When Your Dream Home Becomes Your Prison

Everyone is so excited and nervous when they buy a new home. There are so many things that go through your mind. But, the one thing most people do not think about is “what happens if I become disabled or as I grow older.”

I know when I bought my condo, I never thought about that; after all, I was in my twenties. The only good thing I did when buying my condo was buying on the first floor of a three-story building. I did this more out of practicality then anything else. I wanted easy access in and out of my condo and did not want to carry everything upstairs.

Little did I know that only a few years later my condo would become my prison. After a variety of illnesses and complications, I ended up in a wheelchair. After 3 months in the hospital, I finally got to come home and found out my home was not wheelchair friendly and it became my prison. I was reliant on other people to help me get around my own home. The only positive aspect of my home was I was on the first floor or I would have had to sell immediately.

Through this blog, we will look at some of the obstacles I faced in my home and how I navigated around them and some things you should think about when you buy a home. Access Perfect Homes was created to help individuals with disabilities and the aging find homes that fit their individual needs.

This blog will focus on different aspect of our homes to consider when you are buying, selling or making modifications. We also give you access to real estate agents, contractors, developers, attorneys, and lenders who can help you and your dream home to ensure that one day it will not become your prison.

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A native of Cocoa Beach, Florida, Cheryl Davis is a 2nd generation Realtor with over 35 years of experience in Residential and Commercial sales as well as Property Management.  Cheryl is the author and creative force behind Access Perfect Home’s Education and Training program.