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Monday, July 27, 2020

Finding Accessible Homes

I was contacted by someone who moved recently, and while he absolutely loves his new place, it wasn’t easy for him to find.



This person uses a wheelchair so he needed to find a wheelchair-accessible home. Finding accessible homes or homes that could be easily and inexpensively remodeled to be accessible was challenging for him.



His hope is that the below article will offer house hunting advice for people searching for accessible homes for themselves, their children, or their aging parents.


Accessible House-Hunting Tips for People with Disabilities
by Patrick Young
Ableusa.info | patrick@ableusa.info

House-hunting always comes with some degree of difficulty. But if you have a disability, it can be near-impossible to find the perfect place to hang your hat. There just aren’t a lot of accessible homes on the market! Whether you currently have a disability or you’re planning ahead for your future aging-in-place needs, certain home accessibility features can make all the difference in your quality of life. Here are some tips to help you hunt down those elusive disability-friendly homes and make your own modifications after moving in.

Work with a Great Real Estate Agent

Top-notch realtors like the Mark Slade Homes Team will take a lot of the stress out of your housing search. Take the time to find an agent that understands your disability and really cares about your accessibility needs. Some real estate agents even specialize in barrier-free housing! These agents won’t waste your time with multi-storied homes, cramped rooms, and narrow doorways. The right real estate agent will work hard to find you an affordable and accessible home (as an example, homes in Maplewood Township have a median listing price of $569,000) with the features you’re looking for, like an open layout, zero-step entrance, and hard floors.

Focus on the Bathroom

As you search for accessible homes, focus on barrier-free bathroom features. At the very least, ensure the room is large enough that you can turn your wheelchair around completely. Some ideal bathroom features include a roll-in shower, a comfort height toilet, non-slip flooring, and empty space under the bathroom sink. Every other part of the home can be modified fairly easily, but bathroom remodels are pricey and time-consuming. Plus, an unsuitable bathroom can be a major safety hazard to seniors, according to House Tipster. When looking for your new home, keep bathroom accessibility in mind.

Budget for Modifications

Unless you get extremely lucky and find a home that meets your needs perfectly, you will need to do some modifications of your own after closing the sale. Make sure to account for these extra costs in your home buying budget. Some common home modifications to consider include installing grab bars in the bathroom and bedroom, adding a ramp to your front entrance, and using offset hinges to widen your doorways. If you have room in your budget for larger renovations, you may want to lower the kitchen counters, replace the bathtub with a roll-in shower, or install a stairlift. Depending on where you live, you may qualify for funding assistance to help cover the costs of these modifications.

Make Your Home Safer

As you unpack and get settled into your new home, keep safety in mind. Store all of your possessions in organized storage solutions and arrange your furniture so there is a clear path through each room. Philips Lifeline also recommends securing loose rugs to the floor, adding contrast strips to staircases, and placing non-slip mats in the kitchen and bathroom to minimize your fall risk. Bright lighting can also help you avoid trips and falls, so set up plenty of accessible light sources around your home—especially in dark corners and hallways!

Consider Assisted Living

If you’re a senior with a disability, this may be a good time to start thinking about assisted living. Aging-in-place can be challenging for people with mobility limitations, especially if they live alone—which also increases the risk of senior isolation and mental illness. Moving into an assisted living facility can help you stay social and maintain as much of your independence as possible.

Assisted living communities offer several beneficial services to seniors, including meal preparation, medical care, recreation opportunities, and social events. Since facilities differ in terms of services, amenities, and atmosphere, try to tour many different communities before making a choice. Keep your budget in mind as you evaluate your options. The average monthly cost for assisted living facilities in New Jersey is $5,725, but you will come across a wide range of prices in your search.

Everyone deserves to feel safe and comfortable at home. Take the time to find a home that meets your needs and remember that you can always make modifications where certain features are missing. The right home accessibility features will help you overcome daily disability barriers and live your life how you want!

APPENDIX From Wikipedia: In the United States, the 1988 Amendments to the Fair Housing Act added people with disabilities, as well as familial status, to the classes already protected by law from discrimination (race, color, gender, religion, creed, and country of origin). Among the protection for people with disabilities in the 1988 Amendments are seven construction requirements for all multifamily buildings of more than four units first occupied after March 13, 1991. These seven requirements are as follows:[4]

An accessible building entrance on an accessible route,
Accessible common and public use areas,
Doors usable by a person in a wheelchair,
Accessible route into and through the dwelling unit,
Light switches, electrical outlets, thermostats and other environmental controls in accessible locations,
Reinforced walls in bathrooms for later installation of grab bars, and
Usable kitchens and bathrooms.
Access is typically defined within the limits of what a person sitting in a wheelchair is able to reach with arm movement only, with minimal shifting of the legs and torso. Lighting and thermostat controls should not be above and power outlets should not be below the reach of a person in a wheelchair.

Sinks and cooking areas typically need to be designed without cupboards below them, to permit the legs of the wheelchair user to roll underneath, and countertops may be of reduced height to accommodate a sitting rather than standing user. In some cases two food preparation areas may be combined into a single kitchen to permit both standing and wheelchair users.

