Working With The Disabled: A Real Estate Niche

Agent Advice
18185

Written by

Eduardo Albuquerque

Published date:

Updated: Feb 26, 2024 by

Real estate agents specialized in homes for the disabled

We’ve recently written an article for Autism Awareness Day on how Children on the Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) need safer homes and, while researching the subject, we noticed how limited the results were when searching for real estate agents that specialize in clients with special needs.

The ones that did come up were scarce, consisting primarily of real estate agents that had relatives with special needs and decided to make knowledge gained in their personal experience regarding their struggle available to clients.

After the frustration passed, we thought to ourselves that this lemon needs to be turned into lemonade. Applying the supply and demand ratio to this situation, it quickly becomes apparent that homes for the disabled constitute a highly attractive real estate market niche for realtors interested in working with disabled adults and families.

First, some context:

Currently, there is no official license or regulation concerning the professional aid of people with special needs in real estate. The Americans with Disabilities Act, a civil rights bill signed in 1990, does apply to every field of work and prohibits professionals like real estate agents from discriminating against people with disabilities. 

 

However, empathy is the bare minimum all real estate agents should have towards any homebuyer or home seller, right? It is, after all, what agency is all about: you advocate for a person and their needs, which are always unique; no two people are alike, after all. When working with disabled adults, individualism is key. 

 

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Tips for working with disabled adults

So, what we are saying is that, from a business standpoint, this is great news as you won’t have to spend money with specialized courses or certifications – though they will hopefully be created down the road to help sort the really specialized agents in homes for the disabled from the ones who only claim it as a marketing tool for their brands.

If you’re interested in working within the disabled community, invest your time and attention researching and working to better understand the many challenges dealt with by people with unique needs when looking for a home that better suits them.

However, that doesn’t mean it will be a piece of cake. After all, being a real estate agent working with disabled adults entails much more than making sure the house has an accessible bathroom or the doorway is large enough to pass a wheelchair through.

 

How to specialize in aiding clients with special needs

The term “special needs” is used to a variety of groups and conditions: people on the autism spectrum disorder (ASD), veterans with traumas (mental or physical), blind or deaf people, cerebral palsy, down syndrome, ADHD…  That means there’s no “one size fits all” solution in this niche. Nonetheless, there are some general paths all real estate agents working in this niche should consider:

Re-learning the concept of location

The “location, location, location” motto becomes imperative here. You’ll want nothing but the best places in the US to live if your child has special needs, right? But there is a sensitive difference, for instance, as to what qualifies as being one of the Best School Districts for a family that has children with disabilities.

As real estate agents working with disabled adults/families will quickly find, most special needs home buyers value inclusivity rather than pure academic excellence. Far more important to these home buyers will be the availability of schools with accessibility features, a track record of good special needs education and social integration of children with disabilities and even a low ratio of teachers to students.

A realtor working with disabled adults will find that it’s imperative to have this information at the tip of the tongue. For more information regarding special needs education, you should read the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act, an important piece of American legislation put in action also in 1990.

Sometimes, school is not even a factor, but still, you have to know what sort of facilities can help them soothe their everyday obstacles. What are the best hospitals around? Is there a specialized one that's great for your client's condition? Are there any stores or services around highly recommended for any kind of disability? And what about the house itself?

Accomodations for the differently abled

Real estate agents working with disabled adults or families with disabled children will need to consider other factors. Is the property close to a body of water or any other kind of danger that can pose a problem for people with disabilities? Is it secluded, a gated community or a cul de sac to better protect children with disabilities from wandering and getting lost? Does it have a reliable home security system that can help protect them?

Moreover, when doing a home relocation, the community that will surround your client is also of great importance. Are they educated on the subject? Do they embrace those with unique needs? When working with disabled adults/families, it helps to be easygoing, observant and professional, and be knowledgeable not only about the features of the house, but the tastes and way of thinking of the neighbors in the area.

In fewer words, you should be the kind of realtor that ends up becoming friends with your clients even if in the end, they didn't become clients. If you’re a “close the deal and move on to the next” kind of agent, then this is not the right niche for you.

