In line with the celebration of the 25th Anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), real estate agent franchise company Century 21 Real Estate LLC (C21®) conducted the "Persons with Disabilities Home Buying Survey." The results of the survey have been recently released. The objectives of the study were for the agency to have an insight on the real estate industry's current state, and to be instrumental in helping persons with disabilities live, learn, work, play in their community, as well be free from discrimination.
The survey, which was conducted online last June by Harris Poll for Century 21, had 503 active homebuyers as respondents, and who were either disabled or were living with someone who has disability. The key findings were:
1. A majority (83 percent) agree that having a real estate professional who is familiar with accessible housing is beneficial to them
2. One in every four respondents or 25 percent stated that it is a must for the real estate agent professional to have knowledge on accessible housing
3. Almost half or 49 percent have experienced difficulty finding a place that fits their family's unique needs.
4. One in five or 21 percent do not have access to real estate professionals who are well-trained.
5. More than half or 54 percent graded the average real estate professionals' knowledge of accessible housing with a rating of "C'" or below.
Rick Davidson, President and Chief Executive Officer of C21® said: "This survey shows that there is a critical need for real estate professionals to understand the particular needs and unique challenges faced by homebuyers who have disabilities or live with someone who does."
In response to this, C21® is in the process of developing a training program meant for agents to better serve clients who are disabled or are living with someone with impairments. The Special Agent Learning Program, the very first in the country, shall provide access for their members to have information, resources and learning on accessible housing and the universal design for people with disabilities. This program will be launched in October.
C21® has partnered with Easter Seals, a non-profit charitable organization which helps millions of people with autism, other disabilities and special needs.
The most recent U.S. Census Report on Americans with Disabilities shows that about 19 percent of the country's population have disabilities.
