In the Pacific Northwest’s shifting real estate landscape, a new factor is influencing property values in ways that weren’t on the radar just five years ago: fiber internet.
In markets from Tacoma to Chehalis, and Ellensburg to Yelm, homes with access to fast, reliable fiber connections can outperform their counterparts, selling faster, commanding higher prices, and attracting more interest from today’s remote-first buyers. The modern homebuyer isn’t just looking for granite countertops and open floor plans anymore; they’re running speed tests and demanding reliable connectivity.
As the state pushes forward with infrastructure investments and private providers race to expand fiber coverage, broadband is becoming a market differentiator.
The Rise of Gigabit Curb Appeal
A 2024 analysis by the Fiber Broadband Association found that access to fiber added 4.9% of the home value, translating to roughly $15,000 for an average $300,000 single-family home in Washington.
Fiber also ranks as the second-most desired feature in multifamily housing, ahead of luxury amenities like walk-in closets and just behind in-unit laundry. Meanwhile, real estate professionals are increasingly listing fiber availability in MLS and promotional materials, recognizing that broadband access is becoming just as crucial to buyers as location or square footage.
Local ISPs Are Quietly Driving Value
While large national providers such as Comcast and CenturyLink still cover the majority of Washington homes, their networks can be inconsistent, and practices like data caps and throttling have drawn criticism. That’s opened the door for local fiber providers like Lightcurve Internet to carve out market share in underserved areas.
Lightcurve, based in the Tacoma area, is rapidly expanding across Yelm, Ellensburg, Centralia, and nearby towns. The company offers contract-free, uncapped fiber plans and maintains local customer support. This local-first model is gaining traction among homeowners and real estate professionals alike.
Fiber access is now viewed as a valuable property feature, improving equity, enhancing livability, and reducing churn for homeowners who rely on high-performance connectivity.
A Digital Divide with Economic Implications
Across Washington, infrastructure investments are expanding fiber-optic networks, particularly in growing or previously underserved communities. For example, Kittitas County has partnered with Lightcurve to install fiber networks as part of a broader effort to bring high-speed connectivity to rural communities around the county.
At the same time, remote work has allowed more buyers to move beyond major urban centers in search of space and affordability, without compromising on internet quality. This shift has made fast, reliable broadband a non-negotiable feature for many homebuyers. National studies show that homes with fiber internet sell for more and appreciate faster than those limited to DSL or cable, making broadband access a key factor in long-term property value.
Yet despite progress, access remains uneven. Many rural and low-income communities in Washington still lack high-speed broadband, a gap often referred to as the digital divide. As fiber becomes more widely available, homes without it may increasingly be viewed as less desirable or in need of costly upgrades. Internet access is no longer just a perk; it’s a utility, essential for work, education, healthcare, and community resilience.
The Government Push—and the Private Race
Washington has secured over $1.2 billion in federal broadband funding through the Broadband Equity, Access, and Deployment (BEAD) Program, aimed at connecting every unserved and underserved household by 2028.
Still, rolling out fiber infrastructure is a complex, expensive process. That’s where local providers are playing a vital role, often stepping in to build where national carriers haven’t, with a deeper understanding of local needs and terrain.
These companies are more than service providers, they’re becoming essential partners in regional growth strategies.
Lightcurve Internet
Internet access is critical infrastructure. It powers work, entertainment, communication, education, healthcare, and security. For homeowners in Washington, that means fast and reliable connectivity is essential.
As broadband increasingly becomes a standard expectation, the homes that offer it are reaping the rewards.
Whether buying, selling, or investing, one thing is becoming clear: fast internet sells. And in Washington, fiber is emerging as a key driver of real estate value.
As fiber becomes the gold standard for connectivity—and a quiet driver of real estate value—homeowners are rethinking their internet as more than a monthly bill. For those ready to upgrade, Lightcurve Internet offers fast, fiber-backed service with no contracts, no data caps, and responsive local support that understands the needs of Washington communities. Check availability at getlightcurve.com or call (800) 832-5725 to see if your address is eligible.