In-depth knowledge of extra legislation

Did you notice how we’ve already name-dropped two important pieces of legislation regarding those with disabilities? As a real estate agent working with disabled adults/families, you will need to be intimately familiar with all the pertinent legislation. Not just the federal ones - like the homeownership voucher program - but the several state (even district!) legislation that can impact the process of finding the perfect homes for the disabled.

 A real estate agent serious about aiding clients with disabilities has to know them all to hook their clients up with the best opportunities possible when looking for homes for the disabled.

Get out of your comfort zone

Working with disabled adults/families to find appropriate special needs housing can be difficult. It requires you to pay much closer attention to detail than your regular “detail oriented” client. What’s more, taking them out for a house tour might take more of your time then you would expect.

Plus, unfortunate though it may be, unexpected situations might happen, and you have to be able to help them out the best you can. All of that requires a larger dose of patience, calm and attention than what you are accustomed to. It is challenging, but, trust us, there are also unique rewards working this particular niche and you will hopefully enjoy them as soon as you start.

In the end, it’s all about being equipped and well prepared with the best resources to make the process easy on your client, so reach out to organizations that fight for this cause and explain your intentions, ask for help with your education. They will appreciate your effort and might even – down the road, once you’ve proven your commitment – send leads on your way.

If after reading this article you think you might like to specialize in working with disabled adults/families, congratulations and thank you! There are a lot of people out there craving for knowledgeable help and you're the one who will fill that void. 

Disability Statistic Annual Report

Here are some statistics to back this info: according to the 2016’s Disability Statistic Annual Report made by the University of New Hampshire, the percentage of people with disabilities rose from 11.9% in 2010, to 12.6% in 2013, 2014, and 2015. That’s 12.6% of the total US population! And breaking that number down: over half (51.1%) of those 12.6% are people in the working ages of 18-64, while 41.2% are 65 and older. Disability in children and youth accounted for only 7.2% (ages 5-17) and 0.4% (under 5 years old). So, as you can see, there’s a lot of work to be done!

Conclusion

If you read it all and concluded this is not the right real estate niche for you, there's absolutely no problem. You are already helping just by reading it and acknowledging the importance of the subject and can help even further by spreading the word to colleagues that might be interested in following this path.

Comments for Working With The Disabled: A Real Estate Niche

Mary Briguglio Mary Briguglio said:

looking for real estate agent experienced in helping handicapped persons buy a home

Aug 06, 2021  16:04:03

 
Real Estate Agent

Awesome, just need some information from you full name, email phone number. Please also provide what area you are looking to move to. I will also need the amount you are looking to spend and bed/bath you will need. 

Thank you 

Aug 11, 2021  09:24:53
 
Christine Christine said:

Looking for a Real Estate Agent that works with people on disability

Jul 10, 2021  20:30:18

 
Real Estate Agent

HI, YES ALL WE NEED IS MORE INFORMATION. PLEASE REPLY WITH YOUR NAME, PHONE NUMBER, EMAIL, CITY/STATE BED/BATH AND WHAT YOU ARE LOOKING TO PAY. I WILL DO MY BEST TO LOCATE AN AMAZING AGENT TO ASSIST YOU.

 

THANK YOU SUE TAYLOR

Jul 12, 2021  14:45:56
 
Torri Dillard Torri Dillard said:

Can you help someone on disability find a rental(apartment or home)?

Jul 07, 2021  23:41:11

 
Real Estate Agent

HI, YES ALL WE NEED IS MORE INFORMATION. PLEASE REPLY WITH YOUR NAME, PHONE NUMBER, EMAIL, CITY/STATE BED/BATH AND WHAT YOU ARE LOOKING TO PAY. I WILL DO MY BEST TO LOCATE AN AMAZING AGENT TO ASSIST YOU.

