accessible home Archives - Title First Agency

If you have recently moved into an accessible home — perhaps with the support of the title insurance experts at Title First Agency — you might be wondering how smart technology can benefit you as a homeowner with a disability. There are countless smart home devices on the market that can be especially helpful for people with disabilities. These tips will help you choose the right devices for your home while saving money.

Consider Cybersecurity

No matter which smart devices you choose to invest in, it’s important to think about cybersecurity before installing them. If you want to ensure your family and home’s internet safety, digital security should be one of your highest priorities. Coming up with a plan to protect your home and your network is critical. Consider how you can prevent issues like identity theft, viruses, hacking, and more.

Video Doorbell

If you use a mobility aid, you might need a little extra time to greet visitors when they ring your doorbell. This is why video doorbells can be useful for people with disabilities — you can see who is on your porch before heading to the door.

The Ring Video Doorbell 3 Plus captures video before motion events, so that you can see exactly what’s going on outside your front door. If you’re looking for a cheaper option, Tech Hive recommends the Toucan Wireless Video Doorbell for people working with tighter budgets. This model is battery powered, so you can mount it wherever you feel it blends in best.

Smart Speaker

Today’s smart speakers come with endless exciting features that will simplify your everyday life. But with so many choices available, it’s easy to feel a bit overwhelmed by the variety. If you’re interested in a smaller speaker at a more affordable price, consider the Apple HomePod Mini, which is compact and easy to use. If top-notch audio quality is a high-priority consideration for you, EndGadget recommends the Nest Audio, which is a bit larger than the smallest models on the market, but still easy enough to tuck away out of sight.

If you’re worried that your new smart speaker will clash with your home’s aesthetic, consider buying a speaker in a color that will match your existing decor. You can also place your speaker in a corner where it will be somewhat hidden behind houseplants and other knick-knacks — you’ll barely notice it!

Smart Refrigerator

There’s no denying that a smart refrigerator is a major investment. However, it can be a very worthwhile purchase for people with disabilities. With a smart refrigerator, it’s easy to keep track of everything you have in stock, and when you’re low on certain ingredients, you can often order them directly from your fridge. Plus, it will alert you if the door has been open for too long — if you take medication that needs to stay refrigerated, this feature can bring you peace of mind.

Do you have a large family? The Samsung Family Hub is a sizable smart fridge that might be the perfect choice for your home. But the LG InstaView ThinQ smart fridge is slimmer, which makes it a good choice for people with smaller kitchens. It’s a good idea to wait for deals at your local appliance stores to get the best price on this item.

Today, smart home devices can be an integral part of accessible home design. From video doorbells to smart speakers to hi-tech refrigerators, smart technology can make it easier for people with disabilities to live comfortably and independently in their own homes. With these tips and product comparisons, you’ll be able to equip your home with the devices you need!

Are you in need of title or real estate settlement services? Title First Agency offers all of this and more. Get in touch today at 866-320-8400.

Photo via Unsplash

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Considerations for First-Time Buyers

If you’re buying your first home, you’ll have quite a few important tasks on your to-do list! For instance, you’ll need to look up your credit score and start creating a house-hunting budget. Additionally, you’ll have to start looking up local real estate agents, preparing necessary paperwork for your lender, and identifying organizations that may be able to help you cover your down payments or the cost of home modifications. In the early stages of house hunting, you may want to create a checklist outlining these items so you don’t overlook anything important!

Financing Your Home Purchase

As a homebuyer with a disability, you might be eligible for financial assistance through the Housing Choice Voucher program or Habitat for Humanity, but while you may qualify for certain forms of assistance, there’s a good chance that you will still have to take out a mortgage to buy a home. If this is the case, Money Under 30 notes that FHA loans can be a great option.

First-time homebuyers with short credit histories and who can only afford small down payments can qualify for FHA loans. However, it’s always important to research all of your loan options when applying for a mortgage.

Choose a Great Realtor

In your search for an accessible home, working with a reliable realtor will be essential. You’ll undoubtedly have some unique concerns and questions, and your realtor can help you find the perfect home without compromising on your needs. With the help of a group like Title First Agency, you can connect with a realtor who will look out for your best interests during the house-hunting process and support you all the way through closing day.

Touring Properties

Once you’ve connected with a realtor, you’ll be ready to start visiting a few properties in person! This is where it’s important to be selective. While older, historic homes may be beautiful, they will also be harder to modify. Therefore, it’s crucial to check out homes that were built recently. Chances are, you’ll also prefer to tour single-story homes – while you could add a stair lift or elevator to a two-story home, those projects could prove to be quite expensive.

Find Reputable Movers

As soon as you close on a home that you love, it will be time to start packing and searching for a moving company. It’s best to start saving for moving costs well before closing day so that you’re not caught off guard! To find a trustworthy moving service, compare online reviews for a few different companies so you can make an informed choice.

Modifications

You may need to make certain modifications before and after you move in. Depending on your specific needs, 101Mobility recommends replacing entrance stairs with ramps, installing a safety frame around your toilet, and adding handrails along the walls where necessary. In order to move forward with these projects, you’ll need to bring a few contractors on board. Popular Mechanics states that you should make sure any contractor you hire is insured and officially licensed to work in your area.

When you’re on the lookout for an accessible home, it can be difficult to peruse local listings and identify properties that will fit your personal requirements. That’s why it’s important to work with a great realtor, seek out available assistance, and plan for modifications. If you’re proactive about this process, you’ll be surprised by how quickly you find a comfortable, accessible home.