I’m still helping the clients prepare their home for sale that I mentioned in an earlier post. We’ll be needing to have some people get into the home to paint, install new carpet and eventually the maid service. None of these type of companies have the special electronic key system that real estate agents use, so for a few days, I will use another type of lockbox just for these contractors. Once their work is done, I’ll remove that less secure box and replace it with the electronic lock box.
This “key” issue is pretty common when people are selling their homes. Agents make multiple keys in case another agent walks away with one in their pocket after a showing. Sometimes locks are difficult to open and a key breaks. Once, I had one slip from my fingers and drop down through an opening under a porch. OOPS! So, having multiple keys in our files can be critical when the sellers have already moved elsewhere. The remaining keys are given to the buyer at closing.
Even so, this should be a reminder to buyers that one of the first things they should do after moving into a new home is to call a locksmith to have the home rekeyed. You don’t need to buy all new door knobs to achieve this. The locksmith will simply change the tumblers in the cylinders and PRESTO … a brand new key is required. The locksmith can make all the locksets the same, so that one key will open all your doors. That is a REAL convenience. Just tell the locksmith that you want the locks “keyed alike”.
The cost to rekey is relatively inexpensive and much less expensive with far less hassle than replacing knobs or locksets. The peace of mind you’ll have will be “PRICELESS”.
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Elaine Reese
614-825-8860Real Living HER
4 responses so far ↓
Vance Shutes // August 2, 2008 at 8:32 pm
Elaine,
When I review the “buying process” with new buyers, one of the items which I stress is to have the locks changed right after they take possession. Most of the locksmiths have mobile setups and can come out to the house to do the job very quickly. When we schedule the closing with the buyers, we also schedule the locksmith a short time thereafter. It helps both the buyers and myself sleep better at night.
Elaine Reese // August 2, 2008 at 9:51 pm
Vance, that’s great to schedule to locksmith in advance of closing. It’s such an easy fix and definitely gives peace of mind.
Carole Cohen // August 3, 2008 at 11:26 pm
yes especially (but not limited to) homes where lots of contractors or tenants or just family members have lived before. Who knows how many keys are floating around the world for that home? Good reminder post, Elaine.
Elaine Reese // August 3, 2008 at 11:43 pm
Carole, I should also have mentioned that the garage door opener code should be changed as well. However, I think people are more likely to make that change.
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