 

THANK YOU SUE TAYLOR

Jul 08, 2021  09:53:59
 
Raymond E Burkett Raymond E Burkett said:

Looking for agent that will help disabled to purchase a home

Jun 19, 2021  15:05:34

 
Real Estate Agent

Awesome,  I will be happy to locate an agent for you. I just need a little more information from you. I will need the city/state that you are looking to relocate to. I will need the price range? Bed/bath? Also if you can give me the price range. Finally please provide me your phone number and a good email address foryou and I will have a great real estate agent reach out to you.

 

Thank you,

Sue Taylor 

Jun 22, 2021  13:11:59
 
Gary Jeffries Gary Jeffries said:

Do u have houses for people on disability to own

Jun 18, 2021  16:32:38

 
Real Estate Agent

Sure do, I will be happy to locate an agent for you. I just need a little more information from you. I will need the city/state that you are looking to relocate to. I will need the price range? Bed/bath? Also if you can give me the price range. Finally please provide me your phone number and a good email address foryou and I will have a great real estate agent reach out to you.

 

Thank you,

Sue Taylor 

Jun 22, 2021  13:11:06
 
Dan Croy Dan Croy said:

You need a 3-bedroom house to rent with two bathrooms and I'm on disability

May 18, 2021  07:19:38

 
Real Estate Agent

Hi can you please give me the city/;state so I can get an agent to help you also include a good phone number as well. 

May 18, 2021  16:30:27
 
Rosa Rincon Rosa Rincon said:

I WOULD LIKE TO FIND A HOUSE WITH NO STAIRS, NO BATHTUB, AND SPACIOUS FOR A PERSON WITH SPECIAL NEEDS IN OR NEAR TO 60629 ZIP CODE

May 05, 2021  21:23:39

 
Real Estate Agent

Hi I have a great realtor to help you just provide me with a phone number for you and I will have him get back to you.

 

How many bed/bath? When are  you looking to move? Are you qualiified?

Please get back to me ASAP with this information.

 

Thank you

May 06, 2021  09:33:50
 
CYNTHIA A GIBBS CYNTHIA A GIBBS said:

BUY HOME

May 05, 2021  10:14:55

 
Real Estate Agent

Hi in order to assist you I will need more information. Where you want to buy? Your name, number, how many bed/bath? What you qualify for? 

 

Thank you 

May 05, 2021  11:10:39
 
Karen Ebalarosa Karen Ebalarosa said:

We are looking for a home for our family with a special need son we don’t know where to go to get help to look for a home that we need for him right now. We aim an apartment that is too small for him and he need more space.

May 02, 2021  17:26:42

 
Real Estate Agent

Karen,

 

We would be glad to help what city/state can I locate an agent? 

 

Thank you,

Sue Taylor

954-983-8668

May 04, 2021  11:37:02
 
Lisa Molina Lisa Molina said:

Looking for Disability Ranch Style home in Plainfield but would like something newer looking

Mar 29, 2021  01:00:48

 
Real Estate Agent

Hey, Lisa! Thank you for reaching out to us. We can help you get in touch with one of our real estate agents in Plainfield IL, or you can contact us directly via our phone number at the top of the page or via our 24/7 live chat. We are looking forward to hearing from you!

Mar 30, 2021  13:06:27
 
Arthur Torrey Arthur Torrey said:

Agent near Billerica, MA, with experience in working with wheelchair-using clients

Mar 23, 2021  21:12:34

 
Real Estate Agent

Hey, Arthur! If you are interested in advertising with us, reach out to us via live chat or contact us at the following phone number: 1-866-495-4953.

Mar 30, 2021  13:14:06
 
Joanna Carey Joanna Carey said:

Looking for a rental for special needs adult.

Mar 06, 2021  09:08:27

 
Real Estate Agent

Hey, Joanna! Thank you for reaching out to us. We are glad to collaborate with you and help you find a rental. If you are interested in rentals in Ashburn, follow the link to our directory page that contains a list of real estate agents in Ashburn VA you can reach out to for help. If you decide to contact us directly at the phone number listed at the top of the page, we will be more than happy to assist you in finding a rental.

