Easy Living: Advice for Accessible House Hunting

July 5, 2022

When it comes to accessible housing, it’s important to be informed. Whether you’re a senior citizen, a veteran or someone with a disability, research is key for ensuring that your move is straightforward and cost-efficient. Here are some things to consider.

Home Buying

Before you can even begin the process of searching for an accessible property, you need to ensure you have all the correct documentation. This means gathering together proof of income or housing/disability benefits, to prove your viability as a tenant. You may find that you need assistance funding a move — if this is the case, you can look into nonprofit and federal programs via the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) or apply for help with Volunteers of America who develop affordable housing across the nation, including those with accessibility issues.

Your physical requirements will play an important part in deciding what kind of accessible housing is right for you. You may need wheelchair-friendly doorways, ramps, grab bars, reinforced walls, or even properties with smart technology installed so that you can control lighting and other features whilst sitting down. Before reaching out to a realtor, be sure to carry out plenty of research into the local market to ascertain whether properties in Clermont and its surrounds offer the right features and whether now is a smart time to buy. Once you’re ready, reach out to the Brown Home Group to begin the home buying process.

You will likely be purchasing your home with the aid of a mortgage. A mortgage is a loan for the purpose of purchasing real estate, and there are a variety of mortgage products available for buyers of different qualifications. Each mortgage will have its own term and rate, which dictate the payoff timely and cost. Your lender will be happy to walk you through the process of mortgage qualification.

Modifications

Sometimes, it makes more financial and logistical sense to move into a non-accessible property and install modifications yourself. The viability of this option will again depend upon the nature of your disabilities, but in some circumstances, it can prove to be more affordable and won’t inconvenience you. The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) may even offer a tax break on modifications that are bracketed under medical expenses and that exceed 7.5% of adjusted gross income. Alternatively, you could look into federal or non-profit home repair grants designed specifically to help those in your situation.

It’s important to acquaint yourself with the many available options for home modifications. In the last few years, disability assistance has come a long way with consistent flooring, glides, stairlifts, rubber-backed rugs, and supplementary light systems all benefitting from leaps in design and technology. Some of these, however, encompass the home structure itself and cannot be installed easily — in cases such as these, you may need the assistance of a construction company that will take your physical conditions into account.

Moving In

The process of moving can prove costly and you’ll need to budget early so you can afford a moving company. This is (hopefully) a one-time event and so it’s important to read plenty of online reviews and look at the available options in your local area to ensure you get the exact right organization. A good moving company is worth its money and can be the difference between a chaotic, stressful process or one that feels organized and systematic.

Once you’ve found someone to do the lifting, it’s time to handle the rest of things from your end. This can mean sorting through possessions, packing, and preparing any pets for travel. It can be daunting to move to a new location but a good way to think about it is as an exciting new chapter in your life. After all, you’re aiming to move into a more comfortable, accessible space.

Searching for an accessible home is a unique process and one that requires plenty of research. Make sure you know yourself and the market before you commit to any major decisions.

The Brown Home Group @ Keller Williams Advantage II have been working hard. Each of our full-time, licensed Realtors are committed to reaching your goals of selling your home for top dollar or purchasing your dream home. For more information, please visit our website or contact us today!

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The Orlando Law Scoop - Big Updates at OLG: New Attorney, Upcoming Events & More!

By Rick Brown • April 16, 2025

Spring Forward with OLG New Bootcamp, Fresh Blogs, and Meet Our New Attorney! As we welcome April, we’re bringing you a fresh batch of updates from The Orlando Law Group! From exciting new opportunities for non-profits to our latest blog posts and the introduction of a new attorney, there’s a lot to catch up on

