Planning on buying an accessible home? Well, strap in. Buying a house can be an overwhelming process, and there are some very crucial steps every new homeowner needs to take to be truly prepared. Here are five must-dos when you are purchasing an accessible home.
Pull a Copy of Your Credit Report
Before you begin searching for your next home, you should be vigilant about checking your credit report. There are several ways to get free copies of your credit report from the three bureaus. Once you have yours in-hand, comb through them to look for mistakes and opportunities to improve your score. Disputing errors is a good first step, but you may need to do a little more work to get your score up to par to buy a house. Know that whatever your credit plan may be, it will likely take time to see any significant difference in your score. So be patient, and your hard work will pay off soon enough.
Put Together a Debt Reduction Plan
Whether you need to work on your score or not, it’s always a good idea to pay down your debts before you sign up for a mortgage. It’s also a good idea to factor your home buying costs into your overall budget, as well as your debt relief plan. Calculate your expenses and income, and then figure out what your mortgage and other housing costs may look like. Moving is always stressful, so you may want to allocate some of your budget to hiring some packing help, so be sure to research companies in your area to get the best pricing.
Research Possible Financial Assistance
You would be wise to use an online calculator to determine how much home you can currently afford. There are several tools to choose from, but make sure the one you use has enough features to give you an accurate number. Because it can be so difficult to find an accessible home within a specific price range, you should also do your homework online to find financial assistance that may help you pay for your new home. There are several federally-funded mortgage programs that aim to help first-time home buyers, buyers living with disabilities, and homebuyers that may have less than perfect finances. As with any lender or financial agreement, be sure to read contracts in full so you understand what you’re getting into.
Make a List of Needed Features
We’ve spent a lot of time discussing finances. That’s because a focus on finances is crucial for potential homeowners. But if you are living with a disability, accessibility features can be just as important. So make a list of what you need to stay safe and comfortable. Basic accessibility can include wheelchair friendly doorways, ramps and lowered countertops. Your specific needs may be a bit different, however. For instance, if you have a service dog, you should look for a home with a fenced in backyard to make caring for your animal easier. It’s also important to read up on your rights regarding service animals, so that you can negotiate with HOA and neighborhood associations that may have questions.
Research Multiple Local Neighborhoods
It’s important to find a home that fits your needs, but you also need to find a neighborhood that fits. You can start by looking for a home in an area that is close to work and health providers, as well as access to public transportation if needed. If you have children, you will want to ask your realtor about local school districts. Safety is always a top concern for homebuyers, so you may also want to research crime statistics before you settle on an area. You can use online tools to look up this information, and to ensure the neighborhoods you are looking in will be secure and safe for your entire family.
Owning an accessible home can provide stability. But you have to plan ahead to avoid any additional stress. So be sure to check off these tasks and you will be all set to start searching for your perfect new home.
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