Buying a Home
Finding Your Best Fit
Buying a Home has to Work for You
Finding an accessible home means more than checking boxes—it’s about finding a space that supports your lifestyle, mobility, and future. Whether you need accessibility now or are planning ahead, working with a Realtor who truly understands accessibility can make all the difference.
Able Environments connects you with Accessibility Real Estate Specialists (ARES™)—trained professionals who know how to identify accessibility features, recognize adaptable spaces, and guide you confidently through the process. Find a home that fits you today and for years to come.
Considerations for Buying
Think long-term: Choose a home that fits your needs today but can also adapt as life evolves. Even the best five-year plans can change (just think of 2020!), so consider how future shifts—like family changes or lifestyle updates—might affect your need for space, bedrooms, or bathrooms.
What's under the hood: Your new home may not come with many frills or luxury features - but all the basics should be in good condition. Before any purchase is made, hiring a professional inspector is a must. Our agents are trained to guide you through this key step, with a list of qualified inspectors to assist.
No home is completely perfect—but it can still be the right one. Finding your ideal home is all about prioritizing. Together, our certified Buyer’s Agentsw create a list of your “must-haves,” “nice-to-haves,” and “not-necessary-to-haves.” You know what matters most to you, and they’ll help you find the home that fits your lifestyle and dreams best.
To rent or to buy, that is the question: When evaluating a property, you’ll want to consider the full cost of living—mortgage, utilities, trash and sewage fees, and any homeowner association dues. These costs aren’t factored into your loan approval, so getting accurate estimates beforehand can help you budget wisely and feel confident in your home-buying decision.
Plan ahead: In addition to identifying cosmetic and structural flaws before you buy, know what to expect from the home's components. How long until you need to replace the roof, appliances, furnace or carpet? Everything may be in working order now, but all homes need these types of repairs at some point. Researching the expected remaining life on large-ticket items can help you plan for the future.
To everything there is a season: When touring a home, don’t just focus on its current appearance. How does the yard handle the rainy season? Will the view still bring you joy if you’re indoors for weeks? Is there enough natural light during the shorter winter days? Seeing a home in only one season is easy, but imagining it year-round is essential for long-term satisfaction and enjoyment.
Universal Design
Universal Design creates homes and environments that work for everyone—regardless of age, ability, or circumstance—without needing special adaptations. It ensures comfort, safety, and independence today and flexibility for whatever the future brings.
Adaptability & Visitability
Adaptability means a home can be easily modified to meet changing accessibility needs, ensuring safety and ease of movement as life evolves.
Visitability ensures everyone can safely enter, move through, and use key spaces in a home—making it welcoming for all visitors, regardless of ability.
Age-in-Place
Aging in Place means living safely and independently in your home of choice for as long as possible. With thoughtful design or simple modifications—like step-free entries, single-level layouts, and accessible features—homes can adapt to meet your needs as they change over time.
The Home Search
This is the fun part! Your Buyer’s Agent will help you dive into both the practical and exciting aspects of your new home—size, price, beds, baths, and all the features that make it feel like yours. You’ll set search criteria together, and once your lender preapproval is ready, it’s time to start house hunting. Don’t have a lender yet? No problem! They can connect you with trusted professionals who match your needs.
When you find the right home, your Buyer’s Agent will guide you through the Purchase & Sale Agreement, detailing the property transfer. In competitive markets, you’ll strategize to make your offer stand out. After that, a home inspector steps in to ensure everything’s in working order, from systems to structure, including a sewer scope if needed.
Once inspections are complete and your loan is finalized, it’s closing time: handing over the keys, moving in, and celebrating. Our goal is to make your home-buying journey smooth, confident, and enjoyable, which is why we only work with the best real estate agents.
Accessible Home Showcase
