Home Ownership: A Feasible Option For People with Disabilities

by Empish J. Thomas

Melissa Imtiaz, a 5-year home owner who is visually impaired, reflects on her experiences in purchasing her home. "I wanted my own home because I wanted my own space that I could control, "she said. "It is part of the American dream to own your own home." There was a time where fantasizing about home ownership was about all that people with disabilities could do, but that dream is becoming more and more a reality. Some years ago, institutions were the primary option, then community-based housing, such as group homes. Living with relatives was a close second. Now, people with disabilities have evolved into home owners. This trend is changing due to the break down in physical, social and attitudinal barriers that have in the past prohibited people with disabilities from being an active part of society. "I highly recommend home ownership to other people with disabilities because I feel it is a great accomplishment to us," said Michelle Aulthouse, a 2-year home owner who uses a wheelchair. "Also the home is all yours. I think it is a good investment for the future."

With the help of legislation such as the Americans with Disabilities Act, 1990, exclusionary walls are crumbling down and people with disabilities are getting more accessibility. Additionally, home ownership programs for the disabled are popping up all over the country. Statewide, the Department for Community Affairs manages a home of your own program called the Choice Down Payment Loan Program, specifically catered to potential home owners who are disabled. The program has been very successful, showing that people with disabilities deeply desire home ownership with nearly 60 loans processed since January. The program provides low interest loans and down payment assistance. "Applying for this type of loan is the same as a regular mortgage loan. Once a lender has been contacted you will go thru the lending process as anyone else and once you have met all of the qualifications of the specific program, you will be preapproved," said Scott Walker, Disability Housing Coordinator. "But for CHOICE you have to meet income guidelines, have a disability and take homebuyer counseling classes."

Since people with disabilities don’t have a traditional history of home ownership, education is the key and taking home ownership classes becomes essential in the purchasing process. These classes are catered to new home owners and teach all levels of the purchasing process, from understanding the importance of a credit score, to the home inspection, to what to expect at the closing table. Credit Consumer Consulting Services, a non-profit agency that promotes financial literacy conducts free home ownership classes every Saturday in the Atlanta Metro area. "During the classes we go over the entire process; from affordability, credit and making a budget," said Todd Mark, Public Relations Manager. "We explain the difference between what you are pre-approved for and what you can actually afford. Potential home owners must take into account other financial matters such as home repairs, home association fees, mortgage insurance and property taxes because these are not included in the pre-approval rate." Hilary Elliott, an 11-year home owner who uses a wheelchair agrees but cautions. "Think about your future if your disability is progressive. When I first started looking for a home I used a cane, then it progressed into using a walker." Even if your disability is not progressive consider having extra money saved up for modifications to the house. Accessible homes are scarce and modifying your dream home with widening doors, lower counters and ramps can make for easy accessibility and enjoyment.

Education is not just for the disabled home owner but for the people who are in the real estate industry such as the mortgage lenders, agents and inspectors. As a person with a disability be prepared to enlighten and instruct. Also, understand that they might not be aware of accommodations for your disability. "When purchasing a home, most importantly, connect with that Real Estate Agent. Make sure that they understand that they are working for you, not the people around you, and to always speak directly to you. You can do this in a tactful manner, and most times, this will make for a very relaxed relationship between you and your agent," said

Rita Harrison, a 12-year home owner who is visually-impaired. "Since I have the disability, and most people seem to shy away from people with disabilities, because of the fear of the unknown, I strongly believe that it is my responsibility to show that person that I am just like they are. Mark Gasaway a 16-year home owner who is deaf and blind agrees about education and understanding. When searching for his home, he requested a sign language interpreter to ease communication from looking at prospective houses to handling the lengthy paperwork at the closing table. "For the most part, an interpreter was present to help facilitate the process and having people who were willing to help as much as possible," he said. "People who understood the scope of the situation was important to me."

Home ownership is more feasible for the disabled now; but like other life decisions it is a serious commitment that can not be easily backed out of. So making sound decisions, talking to other home owners and doing your homework can make the experience a pleasant one and your home a home sweet home.

Empish JeAnne Thomas is a freelance writer, avid book reader and disability advocate. She combines all three of her passions by writing interesting and compelling stories on disabiity-related issues and literary topics. Her most recent work was a story that detailed a book club for the blind featured in her community newspaper. When she is not engaged in writing, Empish is active in the disabled community by mentoring writers with visual impairments and attending literary events. She currently lives in Atlanta, Georgia and can be reached at etwrites@bellsouth.net.