3 Best Practices for Choosing an Internet Services Provider

by Ann Marie Damashek, GRI, CBR, SRES 11/26/2017

If you recently bought a home, now may be an ideal time to look at internet services providers in your new city or town.

Ultimately, not all internet services providers are created equal, and you'll want to look closely at the options at your disposal.

To better understand how to find the right internet services provider, let's consider three best practices.

1. Evaluate the Services That You Need

Most homeowners demand fast, reliable internet services, but it is important to note that the needs of one homeowner may vary from the needs of another.

For example, a homeowner who works out of his or her residence may need the fastest internet services available. This homeowner likely will need internet services that deliver consistent latency and bandwidth to ensure he or she can stay on track with everyday work.

On the other hand, a homeowner who uses the internet to download movies, music and video games may require internet services that work great around the clock. That way, this homeowner can instantly download large files at any time.

Check out all of the internet services that a company has to offer. And when in doubt, speak with an internet services representative directly. This will enable you to learn about all of the internet services that are available and make an informed purchase decision.

2. Consider Your Budget

The costs of internet services may vary based on where you live. As such, you'll want to consider your monthly budget to guarantee that you don't stretch your finances too thin.

In many instances, internet services providers will offer discounts or rebates if you sign a multi-year agreement. This may prove to be an excellent option if you plan to live in your home for the next few years, as you'll be able to lock in your internet services pricing for a set amount of time.

Furthermore, many companies provide internet, TV and phone services. And if you bundle the aforementioned services, you may be able to receive discounted rates.

3. Examine Customer Reviews

What are current and past clients saying about an internet services provider? Evaluate customer reviews, and you can find out what it's like to work with a particular internet services provider.

You may be able to receive client reviews directly from an internet services provider. Or, if you conduct an online search, you should have no trouble evaluating feedback about a broad array of internet services providers in a particular city or town.

Lastly, if you need extra help as you evaluate internet services providers, you should consult with a real estate agent. In addition to helping you discover your dream home, a real estate agent can offer insights into internet services providers in various cities and towns. Then, you'll be able to make the best possible decision.

Take the next step to set up internet services at your new home – use the aforementioned best practices, and you can choose an internet services provider that will meet or surpass your expectations.

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About the Author

Ann Marie Damashek, GRI, CBR, SRES

Ann Marie Damashek has always been a natural at helping people prepare their homes for sale. She started out with a successful business selling goods for people on eBay. "Nine times out of ten they were hiring me because they were down-sizing,” Ann Marie says. "So I decided to get my license. I said, ‘Might as well sell their house too.’” The transition was a smooth one and for nine years she’s had a thriving full-time real estate business that allows her to marry her entrepreneurial spirit with her passion for helping others. With an office in Larchmont, New York, she serves all of Lower Westchester County, with her primary market in the Sound Shore region. The majority of her business is "sphere of influence” with former clients referring her to friends and family. A gifted communicator, Ann Marie quickly builds trust and rapport with her clients by being both thoughtful and responsive; she understands that during the purchase or sale of a home, a quick response time is crucial. "I am very accessible,” Ann Marie says. "I always make time for my clients. They can call me, text me, email me up until 10 o’clock at night and I will respond. I’m available on weekends. I get back to people very promptly. I’m very customer service-oriented.” Her clients appreciate her professionalism, passion and enthusiasm and as a result her repeat and referral rate continues to grow each year. While selling real estate is serious business, Ann Marie knows that at times humor and a moment of levity can be a relief to clients. While she has a laidback and easygoing personality, she can be assertive when needed on her clients’ behalf. She loves being of service to them, and the continually changing nature of the work keeps her engaged and fulfilled. "It’s never boring,” Ann Marie enthuses. "Every day is different. That’s probably what I like most about it. But I also enjoy helping people sell or buy and educating them about the process. I love helping them achieve their goals.” This ethic of service has resulted in well-deserved recognition. Ann Marie has received the Westchester Magazine Five Star Real Estate Agent Rating four years running, in 2015 and 2016 she was the #1 agent in her office, and she’s a Zillow 5-Star Premier Agent. To keep in touch with former clients, Ann Marie sends cards to mark special occasions or reaches out via email. To market her listings, Ann Marie uses Multiple Listing Services (MLS), as well as Listingbook.com, a service that allows both agents and their clients access to MLS data. She also uses a Facebook business page and ads to boost new listings or promote upcoming open houses. "That drives a tremendous amount of traffic,” Ann Marie says. She also uses the most popular real estate websites such as Zillow and Trulia. A strong believer in giving back, Ann Marie sits on the Board of Trustees of her church and is involved in a variety of social justice projects. She’s affiliated with Furniture Sharehouse, a furniture bank for Westchester County, which collects and distributes gently used furniture free of charge to those in need. "I love it on so many levels because as a realtor, it’s helps my sellers downsize through charitable donations. I like the environmental aspect of it as well. And it helps people who truly need things.” She’s also involved in Impact 100, a women’s philanthropic giving organization. In her free time, Ann Marie enjoys gardening, traveling, and spending time with family and friends. For the future, Ann Marie wants to continue expanding her business and developing her brand, and she someday hopes to grow a strong team. But her main goal is to stay in the real estate business, helping her clients to achieve their dreams.