Mar 17, 2021  10:32:08
 
Gail Correa Gail Correa said:

I wanted to ask if a person who is disabled can buy a home through special program s

Feb 18, 2021  10:50:11

 
Real Estate Agent

Hey, Gail! If by special programs you mean mortgage programs for disabled home buyers, yes, it's possible to buy a home as a disabled person. Unlike traditional mortgage loan types, the special mortgage programs make it easier for buyers to qualify for the loan, and interest rates are usually much lower than the traditional loan. If you want more detail, please reach out to us at the phone number listed above or via live chat, and we will try and help your find what you are looking for.

Feb 26, 2021  07:38:28
 
Melanie Lane Melanie Lane said:

Questions about finding a home

Feb 05, 2021  20:29:55

 
Real Estate Agent

 Hey, Melanie! If you have questions about special needs housing or if you need help finding a home, you can get in touch with us via live chat or our phone number listed at the top of the page. You can also contact an agent directly by going to our directory page and typing in the location where you are interested in finding an agent. You will receive a list of available agents in the area. Best regards!

Feb 15, 2021  09:20:23
 
Alyson Blair Alyson Blair said:

Wondering how one finds houses that are handicap accessible

Feb 04, 2021  19:11:28

 
Real Estate Agent

Hey, Alyson! Thank you for reaching out to us. Are you interested in finding a home with handicap accessibility? Are you looking for housing in Seattle, WA? If that is the case, you can reach out to one of our real estate agents in Seattle WA, or get in touch with us directly, and we will be able to help you find a home or answer all your questions regarding special needs housing.

Feb 15, 2021  09:09:34
 
Tracy Martin Tracy Martin said:

I'm Neurologically Disabled filling 4 brain Surgeries. Divorced and seeking a simple townhouse. I pay $1600 now and know I should have a Condo or Townhouse. Please Help

Jan 25, 2021  13:48:48

 
Real Estate Agent

Hey, Tracy! We are sorry to hear about your situation. To help you, we need to know more details about the location where you want to find a townhouse. Are you interested in buying a home in New Jersey? You can find real estate agents in New Jersey at the link provided, or you can get in touch with us directly via our phone number listed at the top of the page or via live chat.

Feb 03, 2021  09:12:43
 
Naomi Hernandez Naomi Hernandez said:

looking for a rental for me a adult female with mental disabilities working and my mother a senior with physical disabilities who is disabled . Somewhere in Stockton Ca or close to the Stockton Airport as i work there

Jan 13, 2021  17:25:20

 
Real Estate Agent

Hey Naomi! Thank you for reaching out to us. We are more than happy to help you. Reach out to us at the following phone number: 1-866-495-4953 or get in touch with us via live chat. We will do our best to help you find the right rental for yourself and your mother. Looking forward to hearing from you!

Jan 18, 2021  07:50:21
 
Hermione Mc Neil Hermione Mc Neil said:

Real estate agent specializing in working with the disabled in Philadelphia

Jan 13, 2021  14:52:11

 
Real Estate Agent

Hey, Neil! Are you interested in finding a real estate agent, or are you a specialized agent who wants to advertise with us? We can help you either way, just give us a call at the phone number listed at the top of the page or get in touch with us via live chat.

Jan 18, 2021  07:26:20
 
Janine Janine said:

Need affordable rent

Jan 07, 2021  02:24:40

 
Real Estate Agent

Hey, Janine! Are you interested in finding affordable rent in Colorado? If that is the case, you can reach out to our real estate agents in Colorado or contact us directly at the phone number listed above. That way, we can talk about the details and help you find what you are looking for. Can’t wait to hear from you!

Jan 11, 2021  12:20:21
 
Richard Somerville Richard Somerville said:

Looking for a 1 or 2 bedroom apartment or house for me and my handicapped brother. Price no more than $800.00 a month. Our place is to small for his walker and wheel chair . He also can't see very well. We live in a camper with a florida room , but the bathroom is in the camper side and he can't fit his walker or wheelchair through there.

