How important is internet connection when buying a home? With so many people working from home and children in virtual school, it seems to be especially important. We all need broadband at home. Although it is often available everywhere except the most inaccessible rural areas, speeds can vary enormously from place to place, and even street to street. For some, slow broadband connection would deter them from buying a house.
A good internet connection is now an essential part of modern life. Many of us are largely concerned with broadband speed in our area. It’s not hard to see why! It was recently revealed that the number of subscriptions to streaming services like Netflix last year overtook traditional pay TV services and that fewer young people are watching live TV. Fast connection is important for another reason. Many of us are working from home more and need good broadband for video conferencing, downloading work documents and handling bulky email attachments.
So how does this affect the home buying process? Recent studies show that half of buyers would reject a house that didn’t feature their desired broadband speed, while a third would try and negotiate a lower house price. The best way to test the broadband speed in a home is to ask the homeowner. Most people will know the quality of their internet access and be more than happy to share their information.
Smartphones have become a standard tool for most people. When presenting a home to a potential customer, REALTORS® must now consider an extra home presentation factor: signal strength. There are some factors that could affect the signal strength in a home. Lead paint is known to cause electromagnetic interference that will affect signal strength. If you suspect lead paint may be causing an issue, I suggest hiring a professional to remove it.
If you notice a decrease in cellular signal strength when you enter a home, the materials used in the construction of the home may be the culprits. Older homes tend to have more of an issue with affecting cellular signals. Metal bolts, pipes, tools, and bars can contribute to a loss in cellular signal. While there is not much we can do about the construction of an older home maybe suggest a signal booster to the buyer.
Check out the electronics being used in a home. Items such as microwaves, cordless phones, baby monitors, and Bluetooth devices can affect signal strength and could possibly deter a customer. Many of these devices operate on a similar wave frequency and can interfere with signal strength and Wi-Fi networks. These are just a few items that may interfere with signal strength.
Spring is on the horizon and homes are flying off the market! Now is a great time to buy and sell. Contact your local REALTOR® today! Have a great week and remember to do good things!
Stephanie Lemley, 2021 MBOR President