A No-Nonsense Guide to a Hassle-Free Job Relocation

February 17, 2025

Moving for a job is a big deal. It can mean exciting new opportunities, but let’s be real—it’s also a lot to handle. From packing up your life to figuring out your new city, there’s a lot to juggle. Whether you're chasing a promotion, switching industries, or just looking for a fresh start, making the transition smooth (and affordable) takes some planning. But don’t stress—there are plenty of ways to make moving for work easier, faster, and way less of a headache. Level Up Your Career With Online Education If you're in a field like nursing, getting an advanced degree can open a lot of doors. An online master’s in nursing, for example, can help you move into leadership roles like administration or education, which often come with better hours and higher pay. The best part? Online MSN degree programs make it easier to juggle work and school since you can study on your own schedule. Plus, you’ll save time and money by skipping the commute. Investing in your education isn’t just about earning more—it puts you in a position to make a bigger impact in your field. Make House Hunting Easier With Local Real Estate Pros Finding a place to live in a new city can be overwhelming, especially if you’re trying to balance your budget, commute, and lifestyle all at once. Want to make things easier on yourself? Get yourself a real estate agent who actually knows the area. They’ll point you toward the right neighborhoods, keep you from making expensive mistakes, and take a ton of stress off your plate. Sure, you could spend hours lost in online listings and market trends, but why make it harder than it needs to be? Let someone who does this every day (like Brown Home Group ) handle the tricky stuff so you can focus on the move itself. Keep Your Important Stuff Safe While Moving Packing up and moving is already chaotic enough—you don’t want to add losing important documents or valuables to the mix. Keep things like passports, birth certificates, and financial documents in a separate bag that stays with you at all times. If you want extra protection, a fireproof or theft-proof bag can help keep everything secure. Having all your essentials in one place means you won’t be scrambling to find them when you need them. Understand How Taxes Affect Employer-Paid Moving Expenses If your employer is covering your moving costs, don’t assume it’s all free money. Right now, employer-paid moving expenses are considered taxable income, which means you’ll owe taxes on them. But keep an eye on tax law changes—by 2026, moving expenses might become tax-deductible again. Either way, save your receipts and keep track of everything. It’s better to be prepared than surprised when tax season rolls around. If you're unsure about what applies to you, checking IRS resources or talking to a tax professional can help clear things up. Find a Job Faster by Understanding the Local Market Even if you’re moving for a specific job, understanding the job market in your new city can help you plan for the future. Some industries, like healthcare and tech, are growing in certain areas, while others may be more competitive. Checking out local job boards or resources can give you a sense of what to expect . Knowing which industries are booming and what skills are in demand can also help you negotiate better pay or prepare for future career moves. Meet New People by Getting Involved in Hobbies Moving to a new city can feel lonely at first, but getting involved in local activities is one of the best ways to meet people. Whether it’s joining a hiking group, attending a book club, or signing up for a class, shared hobbies can lead to great personal and professional connections . If you’re in a field like tech or design, events like hackathons or art meetups can even open up new job opportunities. Making connections through hobbies isn’t just fun—it can also help you feel more at home in your new city. Stay Organized With a Moving Timeline A solid game plan can make your move way less chaotic. Creating a timeline for everything —from giving notice at your current job to setting up utilities in your new place—keeps you on track. Breaking things down into small, manageable tasks makes everything feel less overwhelming. Sharing your plan with your employer, family, or anyone else involved helps avoid last-minute surprises. And don’t forget to book movers or rental trucks early to get the best rates! Moving for work can be a lot, but it doesn’t have to be a total headache. With a little planning, some local know-how, and a flexible mindset, you can make the whole thing way easier. Stay organized, ask for help when you need it, and take it one step at a time. Before you know it, you’ll be unpacked, finding your new favorite coffee spot, and settling into your next adventure! Discover the key to your real estate dreams with Brown Home Group —your trusted partner in buying, selling, or investing in Central Florida’s vibrant market!

The Orlando Law Scoop - Take Charge of 2025: A Practical Checklist for Your Peace of Mind

By Rick Brown • January 15, 2025

Start the New Year with Confidence: Your Essential Legal and Financial Checklist for the New Year As we step into the new year, it’s the perfect time to reassess our goals and ensure our affairs are in order. Whether you’re looking to protect your family’s future, streamline your business, or simply get a fresh start, our New Year Reset Checklist is here to guide you. From updating your estate plan to revisiting your insurance coverage, these straightforward tips will help you begin the year with clarity and confidence. Let’s make 2025 your best year yet! N ew Year Reset Checklist Review or Update Your Estate Plan Confirm wills, trusts, and healthcare directives are up to date. Make sure beneficiaries and key contacts still reflect your current wishes. Verify Insurance Coverage Check life, home, auto, or business policies for accuracy and adequate coverage. Add new, high-value items (like holiday gifts) to your policy. Organize Important Documents Safely store originals (wills, titles, deeds) in a secure location. Keep digital backups in an encrypted folder or password manager. Assess Your Finances Review your budget and set savings goals for the year. Check beneficiary designations on bank, retirement, and investment accounts. Consider Charitable or Non-Profit Involvement Think about attending our Non-Profit Bootcamp if you’re interested in establishing or growing a charitable organization. Explore tax benefits and community impact of giving back. Plan for Business Updates (if applicable) Ensure business licenses, permits, and corporate documents are current. Schedule time to review or revise your operating agreements. Schedule Professional Consultations Estate Planning Attorney: Secure or update your plan. Financial Advisor: Review investment strategies, retirement, and tax planning. CPA or Tax Professional: Get organized ahead of tax deadlines. Starting the year off with a clear plan sets you on the right path—less stress, fewer surprises, and more peace of mind. If you need guidance, we’re here to help. Call 407-565-HELP to schedule a consultation or learn more about our services. Make 2025 the Year You Secure Your Legacy Planning for the future doesn’t have to be overwhelming. In our latest YouTube video series, Attorney Erika De Jesus breaks down the basics of estate planning—from wills to trusts. If you’ve been putting off this vital task, now’s the perfect time to learn how to safeguard your loved ones and secure your legacy.