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Buying an Accessible Home

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.

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5 things to look for when choosing a new neighbourhood

(NC) A big move is always exciting, but we can sometimes get so caught up in finding the perfect home that we forget about choosing the right neighbourhood. Your community can have a big impact on your lifestyle and quality of life, so here are some features to consider when scoping out locations:  

  1. Getting around. Do you like being able to walk or bike everywhere you go? Do you rely on public transportation to get to work? Or do you have mobility issues and prefer driving? Make sure potential neighbourhoods are suited to your favourite method of transportation—that means plenty of bike paths for cycling or lots of lanes to avoid car congestion. Census data can give you a good idea of which Canadian communities are most accessible for pedestrians, cyclists and drivers. Plenty of useful and interesting data about transportation and other aspects of your community can be found on Statistics Canada’s website.
  2. Demographics. Many of us like to live with people who are in a similar life stage. A quick scan of the census data for a specific community can tell you useful things about its inhabitants, like the age of local kids and even what kind of work people do. Factor this in when making your decision and keep in mind what schools, daycare facilities, retirement homes and jobs are available, depending on your family’s needs and career paths.  
  3. Affordability. An affordable neighbourhood is just as important as an affordable home. Is the main street filled with pricey restaurants you’ll only be able to afford on special occasions? Are there opportunities for fun, free things to do, like libraries or a skating rink? Before committing to a neighbourhood, make sure you can afford to have fun and experience what the community has to offer.
  4. Environmental factors. Make sure your surroundings are suited to your lifestyle. For example, an area full of bars and nightlife might not work if you have small children. If you love nature, you might want to pick somewhere with a nice park nearby. Or, if you have a dog, proximity to dog parks and walking trails might be a top priority.

Visit census.gc.ca to find useful demographic information for planning your move. Contribute to your neighbourhood’s future by completing the 2021 Census in May 2021.

 
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