2 Dec 2022
Preparing Your House for Sale: Why Your Property’s Internet Speed Has Never Been More Important
The Importance of Internet Speed in House Sales
When it comes to preparing your house for sale, many people focus on decorating and tidying up. While these efforts can improve the presentation of your home, there's another factor that has become increasingly important: internet speed.
The Influence of Internet Connectivity on Buyers
Did you know that potential buyers often inquire about internet connectivity before making a decision? Nowadays, people rely on a stable and fast internet connection for various activities, including remote work and streaming services like Netflix, Disney Channel, Amazon Prime, and YouTube.
The Challenge of Slow Internet in Rural Locations
However, not all areas have access to high-speed internet, particularly in rural locations. If your property is in an area where internet speeds are inadequate for a family that works from home or engages in online activities, it could significantly impact your chances of making a sale.
Conducting a Speed Test for Evaluation
To gauge the speed of your internet connection, it's advisable to conduct a speed test. If the results show a speed below 10Mbps, it should raise concerns. Most buyers expect faster internet speeds, especially if they come from urban areas accustomed to speeds well over 100Mbps.
Increasing Inquiries About Internet Performance
Estate agents selling homes in rural locations report an increasing number of inquiries regarding internet performance. Buyers want to ensure they can seamlessly work from home or enjoy online entertainment without disruptions.
Overcoming Poor Internet Speeds
What if your internet speed is poor and a Fibre connection isn't available? Fortunately, there are alternatives that can provide similar internet speeds. The key is to be knowledgeable about these options and communicate them to potential buyers.
Highlighting Alternative Services to Attract Buyers
Being transparent about the lack of fiber-optic availability while highlighting alternative services can make a significant difference in attracting offers. Waiting a couple of weeks to obtain this information may be too long for many buyers, so having it ready in advance is crucial.
Getting a Connectivity Survey for Your Property
Consider getting a connectivity survey for your property, especially in rural areas. This survey can provide valuable insights and give you the confidence to answer any questions potential buyers may have. There are two types of surveys you can consider:
Desktop Connectivity Survey (takes a day or two)
Provides an indicative speed to determine if further exploration is necessary.
Contact a rural internet provider like Integra, who often offers this survey free of charge.
Identifies any major red flags in terms of internet connectivity.
Physical Connectivity Survey (around a week to complete)
Highly recommended, as buyers often request it.
Involves engineers visiting the site to assess mobile carriers, mast proximity, and signal quality.
Results in an accurate speed assessment and installation plan for routers, antennas, and cables.
The cost of the survey can be outweighed by the time saved and the potential impact on the property's price.
Assuring Potential Buyers with Connectivity Survey Results
By completing a connectivity survey, you'll have the necessary paperwork to reassure potential buyers about the internet speed and connectivity options available. This proactive approach can give your property a competitive edge in the market.
Conclusion: Showcasing Your Property's Internet Connectivity
In conclusion, as you prepare your house for sale, don't overlook the significance of internet connectivity speeds. For many buyers, a fast and reliable internet connection is just as essential as a south-facing garden. Make sure you understand the available options, conduct connectivity surveys, and showcase the advantages of your property's internet connectivity to attract the right buyers.