Many people are beginning to use cell phones exclusively in their homes and opting not to have a land line. Other people use cell phones for business a lot and may work from home or telecommute some days. For this reason it is a good idea for prospective home buyers to take their cell phones with them when home shopping and see which homes have good reception. Although this obviously shouldn't be the most important factor in considering a home, it may be more important for those who rely on cell phones for personal and business communication while at home. This is especially something to consider for buyers looking at suites in the lower levels of a town home or condo, as the building density can inhibit reception.

There shouldn't be a need to make a call to determine the quality of reception. Simply having the phone turned on usually displays a reception measuring icon. Four or so bars of power means there is excellent reception, one bar means it could occasionally cut out, while zero bars means there is no reception at all. Keeping an eye on the phone's screen while you move through the home will help you determine if the level of reception fluctuates from room to room. Fluctuation of power levels may also be due to a roaming signal, such as from a satellite source. A full measure of power is ideal, as then even a fluctuation of one or two bars won't interfere with communication.

If you find a home you love that has poor reception, there are measures you can take to increase it. Higher powered antennae exist for most mobile phone models. Further, the problem may be with the company you buy cell service through. Every hosting company has a limit to their range, and it is possible that a certain area is on the fringe of your host's transmitter range. Test the reception just outside the home. If it is consistently good, while the inside is poor, chances are that something about the home or condo is causing the problem. If the entire area has poor reception, consider getting a new cell host. If a friend has a cell phone from another company, or even a different model of phone, invite them along to test who gets better reception. Thanks to a 2004 mandate by the Federal Communications Commission, as long as your move is local, you should be able to keep the same phone number if you need to switch carriers.

Poor reception can be a minor inconvenience or a major factor depending on cell phone use. It will be up to you as a buyer to determine which home will meet all your needs, including communication.

Branden Schroeder is a Realtor serving the Maryland real estate market. Branden's background in law has enabled him to provide a level of service in the real estate market that is unequaled by other agents. For more info on Annapolis real estate contact Branden or visit online at www.marylandhomesandproperty.com