During our 360° Summit, John Young, a national speaker and a REALTOR® from RE/MAX Metro Washington, D.C., provided insights for serving clients with disabilities.
Across the globe, over 1.3 billion people, which is approximately 16% of the global population, live with a disability. As REALTORS®, we aren’t just selling properties; we’re helping write chapters in people’s life stories. Here’s what Young had to share.
Redefining Accessibility
When discussing accessibility, Young challenged us to think beyond ramps and wide doorways. “Accessibility,” he argued, “should be at the forefront of our discussions on diversity, equity and inclusion.” This perspective shift encourages us to see accessibility not as an afterthought, but as a fundamental aspect of our service.
Dos & Don’ts When Working with Clients with a Disability
Young provided actionable takeaways:
- Do engage in conversations about accessibility with sincerity and the intent to understand.
- Do not make assumptions about what a client with a disability may or may not want.
- Do seek to continually educate yourself about the best practices in accessible real estate.
- Do not overlook the importance of empathy in every interaction.
Moving Forward
Young left us with the following advice: “Every client deserves to find their dream home.” It’s a simple statement, but one that carries profound implications for how we conduct our business.