In spite of these advancements, the housing types where most people in the United States reside – single-family homes – are not covered by the Americans with Disabilities Act, the Fair Housing Act, or any other federal law with the exception of the small percentage of publicly funded homes impacted by Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act. As a result, the great majority of new single-family homes replicate the barriers in existing homes.

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Tuesday, July 21, 2020

370 Elmwood Ave Maplewood Twp., NJ 07040

Property Site: https://tour.corelistingmachine.com/home/TZKJLL/370-Elmwood-Ave-Maplewood-Twp-NJ-3649879
Resting on half an acre, this Colonial enjoys a lovely setting and convenient location close to all this bustling community has to offer. Through loving care and thoughtful updates, this home remains fresh and modern. As sunlight pours in through large windows, the neutral decor welcomes a wide array of furnishings. You will be thrilled with the well-equipped, efficient kitchen, while the effortless floor plan is made for entertaining and daily living. Three bedrooms are nestled on the upper levels, offering restful sleep for everyone and are complemented by two full baths. Outside, the patio easily supports alfresco dining and entertaining, while the over-sized backyard is beautifully landscaped, has a garden and is very private.
Bedrooms: 4
Bathrooms: 4
Price: $800,000

For more information about this property, please contact MARK SLADE at 917-797-5059 or sladehomes@gmail.com. You can also text 6354423 to 67299 (Message and Data Rates May Apply, see terms and privacy policy).


See more listings at: http://midtowndirectrealty.com/


MLS ID: 3649879

Tuesday, July 14, 2020

15 Ramsay Rd Montclair Twp., NJ 07042

Property Site: https://tour.corelistingmachine.com/home/F8PV8E/15-Ramsay-Rd-Montclair-Twp-NJ-3648028
Truly The Keys to Your Castle. This Normandy Tudor in the Estates Section of Montclair has magnificent eastern views of NYC on just under an acre of lush property and comes with an indoor pool. An incredibly quiet and private setting as it backs up to a reservation. Unique, Abundant Character and Charm, carry through from the stately turreted front entrance throughout the 4 floors of living space. The first floor offers an incredible Great Room anchored by a WBF and balanced by high ceilings. Renovated sun-drenched kitchen opens to a unique dining room with full glass walls in the corner affording picturesque views. A first floor home office with its own powder round out the first floor. A total of 6 bedrooms are supported by 3 full and 4 half baths, spread over 2 upper floors. NOT TO BE MISSED!
Bedrooms: 6
Bathrooms: 7
Price: $1,250,000

For more information about this property, please contact MARK SLADE at 917-797-5059 or sladehomes@gmail.com. You can also text 6340756 to 67299 (Message and Data Rates May Apply, see terms and privacy policy).


See more listings at: http://midtowndirectrealty.com/


MLS ID: 3648028

Tuesday, July 7, 2020

206 Main St 72B # 72B Millburn Twp., NJ 07041

Property Site: https://tour.corelistingmachine.com/home/AKLNDR/206-Main-St-72B-%23-72B-Millburn-Twp-NJ-3646062
Pristine and Renovated one-floor living at its best! Situated right off the heart of Millburns vibrant downtown and all it has to offer for dining, shopping and services, let alone NJ Transit Trains This engaging condo has a newly renovated Kitchen and Bath and an open living room/dining room/kitchen concept. And for commuters, its 6/10s of a mile to the Millburn Train Station. Nothing to do but unpack and enjoy. Hardwood floors throughout. Location....Location.....Location, so close to everything that most errands can be accomplished easily. There are 111 Restaurant choices within 5 miles and there is a supermarket literally around the corner, hows that for conveninence. Taylor Park, with its tennis courts, playground, paths & benches with water and park views is less than 3/10s of a mile away.
Bedrooms: 1
Bathrooms: 1
Price: $275,000

For more information about this property, please contact MARK SLADE at 917-797-5059 or sladehomes@gmail.com. You can also text 6322855 to 67299 (Message and Data Rates May Apply, see terms and privacy policy).


See more listings at: http://midtowndirectrealty.com/


MLS ID: 3646062

Saturday, July 4, 2020

3 Tillou Ct South Orange Village Twp., NJ 07079

Property Site: https://tour.corelistingmachine.com/home/ZCHNLU/3-Tillou-Ct-South-Orange-Village-Twp-NJ-3645586
Heres a chance to live in a home that truly reflects your needs, personality and lifestyle. In this spacious custom Colonial Townhouse, spread out over 3 levels, the journey begins. You will find the home situated on a quiet cul-de-sac. Once there, Step inside to enjoy the open floor plan with elegant design details in spacious rooms. Entertain, in a renovated gourmet kitchen, perfect for a chef or to host a dinner party. Bedrooms are comfortable and private, with each of the 3 on the upper level coming with their own baths and custom walk in closets. With these changing times, this home rises to the occasion with an opportunity to have separate home offices and your own gym, while enjoying a rare ability to walk out the family room or the lower level family room to enjoy some semi-private outdoor spaces.
Bedrooms: 4
Bathrooms: 6
Price: $975,000

For more information about this property, please contact MARK SLADE at 917-797-5059 or sladehomes@gmail.com. You can also text 6320665 to 67299 (Message and Data Rates May Apply, see terms and privacy policy).


See more listings at: http://midtowndirectrealty.com/


MLS ID: 3645586