Last week, I was on a walk through with a builder and we were trying to find all the keys and garage door openers before we left for escrow. (4 keys, 2 garage door openers in all, we think) I was amassed how many keys were out to how many people. I keep telling my clients to change the locks after they move into their new home but I still find several of my past clients who haven't changed those locks.
They all have great reasons;
- The sellers were moving out of state and we felt at ease with that.
- What are the chances? That will never happen to us.
- We have an Alarm System.
- We have a gun.
- We trust the sellers.
- We don't have the money right now.
- We have Home Owners Insurance.
I also remind my clients to change the codes on the Garage Door Opener and Alarm System.
I always try to explain;
- A recent study showed that 60 % of people polled never changed the factory set code on their garage doors that they install themselves.
- People loan out garage door openers to people to mow their lawns and give them codes for their alarms so they could bring in the mail and the news papers.
- How many people give out keys to friends and neighbors?
- Check with the home owners association in gated communities to see how many gate cards are checked out to the prior owners.
- When was the last time the HOA, changed the code?
- If you don't change the locks change the keys. It is less cost.
My clients have learned the hard ways over the years. Each of the examples has a story that goes along with it.
I care about my clients, what better way to show it than having Larry the Locksmith change the locks or rekey the house for them as a house warming gift?
©2010 Paul Henderson, 4 keys, 2 garage door openers in all, we think. All Rights Reserved
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