Dec 04, 2020  05:21:41

 
Real Estate Agent

Hey Richard! We are more than happy to help you and your brother find a new home that fits your description. I assume you are interested in finding real estate agents in Tampa FL, who can help you with your housing needs? If that is the case, access the link provided and contact one of our agents in the area. Give them all the information you provided to us, and they will help you find the right home. Also, you can give us a call at 1-866-495-4953 or reach us via live chat.

Dec 04, 2020  11:27:59
 
Tanya Hayes Tanya Hayes said:

I'm a 47-year-old disabled woman and I'm looking for rent or to own three-bedroom home.

Nov 17, 2020  20:52:36

 
Real Estate Agent

Hey, Tanya! Thank you for reaching out to us. We can provide you with the needed support if you contact us via live chat or by giving us a call at 1-866-495-4953. Also, you can reach out to our real estate agents in Washington DC and they will be able to help you with your housing needs.

Nov 23, 2020  08:03:55
 
Jean E Whitehead Jean E Whitehead said:

I need an accessible apt n long island, ny

Jun 13, 2020  16:28:55

 
Real Estate Agent

Hey, Jean! Thank you for reaching out to us. Please search in our directory in order to find the local real estate agents in New York that will be able to further assist you. Also, feel free to contact us directly at 1-866-495-4953 or via live chat.

Jul 14, 2020  06:50:59
 
Audrey Dufiori Audrey Dufiori said:

While doing some very basic research regarding home buying I ran across some information which indicated that presently there are some very beneficial programs available for disabled individuals and their family members who reside with them...that's me!! So, I was looking for a realtor who is aware of these programs and might be able to help.

Jun 12, 2020  13:48:29

 
Real Estate Agent

Hey, Audrey! If there is a particular program you are interested in, we highly recommend you to find the local real estate agents in New Mexico in the area you want to buy the property. Our agents would be able to fill you in with all the information you need about these programs. If you have trouble finding a real estate agent don't hesitate to contact us directly at the phone number displayed at the top.

Jun 19, 2020  09:19:13
 
Sharon Alexander Sharon Alexander said:

I have a very low credit score. I am wondering if the best thing for me to do is try rent to own because I don't have a lot of money to put a down payment either?

May 17, 2020  13:12:50

 
Real Estate Agent

Hey, Sharon! There are actually ways to get a home loan without having to put a down payment. Some of the home loans that exist out there can allow for that. This might increase the overall monthly repayments, but it is possible. Check out our article on home loans with 0 down payment for more details. Also, it is possible to get a home loan with lower credit scores but usually, that would require a higher down payment. Therefore, you might not be able to get both, but for more details check out our article on the minimum credit score in the USA for home loans. Rent to own is also a perfectly valid option, but you would have to find the option that is best for you at the moment. Thank you for your question and hopefully, you will be able to own a home in no time.

May 20, 2020  11:27:29
 
ERIC O DAWSON ERIC O DAWSON said:

I'm 55 years old and my brother Jerome Dawson is my caretaker. We need to buy a home in N.Charleston SC, that is handicapped ready for me with doors 32-inches wide and 80-inches in height and two full baths and one with a wheelchair shower and a ramp for my wheelchair.

May 14, 2020  17:17:27

 
Real Estate Agent

Hey, Eric! Congrats for your decision to buy a home. We can help you by providing a direct link to our directory page where you could get in touch with one of our real estate agents in Charleston SC and they would be able to help you. Also, you can get in touch with us via our 24/7 live chat or contact us directly at the following phone number 1-866-495-4953.

May 20, 2020  11:15:12
 
Joel Hartzell Joel Hartzell said:

Real estate agent who specializes in disabilities such as mobility issues

Mar 02, 2020  02:49:23

 
Real Estate Agent

Hey Joel,

Thank you for reaching out to us. Are you an agent specializing in disabilities? If that is the case and you want to advertise with us then feel free to contact us for further details. If you are looking for an agent, depending on where you live, we might have a real estate agent in the area that can help. Provide a list of cities so we might have an agent reach out to you. Also, feel free to call us at 1-866-495-4953 (8:30 a.m.-5:30 p.m.) or via the live chat window for more details.

