Internet in Your Area: What to Look for When Buying a New Home

For many people, a key part of house-hunting is looking at amenities in the surrounding areas. You might look at school districts, public transit, access to arts and recreation, or any number of other factors. One that you might not immediately consider, but shouldn’t overlook is access to high-speed broadband internet.

It might surprise you to know that many areas of the US still don’t have consistent broadband access — but it’s better to be surprised now than after you’ve bought a new house without it! Take a look at our pointers to make sure your new home’s internet options suit your needs before you get ready to sign that contract.

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Why Internet Services Matter When Buying a Home

Why exactly is it so important to find out what internet services are available in your area before you choose a new home? Consider the opportunities that you might be missing out on without high-speed internet:

Remote Work and Education

Remote jobs and online education opportunities are more varied and widespread than ever — but nearly all of them require broadband access. Without high-speed internet, you’ll struggle to keep up with video meetings, access online learning platforms, or manage large file uploads and downloads efficiently.

Enhancing Entertainment Options

Broadband internet powers practically all of our digital entertainment options today, from streaming services to online gaming. A strong connection supports smooth streaming, lag-free gaming, and quick downloads, making it easier to enjoy your favorite pastimes without interruptions.

Impact on Property Value

A recent survey by the Fiber Broadband Association found an overall 3.5% real estate price premium for hypothetical properties with fiber internet access compared to hypothetical properties without. While this is a small survey by a trade association, it makes sense that home buyers would put a premium on fast and reliable fiber internet when internet service is such an essential part of the modern digital lifestyle.

How to Determine Internet Availability In Your Area

How should you determine if your potential new home has the internet coverage you’re looking for and find out who provides internet in your area?

Checking ISP Coverage Maps

Most internet service providers (ISPs) now offer coverage maps on their websites that allow you to enter any address and see whether the ISP offers service there. If you think you’ll need specific speeds or technologies, such as ultra-high-speed fiber, remember to verify that those are available, too.

Consulting the Seller (or Other Locals)

Another good way to learn about local internet options is to talk to local folks about what’s available. The home’s seller is an obvious place to start; try asking them which ISP they have and how fast their typical internet speeds are. Neighbors and real estate agents can also provide practical insights on connection reliability, speeds, and the providers most commonly used in the area.

Urban vs. Rural Differences

If you’re considering buying in a rural area, be ready for the potential challenges of securing rural internet service. Rural areas still consistently lag behind urban and suburban areas in broadband internet access, although the situation is improving as more ISPs roll out internet options designed for customers in the country.

Evaluating Internet Service Providers

So, you’ve found one or more ISPs that provide service at the home you’re considering purchasing. Now, how can you evaluate if they meet your needs?

Types of Connections Available

Determine which types of connections ISPs in the area offer. Some common options include:

• Fiber: Delivers the fastest speeds and highest reliability, ideal for heavy internet users or remote work.
• Cable: A widely available option offering solid speeds, though performance may dip during peak usage times.
• DSL: Uses existing phone lines for internet service, with slower speeds that depend on your distance from the provider.
• Satellite: Accessible in even the most remote areas, but prone to weather disruptions and higher latency.
• Fixed Wireless: Provides internet through radio signals, often used in rural areas, with decent speeds but potential for interference.

Speed and Bandwidth Connections

Check the speeds and bandwidth that ISPs in the area offer. Look for plans that can comfortably support your household’s usage, including streaming, gaming, and multiple connected devices.

Reliability and Customer Support

High-quality customer service is worth its weight in gold when choosing an ISP. Check online reviews, community forums, or social media to see how current customers rate their experiences with support and issue resolution.

Steps to Take Before Finalizing a Home Purchase

You think you might have found the one — but before you put your offer in, make sure you’ve taken some final thoughts into account.

Discuss Internet Needs With Your Agent

As we mentioned earlier, your real estate agent can be a good source of information about what internet service you can get at your address. Be specific about your needs, like remote work or gaming, so they can help identify homes with access to suitable providers.

Contact Internet Providers Directly

If you’re not sure whether a provider’s offering in the area will meet your needs, it’s never a bad idea to simply call their representatives for a chat. Ask about available plans, connection types, and any potential limitations specific to the neighborhood.

Run Speed Tests

If the property you’re interested in already has a WiFi network set up, it can be a great opportunity to conduct a speed test. Ask permission to connect to the network, then use any of the free internet speed tests that are available, noting the speed and ping of the results.

The new landscape of digital work and education makes broadband internet not just a bonus, but practically a requirement for smart homebuyers. Take these considerations into account when house hunting, and you’ll set yourself (and your family) up for a well-connected and prosperous future.