Jake today by calling (312) 646-0284!
There are many factors to consider when house hunting, from determining your budget to finding the right location. If you have a disability, there are additional things to keep in mind when searching for a home that meets your needs. The key to succeeding without becoming overwhelmed is to make a plan. Real estate pro Jake Tasharski has listed 10 quick tips to help you get started!
The first step is determining how much you can afford to spend on a new home. Remember that along with the purchase price, Ramsey Solutions points out that you'll also need to factor in the cost of any necessary renovations or modifications. Once you know your budget, you can search for homes in your price range.
When you're looking for an accessible home, location is key. You'll want to find a neighborhood that is centrally located and within easy reach of the amenities and services you need. If possible, try to find a home that is close to public transportation so that getting around is easy and convenient.
The key is to dedicate time to researching home prices in various neighborhoods. That way, you won't be short on options that fit within your budget.
Once you've determined your budget, it's time to get pre-approved for a mortgage loan. This will give you a better idea of what kind of homes you can afford and will make the entire house-hunting process easier and less stressful.
Mortgage lenders typically evaluate applicants by their current income and employment, job history, credit history, and other factors. So, just make sure you come to the process prepared!
Hiring an accessibility specialist is an excellent idea if you're unsure where to start or what type of modifications or renovations may be necessary. Thrive For Life notes that they can help assess your needs and recommend what type of home would work best for you.
When house hunting, it's essential to clearly understand what features and amenities are most important to you and your family. For example, if having an accessible bathroom is a top priority, then make sure that's at the top of your list. Other things you may want to consider include the size and layout of the kitchen, the number of bedrooms and bathrooms, and whether or not there's enough storage space.
If you have mobility issues or use a wheelchair, parking may be something you want to pay close attention to when touring homes. Look for homes with handicapped parking spots near the entrance or with wider driveways that could accommodate a wheelchair ramp if necessary.
It's essential not only to think about your current needs but also any future needs that might arise as well. Spend some time considering how your needs might change in five or 10 years, and try to find a home that would accommodate those changes.
Looking forward, you may also consider the possibility that you’ll need assisted care. This is usually the case when you’re not able to complete daily functions or upkeep of your home, which for many means finding an assisted living facility that is nearby. When you go online and start researching your options, you’ll find that there are nearly 80 nursing homes in Chicago alone.
One thing that can be helpful when house hunting is looking for open floor plans. This type of layout has fewer load-bearing walls, giving you more flexibility when it comes time to make changes or modifications.
If you find that a home needs some work to be accessible, don't be discouraged! There are plenty of ways to make renovations and modifications over time. Just be sure to leave yourself enough time to explore expansion down the road.
Finally, don't settle for less than you deserve! With an open mind and a bit of patience, you'll find the perfect accessible home in time.
By devising a plan, your accessible home search should be off to a great start. Remember to determine your most pressing needs, research mortgages, and follow the other tips above. And remain patient and flexible if you need to make any renovations down the road. You’ll be settling into your accessible home in no time!
By: Suzie Wilson
Compass
2350 N Lincoln Ave, 3rd Flr. Chicago, IL 60614
Jake Tasharski