The Role of REALTORS® in Helping People with Disabilities

The real estate market in Canada, especially in Prince Edward Island (PEI), is facing a major challenge when it comes to helping people with disabilities buy or sell a home. Despite the shortage of accessible homes, REALTORS® have a unique opportunity to make a positive impact on the lives of individuals with disabilities by assisting them in buying or selling a home. However, this is not without challenges, as inventory shortages across Canada and in PEI make it difficult for people living with disabilities to enter the real estate market.

HOW REALTORS® CAN BEST SERVE CLIENTS WITH DISABILITIES

Accessible homes are hard to come by, but with the right modifications, nearly any home can be made accessible to accommodate individuals with disabilities. When REALTORS® list a home, they should include information on how it can be modified to meet the needs of people with disabilities. This may include details on features such as stair lifts, widened doorways for wheelchairs, modified vanities, and curbless showers in bathrooms, as well as lowered countertops in kitchens with pull-out shelves for food preparation. Clients with disabilities typically find properties with accessible entrances, kitchens, and bathrooms more desirable. However, it should be noted that homebuyers have different needs, even when it comes to accessibility, so assumptions should be avoided.

WHAT WE AT CENTURY21 NORTHUMBERLAND REALTY, ALONG WITH TECHNOLOGY ARE DOING TO HELP

To promote this growing trend more widely and build consideration for those living with disabilities into their sales and service approach, Century21 REALTORS® are receiving training from their in-house real estate coach Barbie Moudahi to help solve the problems they and their clients encounter on a daily basis. It is important to remember to include people with disabilities in marketing materials to ensure that they can find or sell a home. Additionally, websites should be accessible to those with physical issues that might prevent them from accessing the information they need to find and purchase a home or sell their home.

There is a plethora of recognized disabilities, including low vision or blindness, hearing loss and audio disabilities, and neurological disabilities that may make using a mouse or other selector device difficult. Websites that are accessibility-ready are designed to ensure that screen readers work for those with vision problems and that text is large enough and has sufficient colour contrast so as to be seen by those with low vision. Accessibility-ready websites also respond well to keyboard commands for those with neurological issues.

For those with mobility and other problems, physical visits to properties may require some logistical planning, but technology can facilitate virtual tours for clients. REALTORS® can tailor their approach to the needs of their clients, such as providing audio walk-throughs or video tours for those with low vision or blindness, or using a drone flyover for clients with mobility challenges who cannot access the property on foot.

HOW THE REAL ESTATE MARKET IS CHANGING IN WAYS THAT BENEFIT HOMEBUYERS WITH DISABILITIES

A more balanced real estate market may be more conducive to buyers seeking accessible homes or those that can be modified to meet their needs. In the past couple of years, the accelerating market has seen homes sell in just one or two days, leaving little time for buyers to evaluate homes in regards to their special needs or seek the help of experts, such as, home inspectors, architects, and builders.

It’s essential to have open communication with your REALTOR® and discuss your specific needs when searching for an accessible home. As the population ages, the demand for accessible homes will continue to rise, with 23% of Canadians projected to be over 65 by 2030. Seniors who wish to age in place may need to renovate their current home or move to a new one that accommodates their changing needs.

OUR PROVINCIAL GOVERNMENT HAS PROGRAMS THAT MAY HELP

It should be noted that the PEI government offers support to ensure that people with disabilities can stay in their homes. For instance, they provide financial assistance to caregivers to provide daily assistance and up to $10,000 every 10 years for required home modifications. More information on these programs can be found on the government website.

REALTORS® HAVE A CRITICAL ROLE  TO PLAY.

In conclusion, REALTORS® have a critical role to play in helping individuals with disabilities buy or sell a home. By providing information on modifications and accessible features, utilizing technology to showcase properties, and keeping an open dialogue with clients about their specific needs, REALTORS® can make a significant difference in the lives of those who require special features in their homes to accommodate their needs.

Speak to your REALTOR® about what you need to make your home accessible to you, ensure that the home you choose either meets your needs or can be renovated to suit your needs within your budget. We at Century21 Northumberland Realty are always well trained and well acquainted with the needs of all our clients. Please reach out for more information.