Buying a Multigenerational Home? Here‘s What You Should Look for

Gen Xers account for the largest share of multigenerational home purchases, according to the National Association of REALTORS®. It’s no surprise either, with their parents getting older, many are taking on caregiving duties and shunning the help (and costs) of nursing homes and assisted living facilities.

But buying a multigenerational home isn’t the same as buying a house solo — or even one for your kids and spouse. 

With older residents in the picture, accessibility, location, layout, and other features become more important than ever.

Are you on the hunt for a home to share with your aging loved ones? Here’s what you need to be on the lookout for:

• Accessibility – The top accessibility features are grab bars in the bathroom, widened doorways for walkers and wheelchairs, entrance ramps, and lower sinks and counters. Though it might be hard to find a house that already has all these, you can at least look for a property with the bones to customize appropriately.
• Privacy – This is one’s for your good as much as it is your loved one’s. The ideal place to share with aging family members would be one with a mother-in-law suite, ADU, granny flat, or another alternative living suite. This allows you both some privacy while still enabling easy care and communication.
• Proximity to health facilities – As hard as it is to think about, there might come a time when your loved one needs emergency medical care. For these reasons, a very rural, remote property probably isn’t best. Look for a home that’s close to a local hospital or emergency room, and one that has quick access to emergency services and 911.
• An open layout – You don’t want anything winding or cramped. If your loved one needs a wheelchair, walker, or just has mobility problems, the more open the space is, the better. 

If your aging family member has good credit, they might make a great co-borrower for your mortgage loan. They could help qualify you for lower rates, a higher loan amount, or more favorable loan terms, so be sure to ask them if they’d be willing to co-sign your loan with you. 

You might also consider a 203(k) loan if the home you’re buying needs significant accessibility updates. These let you finance both your purchase and your expected renovations all in one. Get in touch with an Embrace Home Loans team member today to learn more about your options.