Making the Real Estate Journey More Accessible
REAL TIME episode 72 featuring Jeffrey Kerr.
From walk-in showers to front door ramps to strobe light fire alarms, accessibility in homes is essential for some but beneficial for all.
On this episode of REAL TIME, host Shaun Majumder is joined by Jeffrey Kerr, a REALTOR® who specializes in accessibility in the real estate world. He offers his insight into what’s working, what areas need improvement and how REALTORS® can join him in breaking down barriers clients face in the process.
They start by going back more than 20 years to discuss what, and more specifically who, inspired Kerr—his family.
He shares a personal story about his aunt and a condo building which, although it was advertised as wheelchair accessible, could not offer everything she needed to live independently.
After struggling to find resources to help with his situation, Kerr saw an opportunity to learn and he became that resource for others.
Regardless of the reason, accessibility is so important in our homes for everybody. Whether you realize it or not, there are people in your life that will benefit from an accessible home, and being able to enjoy your home as much as you do when they come to visit.”
Jeffrey Kerr, REALTOR®
They discuss how the system has evolved in the past 20 years to improve the buying and selling experience for clients requiring more accessibility in their homes.
Kerr says it all starts with having an open conversation about clients’ needs—and shares a phrase he likes to use as a guiding principle, “nothing about me, without me.” Everyone’s different, but there are some common features clients look for. Once he knows what they need, the next step is being able to find that helpful information in listings.
Even if a home is not accessible right away, he says having the ability to modify it to fit a buyer’s needs can be just as important. It’s more than just the physical space that matters.
As they close the episode, Majumder and Kerr discuss common modifications for tactile, cognitive, auditory and visual needs.
In an essential conversation about accessibility for all, Kerr shares his advice to REALTORS® on connecting with clients on another important level to help find success in their businesses.
Listen to or watch the full episode wherever you find your favourite podcasts to learn more about Kerr and his recommendations for clients, REALTORS® and home builders alike.
There’s a lot of things that are working and they just need to be improved on, in terms of getting that information out there to the public and helping everybody find homes that are accessible.”
Jeffrey Kerr, REALTOR®
