WHAT HOMEBUYERS WITH DISABILITIES NEED BEYOND THE FRONT DOOR

AS THE POPULATION AGES, BARRIER-FREE LIVING AND ACCESSIBLE COMMUNITIES ARE BECOMING KEY DRIVERS OF VALUE IN REAL ESTATE

Simple tools to better serve the growing market for Aging in Place and People with Disabilities:

There is nothing wrong with a suburban, exurban or rural home – but realize two things when thinking of an aging or disabled client.

1) The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) does not apply to single family housing, so a landlord is not obliged to pay for a roll-in shower or other modifications.

2) According to the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, less than one percent of all housing is move-in ready for wheelchair users, and virtually all of that tiny one percent is newly built multifamily housing.

So the hard fact is that newer multifamily housing may be the only option with move-in ready design to accommodate a buyer/renter who uses a wheelchair for mobility.