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Technology Checklist For Homebuyers

By
Real Estate Agent with NPDodge Real Estate

How High Tech Is Your Home?

If the latest technology or entertainment options are important in your new home, add the following questions to your buyer's checklist.

1. Are there enough jacks in every room for cable TV and high-speed Internet hookups?

 

2. Are there enough telephone extensions or jacks?

 

3. Is the home prewired for a home theater or multi-room audio and video?

 

4. Does the home have a local area network for linking computers?

 

5. Does the home already have wiring for DSL or other high-speed Internet connection?

 

6. Does the home have multizoning heating and cooling controls with programmable thermostats?

 

7. Does the home have multi-room lighting controls, window-covering controls, or other home automation features?

 

8. Is the home wired with multi-purpose in-wall wiring that allows for reconfigurations to update services as technology changes?

 

 

Visit the Consumer Electronics Association (www.ce.org/techhomerating) for a complete Tech Home TM Rating Checklist.

Page 20 Reprinted from REALTOR® Magazine Online by permission of the NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS® Copyright 2005. All rights reserved. www.REALTOR.org/realtormag

Roger Stensland
Keller Williams Realty Puget Sound - Maple Valley, WA
Let's Move!
I don't know that much about the home audio side of the business, but what I have seen trying to pass for high-speed-data wiring is usually a shame.  It is normally installed by electricians who don't know the first thing about the wiring that they are installing and are not certified on the proper topology.  If you are having this installed in your house, insist on a factory-certified technician who can install the wiring properly.  This goes for homes that are having a business telephone system installed in their homes also.  These items are always best to have installed properly at time of construction rather than to attempt to repair a botched installation after construction is completed. 
May 07, 2007 04:18 PM
KRISTINE CROWE
COLDWELL BANKER RESIDENTIAL BROKERAGE - Dundalk, MD
What a good post. I think that telephone lines/cable jacks are things that are often overlooked by buyers when they're looking at a home. And, they forget about the additional expense of having to install them after buying a home.
May 07, 2007 11:08 PM
Judy Wulff
NPDodge Real Estate - Omaha, NE
Thanks for your coments Roger! You made some very good detailed points. I appreciate your input, very helpful.
May 09, 2007 03:10 AM
Judy Wulff
NPDodge Real Estate - Omaha, NE
Thanks for your comments Kristine!
May 09, 2007 03:11 AM