Mar 27, 2020  11:41:03
 
Neressa Neressa said:

We are looking for condo. One of the realtor agents should know better about the wheelchair accessible. He showed us the condo...there is no ramp on the sidewalk to the condo. Come on! They should be considering before showing us the condo.

Jan 29, 2020  12:31:21

 
Real Estate Agent

Hey, Neressa! We are sorry to hear about that! Unfortunately not all real estate agents are specialized in aiding people with disabilities during the home buying process. This is a real estate niche where only a few agents operate. Since you don’t need any credentials, it is a thing of personal preference for agents if they would like to specialize in this niche or not. For most agents who specialize in providing special needs housing, it could be family members or close relationships with people with special needs that motivated them to specialize in this area. If you are interested in finding local realtors in Tucker GA use our directory. Also, don’t hesitate to contact us directly via live chat, email or give us a call. We will do our best to aid you in finding the right agent to help you.

Apr 13, 2020  10:07:45
 
Brooklyn Bliss Bella Brooklyn Bliss Bella said:

asking for a friend who has down syndrome, what is flexible rent near 900 to 1,000? and what time will be ok with u?

Dec 31, 2019  03:43:16

 
Real Estate Agent

Hi Bella! 

We do not offer rentals on our platform, but we can help you connect with a real estate agent in your area who will work with you or your friend to answer any questions you may have or help you find a listing that suits your needs. Simply enter your city into the search field at https://www.realestateagent.com/, select "renting" from the categories immediately above the search bar, and click enter.  We hope you find what you're searching for! 

Jan 03, 2020  05:53:28
 
Lee. Oh Lee. Oh said:

I may need a real estate agent for Central Bucks County or Eastern Montgomery County in PA that can help with special needs.

Sep 15, 2019  13:21:05

 
Real Estate Agent

Hi, Lee! On RealEstateAgent.com you can find real estate agents specialized in any niche imaginable, including special needs housing. Please get in touch with our real estate agents in Doylestown PA, PA or even with the real estate agents in Philadelphia PA. Also, take the time to read our blog on special needs housing as well. We hope that you'll find it useful. If you have more questions, don't hesitate to contact us by phone or via the live chat window. 

Sep 16, 2019  06:30:02
 
Elizabeth Elizabeth said:

I have a husband with DEMENTIA. :( I could use some help for us.

May 04, 2019  18:55:57

 
Real Estate Agent

Hello, Elizabeth! We are here for you! How can we help you? We have a live chat service every day, Monday through Friday and you may also call us at 1-866-495-4953 (8:30 a.m.-5:30 p.m.). Please contact us! 

May 07, 2019  05:11:24
 
Giselle Rodriguez Giselle Rodriguez said:

Need help looking for a house

Apr 26, 2019  19:55:45

 
Real Estate Agent

Hi Giselle, you will find a few articles on special needs housing on our website and we hope you find these informative and helpful. Let us know which city you are in need of an agent and we will have an experienced agent contact you. 

May 01, 2019  03:39:29
 
Matt Matt said:

I'm reading the article about real estate agents specialized in homes for the disabled. We could use some help to find a "special needs" agent in northern New Jersey who can work with an adult client with aspergers. We need to find a rental while we sell our home. The person is ok with paperwork but is uncomfortable/anxious with online application databases like the NTN. We would like to work with someone who can be empathetic to this condition and find a way to help us rent without using NTN. I would like to know if the agents featured below are just local agents or if they work with persons with disabilities. Thank you, Matt

Mar 19, 2019  14:33:56

 
Real Estate Agent

Matt, thank you for reaching out to us.  You stated you need assistance in Northern NJ.....please provide us a few cities so we may have an agent reach out to you. Also, feel free to contact us directly 1-866-495-4953 x0.

Mar 20, 2019  17:23:25
 
 
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