Welcome to today’s episode of F³.
Today we’re talking about the Accessibility Features section that was added to ARMLS/Flexmls this week. It’s awesome that it’s so easy for ARMLS to add new stuff like this to the Flexmls system. I’ll tell you what’s not awesome – that it takes a while to get the Zipform Listing Input Forms up to date. But, if you’re an F-cubed follower, you already know I like the the Flexmls Listing Input Forms mo’ better. Guess which ones already show the changes??? More on the listing input forms next week, that’s not what this post it about! It’s about the new accessibility features, so I’ve got a couple of screen shots to share, the new features’ definitions and what goes through my head when ARMLS adds a new listing feature.
The image above is from the ADD/CHANGE Listing screen. Yes, if you click the red ?’s you get the definition of that specific feature. I had no idea what Hard/Low Nap Floors were until I clicked the red ?. This definition popped up…
You want a list of all the definitions? Okay good…
Zero-Grade Entry: entrance to home does not have a step, sill or elevation change greater than 1/2 inch
Door/Access 3′+ Wide: minimum 32” wide clearance – clear width (not frame to frame)
Hallways 36in+ Wide: minimum 36” wide clearance – clear width (not frame to frame)
Hard/Low Nap Floors: hard surfaces such as woods, linoleum, tile, stone, with minimal carpeting, beveled transitions, no sills, ledges, or sunken rooms or showers
Bath Roll-In Shower: shower floor at the same level as the bathroom floor, with no ledge, sill, or runner
Bath Raised Toilet: toilet or commode that is either 17” or 19” from the floor to facilitate transfer, and/or is adjustable up to 30” to accommodate various height requirements
Bath Grab Bars: steel or aluminum bars at/in shower and toilet areas to steady or brace user for support or balance
Bath Roll-Under Sink: space for knees (wheelchair user) that is at least 24” in height and approximately 30” in width
Bath Lever Faucets: lever-style handles replacing ball or knob style for ease of use
Ktch Apps Low/Secure: microwave and oven installed so that they are approximately 31” from the floor, and have side-hinge doors
Ktch Low Counters: work surface no lower than 28” and no higher than 34”, and no more than 24” in depth
Ktch Roll-Under Sink: space for knees (wheelchair user) that is at least 24” in height and approximately 30” in width
Ktch Modified Range: burners are single row or staggered to eliminate reach-across
Ktch Low Cabinetry: cabinets installed lower to permit opening and access at or near 34” and not exceeding 48” from the floor
Lever Handles: single bar type lever on doors, spigots, appliances absence of knobs and circular pulls on cabinetry; loop handles shaped like the letter D, permitting hand to insert into handle
Tactile/Visual Mrkrs: multi-sensory identifications, with light, sound, or touch markers to communicate status of appliances, thermostats, alarms, doorbells, etc.
Closet Bars 15-48in: installed to allow seated access; installed at heights of 15” to 48” above floor level
Ramps: secured, non-slip ramps to allow navigation of elevation changes with grade no greater than 1:20 or 5%
Stair Lifts: mechanical, motor driven assists to permit wheelchair occupant access to multi-floor homes
Remote Devices: remote controls for lights, fans, appliances (kitchen and other), thermostats, alarms, and automated door touch pads.
Exterior Curb Cuts: external to home – neighborhood has ramped sidewalk areas at crosswalks and intersections to permit wheelchair users to cross streets, access mailboxes, etc.
(Definitions credit goes to the official PDF that ARMLS published earlier this week.)
Last but not least, what I (the internet marketing dude) think whenever I see ARMLS come out with a new section like this is that I can add pages specific to this niche to my real estate website. Let’s say my geographic marketing area is the Town of Paradise Valley. Chances are I have 1 click search results that return the active listings only for Paradise Valley. Maybe I have some 1 click search results for homes with Green features in Paradise Valley too. Now I can also have 1 click search results for homes specific to buyers with Accessibility needs. Nothing like making it a little easier for your website visitors to find what they want!
That’s all for this episode – Happy Flexmls Feature Friday!
January 14, 2010 at 9:00 am |
I only found your blog today through bing, found your blog to be a really informative read. I’ve bookmarked you, and i’m gonna check back for updates.