Are you or a loved one searching for a home that caters to specific mobility needs? Navigating the real estate market can be challenging, especially when considering accessibility for individuals with mobility issues. As a Seniors Real Estate Specialist® (SRES®) in Edmonton and area, I understand the importance of finding a home that not only meets your current needs but also supports your future comfort and independence. Here's a comprehensive guide outlining essential factors to consider when purchasing an accessible home in or around Edmonton.

1. Location Matters: Begin your search by identifying neighborhoods that offer convenient access to amenities such as medical facilities, grocery stores, public transportation, and recreational areas. Proximity to essential services can significantly enhance daily living for individuals with mobility challenges.

2. Single-Level Living: Look for homes that feature single-level living or have a main floor with minimal steps. This layout eliminates the need to navigate stairs regularly, making it easier to move around freely.

3. Wide Doorways and Hallways: Pay attention to the width of doorways and hallways. Optimal accessibility requires wider passages to accommodate wheelchairs, walkers, or mobility aids comfortably. Ensure that door frames are wide enough to facilitate easy passage throughout the home.

4. Bathroom Features: Accessible bathrooms are a crucial aspect of an inclusive home. Features to look for include grab bars strategically placed near the toilet and shower, roll-in showers with no threshold, and adjustable showerheads. Additionally, consider the placement of light switches and faucets for easy reach.

5. Kitchen: Assess the kitchen layout to ensure it's conducive to accessibility. Look for lower countertops, accessible storage solutions such as pull-out shelves and drawers, and lever-style handles on cabinets and faucets. A kitchen with ample maneuvering space allows for greater independence in meal preparation.

6. Entrance: Evaluate the entry points of the home for features such as ramps or zero-step entries. An accessible entrance ensures ease of entry for individuals with mobility aids, including wheelchairs and scooters.

7. Flooring Options: Consider the flooring materials throughout the home. Opt for smooth surfaces such as hardwood, laminate, vinyl plank or low-pile carpeting, which facilitate smooth movement for wheelchairs and walkers. Avoid high-pile carpets or rugs that may pose tripping hazards.

8. Safety Features: Prioritize safety by checking for features such as well-lit pathways, handrails along staircases, and non-slip flooring in wet areas like bathrooms and kitchens. Additionally, ensure that electrical outlets and switches are positioned at accessible heights.

9. Future Adaptability: Think long-term and assess the potential for future modifications to accommodate changing needs. An accessible home should offer flexibility for installing additional features as required.

10. Consult with a Real Estate Professional: Partner with a knowledgeable real estate agent who specializes in accessibility and understands the unique needs of individuals with mobility issues. A Seniors Real Estate Specialist® (SRES®) can provide valuable guidance and support throughout the home buying process, ensuring you find a property that meets your specific requirements.

By prioritizing these essential factors, you can confidently navigate the real estate market in Edmonton and find a home that not only meets your current accessibility needs but also supports your long-term comfort and independence. As your trusted Edmonton REALTOR® and Seniors Real Estate Specialist®, I'm here to assist you every step of the way. Get in touch today to start your journey towards finding the perfect accessible home in Edmonton.

(NC) COVID-19 has brought changes to everything, and home design is no exception. Experts are expecting to see lasting impacts on everything from the materials we use to the rooms we prioritize. Check out these and other noteworthy trends:

Houses over apartments. Many people who live in condos or apartments do so to be closer to the action – work, entertainment and shops – and never planned on spending much time at home. But the pandemic has changed that, and more people are going to want a home that offers plenty of room and outdoor space in case they need to self-isolate again.

Self-sufficiency: A hard lesson we’ve learned is that things and services we thought we could count on aren’t necessarily a sure thing, so items that increase self-reliance will become very popular. Expect to see more homes with sources of energy like solar panels, sources of heat like fireplaces and stoves and even urban and indoor gardens that allow you to grow your own produce.

Outdoor living. Between playgrounds closing and parks becoming overcrowded, many of us are turning to our balconies, patios and backyards for fresh air and nature. This means we’re going to be investing more in our outdoor spaces, with functional kitchens, soothing water features, cozy firepits and high-quality outdoor furniture to create a much-needed escape.

Healthier spaces. Thanks to spending more time indoors and reprioritizing our health, we’ll turn to design to help ensure our homes are safe and healthy for our families. We’ll see a rise in products like water filtration systems as well as materials that improve indoor air quality. For new homes and additions, alternatives to wood-framing like insulated concrete forms from Nudura, which offer improved ventilation for healthier indoor air quality and an environment that’s less susceptible to mould, will be key.

Home office space. Business experts are suggesting many companies will see that working from home is not only possible but offers tangible benefits, like saving money on office space rent. With working from home on the rise, creating a home office space that inspires productivity will be a major project many of us tackle. Luxury home office furniture that feels chic and blends into your décor as well as ergonomic chairs and desks will see a major boost.

Custom and quality. With the hit to the economy, people are going to be buying less, but what they do buy will be better quality, while at the same time making an effort to support Canadian businesses. When it comes to design, trends will shift to locally made furniture, custom-built homes and pieces and materials that stand the test of time.

Find more information at nudura.com.