03/16

When you’re in the market for a new home, there are plenty of expert real estate professionals ready to help you. From your Realtor to your loan officer and then our entire title and settlement team, all of us work together to make sure your journey is as smooth as possible. 

We are your title and settlement experts, but we want to be relied on for expertise in other places too! That’s why today’s blog focuses on the locks of your new home. Did you know rekeying may be an option for you?

For most homeowners, new paint, carpet and hanging pictures are the touches that make a house truly a home, but if the space isn’t safe and secure, what’s the point? After all, the previous owners may have given keys to great-aunt Mildred, cousin Mark and best friend Melissa. While that’s magnificent, letting themselves into a home that belongs to someone else is no longer an option. Telling your clients to move locks to the top of the list is key. (See what we did there?) 😊 There are generally two options — change the locks completely, or simply rekey. 

So…which one is best? That is the question. To determine the difference, take a quick look at these points below.

• Changing locks: Changing locks is self-explanatory really. It is the more expensive option because the old locks are removed completely and replaced with new hardware. If the home has many doors, each will need new hardware with new keys. Electric locks are also an option.
• Rekeying locks: This option alters the lock mechanism by changing key pins so the old keys won’t unlock the door. It is typically less expensive and can be done as a DIY project with a kit, or you could hire a locksmith. The locks can also be altered so only one key is needed throughout.  

Unless your locks are showing age, rekeying is the way to go —but some aren’t even aware this is an option. Need more advice for the questions you didn’t even know to ask? Just let us or our fellow real estate professionals know you need some extra guidance. After all, that’s what we’re here for. We’re so much more than your trusted title professionals — though we’re really good at that too.