Checking Internet Speeds Before Buying a Home

When looking for a new house, there are many things to consider. One important factor that is often overlooked is the quality of the home's internet connection and the satellite internet options on offer to you. This can be a make-or-break factor for many people, especially if they work from home or need to stay connected for other reasons. The good news is that checking the internet speeds before you buy a home is relatively easy to do.

There are a few different ways to go about it, but the most important thing is to make sure you're getting accurate information. Regardless if you prefer DSL, fiber, or satellite internet, here are some tips to check internet speeds before buying a home.

1. Check with the property owner or realtor.

Many property owners and realtors forget to mention the status of internet connectivity and speeds in the area. Especially if you’re buying off a property from older people who usually don’t see the internet as a necessity, it’s best to check with them before considering the property. 

During your visit and the owner is home, you can ask them if they have home internet, what type of internet connection (satellite, DSL, cable, or fiber internet), and if you could connect to perform a speed test. This way, you’ll get an idea of how internet connections are in the area. If they cannot allow you to do that, simply ask for a speed test report. 

2. Talk to your potential neighbors.

Talking to your potential neighbors is also an excellent option. Aside from saying hello and introducing yourself early, you can ask them if they have home internet, what type of internet they have, and who’s their internet provider. If you think you vibe well, you may even ask to perform a speed test in their home to get a feel or idea of how internet speeds could be in the neighborhood.

However, it’s not the most accurate and reliable because short distances from house to house can significantly affect internet speeds. But if you’re moving into a building, like an apartment complex, then you and your neighbors must have the same internet speeds.

3. Contact the area’s ISPs.

The best thing to do is check the local internet service providers available in the area, and get in touch with them. If you’re not big on calls, you may check their website and see what internet plans they offer and the reviews of their customers in your area. 

Many internet providers will grab the chance to sell their internet to you, but make sure to not fall for the incredible deals or ultra-speed internet plans that they cannot fulfill. Once they have answered your questions, don’t decide just yet. Make sure to perform thorough research, and compare the internet providers you’ve talked to.

4. Consider other factors.

In addition to checking the internet speeds, it's also important to factor in other factors that can affect your experience. Things like the type of equipment you're using, the number of devices that are connected to the internet, and the time of day can all have an impact on your speeds.

It’s crucial to determine the internet plans offered in the area to make sure that they can sustain your household’s internet usage, whether you’re a family of four or 14.  If you fail to do this, you might not be able to make the most out of your internet plan, and you’ll struggle to perform any tasks inside your home.

How Much Speed Will You Need?

As you check for the internet speeds in your prospective new home, you must know how much speed you need to properly determine if a property is a good fit for you or your family or not. Here are the recommended speeds according to experts.

Bottom Line

In today’s time, determining the internet speeds in your future home is essential. Whether you’re working from home, studying from home, or simply need the internet for communication and entertainment purposes, you must always check if internet connectivity and reliable speeds are available in a specific location that you may call home in the future.