Buying a home can be an emotional process. Searching for financing, setting a budget, attending open houses, dealing with home inspections, appraisals and more can make the entire process stressful at the best of times. But when you’re trying to purchase a home in a seller’s market, the challenges increase dramatically.

A seller’s market is one where there are more people wanting to buy homes than houses for sale. Low home inventory pushes up prices and bidding wars have become common in some areas of the country. In addition to higher prices and the need to make quick decisions, homebuyers face stiff competition from other buyers who are often ready to waive all contingencies. These tips can help make the home buying process less stressful:

1. Set a Realistic Budget

Taking the time to determine exactly what you need and can afford before you start house hunting is important. It’s best to limit house shopping to properties that are within your established budget. People who look at homes outside their budgets often end up in the dangerous position of trying to stretch beyond their means or end up feeling unsatisfied with what they can actually afford. 

2. Get Pre-Approved for a Home Loan

By obtaining a preapproval for a mortgage before you start your home search, you’ll know exactly how much buying power you have. To obtain pre-approval, a borrower has to submit basic financial information and provide access to their credit report. Sellers are more likely to accept an offer from a pre-approved buyer because it means there will be fewer issues finalizing the mortgage. 

3. Be Patient and Flexible

It’s not unusual for buyers to submit numerous offers before they finally have one accepted. When inventory is low, homebuyers often can’t afford to wait for the perfect house to hit the market. Distinguishing between what is fixable and what is not is a key part of house-hunting. If a home meets your needs in terms of location and size, small cosmetic imperfections should not be a deterrent to making an offer. Adjusting your expectations can expand your options but don’t compromise on true essentials. For example, you shouldn’t buy a two-bedroom home if you know you need three bedrooms to comfortably accommodate your entire family.

4. Make a Cash Offer

For sellers, an all-cash offer is very appealing and leads to a higher likelihood of your offer being accepted. If you don’t have to use a mortgage lender, there’s no financing contingency, which shows sellers you aren’t likely to pull out of the deal due to financial problems. Cash sales can also happen quicker and lead to a smoother home sale. 

5. Waive Extra Contingencies

In a seller’s market, many buyers submit an offer without certain contingencies as a way to stand out from competing offers. Waiving contingencies gives the sellers an advantage by taking away protections from the buyer and should only be done with the recommendation and oversight of an experienced real estate agent. Skipping home inspections can be risky for buyers, so it’s important to understand exactly what you are forfeiting as a homebuyer if you decide to waive contingencies. 

6. Be Willing to Negotiate

Both buying and selling are stressful, so being willing to work with a seller is important. A vital aspect of successfully negotiating a home purchase is understanding what the seller wants and it’s not always the highest offer. For example, if a seller needs extra time to vacate due to another home purchase or construction, you may be able to grant them additional time in exchange for something you want – like having the home repainted. With houses selling quickly, some homebuyers are agreeing to rent the seller the house for 30 days after purchase, so they have time to look for a new house, in exchange for a discounted purchase price. 

7. Work With An Experienced Agent

Buying a new home is stressful even in the best of times. In a seller’s market, homebuyers need all of the help they can get. An experienced real estate agent can save both time and money by helping you find the right property and negotiating with the seller on your behalf. They can help you determine if your budget is realistic for the area and point you to nearby neighborhoods that might also meet your needs. Agents can also refer you to other professionals like home inspectors, contractors, appraisers and title companies during the home buying process.

8. Don’t Rush the Process

Finally, don’t feel pressured to buy a property you don’t feel good about – even in a seller’s market. Buying a house that you really don’t like or that doesn’t fit your needs is never a wise decision. Purchasing a home is the single biggest financial transaction most of us ever make so it’s important to take your time and make the right decision – even in a seller’s market.

According to the United States Census Bureau, nearly one in five Americans has a disability that affects their ability to walk, climb, hear, see, lift, or perform basic daily activities without the use of a wheelchair, walker, or cane. However, less than one percent of homes are wheelchair accessible — and only about a third could be modified to meet the needs of those with mobility impairments. While fewer housing options are available to accommodate individuals with disabilities, accessible homes are out there, and this guide will help you to find what you need.

Make a List of Must-Have Features

Before you begin your search for accessible housing, make a list of the features you’ll need in a home. If you hold moderate mobility impairments, for instance, you may need a one-level home, stepless entryways, an entry-level bathroom and bedroom (or an elevator on the main floor), and at least one accessible bathroom with safety handrails or grab bars.

If you need a wheelchair accessible home, then your list may include the aforementioned requirements in addition to the following:

• Wide hallways and doorways
• Doors with handles rather than knobs
• Sinks with levers or handles
• Flat surfaces between rooms (no steps)
• Accessible features throughout the home, including accessible electrical switches and outlets, thermostats, countertops, and cabinets

If a home doesn’t contain these features, you may be able to modify the property in the future to make it more accessible. For example, you may be able to install a wheelchair ramp, lower the countertops and cabinets, replace the door and sink handles, and modify the kitchen or bathroom to make these rooms more accessible.

Moreover, several grants are available to assist you in making your home more accessible, comfortable, and livable if you hold a disability. A couple of options include the Modest Needs’ Self-Sufficiency Grant and the USDA’s Rural Housing Repair Loan/Grant.

Where to Find Accessible Homes for Sale

When you’re looking to buy a home but have a mobility impairment or disability, it’s important to work directly with a real estate agent who has experience in working with disabled clients, as he or she can help you to find accessible or potentially modifiable homes. If you are 50 years of age or older, however, you may choose to work with a Senior Real Estate Specialist (SRES).

In addition to working with a real estate agent, you can search for homes online by visiting websites such as:

• Accessible Properties. Through Accessible Properties, you can search for accessible homes for sale in the U.S., Canada, or Mexico.
• Barrier-Free Home. Whichever state you live in, you can search for wheelchair-accessible homes, condos, and apartments in your area.
• Zillow and Trulia. Through these websites, you can create a search filter for “accessible” as you look for homes in your desired area.

Explore Your Financing Options

As you search for accessible housing, you may need a loan to finance the purchase of your new home. However, many financial assistance programs are available to assist disabled homebuyers, including the Homeownership Voucher Program under the US Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), HomeReady Mortgages through Fannie Mae, and additional housing assistance under Habitat for Humanity.

If you’re a first-time homebuyer, then you may also qualify for a mortgage under the Federal Housing Administration (known as an FHA loan). Before applying for a loan, however, it’s important to check your credit score, gather any documents you may need to apply for a mortgage, and work with a trusted lender to determine how much money you can afford to spend on the purchase of a home. After you’ve done so, look for an experienced real estate agent who can walk you through the entire home buying process.

While finding the perfect home can be a bit more difficult when you hold a mobility impairment or disability, these simple tips will help you to find accessible homes for sale in your area. Try not to worry if you can’t find a fully accessible home right away — your real estate agent can show you potentially modifiable homes as well.