More Real Estate Listing Services Adding Accessibility Features

Recognizing the fact that nearly one in five Americans suffer from some kind of physical disability, multiple listing services (MLSs) increasingly are including descriptions of accessibility features in for-sale homes. These include extra-wide doorways that accommodate wheelchairs, swing-in doors, grab bars in bathrooms, higher toilets, lower light switches, and first-floor master bathrooms. While such information does not fall under required disclosures, support for standardization of accessibility terms is building. The South Central Wisconsin MLS pioneered the movement in 1991, according to the National Association of Realtors (NAR), with a scattering of other MLSs following suit since then. About two years ago, however, the Real Estate Standards Organization got on board, giving the movement new life. NAR reports that 23 of the nation’s biggest MLSs back accessibility standardization, with many smaller services getting behind them as well. Beginning early next year, all of the roughly 800 MLSs nationwide will be asked to list accessibility features in a single data field, thus allowing prospective buyers with physical limitations to more easily search for homes that meet their needs. | Read More