Are you a visually impaired person searching for new, accessible homes?
Buying a new home can be an exciting but challenging process, especially for visually impaired or blind individuals. When searching for the perfect home, it really helps to have a clear understanding of your own needs and preferences. This guide provides useful tips and advice to help you find the right real estate agent, prioritize your needs, and make simple and inexpensive modifications to a new property.
Step #1: Find the Right Agent
It’s important to work with a real estate agent who has experience with accessibility modifications and understands the specific needs of visually impaired buyers. Look for agents who are knowledgeable about local accessibility resources and have a good understanding of accessible design features. Some useful keywords to include in your search might be “accessible home,” “visually impaired home buyer,” or “ADA-compliant properties.” A good agent should be able to communicate clearly, provide detailed descriptions of properties, and offer assistance with navigating the buying process.
Be wary of agents who appear dismissive or impatient, fail to communicate clearly, or lack experience working with visually impaired individuals.
Step #2: Prioritize Your Needs
It helps to prioritize features that will make a house more accessible for you. Some key features to look for include single-story layouts, wide hallways and doorways, and easy-to-use light switches and electrical outlets. Be sure to avoid properties with stairs, low-hanging light fixtures, or narrow doorways.
In addition, consider the location and proximity to public transportation, shopping centers, and medical facilities. Does the neighborhood have sidewalks? And if so, what condition are they in?
Don’t forget about good acoustics! Sound-absorbing materials such as carpeting and drapes are useful, but sometimes the size and shape of the rooms play a bigger role—one that is far harder to change.
Step #3: Updates and Modifications
If the location and floorplan suit your needs but the house needs to be updated to better accommodate you, such as improving acoustic quality or installing a Smart Home system, don’t set it aside just yet–you may be eligible for federal or state assistance programs!
The HUD (U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development) program offers assistance to visually impaired people who want to buy accessible homes. The program provides financial assistance, counseling, and education to help visually impaired individuals navigate the home buying process.
The State of Washington offers several programs and resources, as well.
- Washington State Housing Finance Commission’s (WSHFC) Home Advantage Program: This program offers homebuyers with disabilities, including those who are visually impaired, access to affordable mortgages and down payment assistance. The program also provides financial assistance for accessibility modifications to the purchased property, up to a maximum of $15,000.
- The Washington Assistive Technology Act Program (WATAP): This program provides information and assistance to individuals with disabilities, including those who are visually impaired, to access and acquire assistive technology devices and services that improve independence and quality of life. WATAP offers free consultations and demonstrations of assistive technology devices and can also help with funding options.
- The Aging and Disability Services Administration (ADSA): This program provides support and resources to older adults and adults with disabilities, including those who are visually impaired. The ADSA can connect individuals with local services such as home care assistance, transportation services, and accessibility modifications.
As always, eligibility requirements, funding availability, and program specifics may vary, so be sure to check out each one individually and see if it would work for you.
In conclusion, finding accessible homes as a visually impaired individual can be a challenging experience, but with the right resources and support, it’s possible to find a property that meets your needs and provides a comfortable and safe living environment. It’s important to prioritize the features that matter most to you, and work with a knowledgeable and experienced real estate agent who understands your personal needs and can help you navigate the buying process.
Remember to consider the accessibility modifications and renovations that can be made to a property, and look for programs and assistance at both the federal and state levels to help cover the costs of these modifications. With the help of the Washington State Department of Labor & Industries’ (L&I) Home Modification Program and the Washington State Housing Finance Commission’s (WSHFC) Home Advantage Program, there are resources available to help you make the necessary changes to your home.
Ultimately, the key to success is to remain patient and persistent throughout the buying process. By doing your research, seeking out the right resources, and working with professionals who understand your needs, you can find a home that is safe, comfortable, and accessible for many years to come.