How A Realtor Can Make The Home Buying Process A Breeze For People With Disabilities
/Are you looking for a disability-friendly home? On the surface, it might seem as though your house hunting process will be like everyone else’s, and, in many ways, it is: look for a home, buy a home, and move into your home. But, there are subtle nuances that can make it a bit of a challenge. Using a real estate agent experienced in the buying, selling, and moving process for people with disabilities can eliminate many of the hurdles.
Why Use A Buyer's agent?
When you use a buyer’s agent, such as Sara Starr, you get not only her expertise in the local real estate market but also a skilled negotiator that provides undivided loyalty and will advocate for you and your needs every step of the way. Among other assistance your buyer’s agent can offer, you’ll receive:
A comprehensive market analysis so that you can make the best offer based on current selling prices.
Personal assistance choosing a home that has features that matter to you.
Detailed knowledge of your rights in the housing market. Realtor.com explains that you have the right to be free of discrimination during the home-buying process.
Financing
If you’re buying your first home as a person with a disability, you might feel as though you are facing an uphill battle. Fortunately, getting a loan may not be as difficult as you anticipate. There are many ways to obtain financing, including using your disability income and looking for loans that are geared specifically toward persons with disabilities. The Mortgage Reports notes that Fannie Mae’s HomeReady program has flexible terms for low-to-moderate income individuals with a credit score of at least 620.
Research Is Key
Before you apply for a loan, you want to get all of your financial documents together. You’ll also need to grab a calculator and punch in some numbers to decide how much you can afford. Don’t forget to check your credit score, and spend some time in the area making sure there are amenities and services available that meet your needs. Check to see if there is a local disability advocate group or networking organization in your new hometown. This is important if you wish to begin socializing or building your network immediately.
Moving Day Preparations
Fast forward. You’ve found the home, got your financing approved, and closing day is approaching. Now, you’ll have to handle the practical logistics. Ideally, you can hire a moving company that already has some experience moving special equipment and accessibility aids. Keep in mind that you’ll need to budget for this as well, as your movers will charge you based on not only the distance and weight of your furniture and personal belongings, but also how quickly you need your new home furnished. This last point is crucial if you have certain items that you must have on move-in day that you cannot transport in a vehicle.
There are many additional steps on your road toward home ownership as a person with disabilities. But, those above are the major milestones, and they can put you in a better position to see other tasks that you have to complete before you make your move. Remember, it’s a marathon, not a sprint, and you’ll need to be patient and persistent to find the home of your dreams, especially in a competitive market.
Are you looking for an honest and ethical realtor that can help you find a home? Contact Sara Starr today at sara@metropolistgroup.com or call her directly at 206.432.66482.
IMAGE VIA PEXELS
