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Your Home Is Not Your Castle Till You Answer YES To This Question

By Gary Woltal

Real Estate Agent with Keller Williams Realty 0575737

June 23, 2012 08:31 AM

Locked Doors With buyers moving in to new purchases before they get to that point the FIRST most asked question to me is do they really need an INSPECTION? Simple answer, and ALWAYS right answer for every property unless they don't allow it is YES YES YES. NEXT,

Your Home Is Not Your Castle Till You Answer YES To This Question.

Castle being a safe secure shelter from the world for your abode emphasize the word SECURE. On Maslow's #2 on the list of our hiearchy of needs in life after physical. Security.

The question?: Do I need to get new keys and locks for all doors at the house??? YES YES YES. Other vendors, agents, inspectors, ex-husbands, ex-wives, old girlfriends guy friends, dead beat former owners, ANYONE that used to get in that house, NO MORE will they. It is YOUR house now.

Typically about a $60 re-keying charge, ALWAYS change the locks when you take possession. Never slide with the OLD locks.

Or else you MAY be sorry. That person with that restraining order might want to borrow a cup of sugar and you will find them in your kitchen!!!

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Jennifer Prestwich

Henderson, Thornton, Broomfield and Westminster - Henderson, CO

Madison & Co Properties

Gary, I find it just plain stupid not to get an inspection!! Unless you are a contractor or inspector yourself, you cannot possibly know what to look for, and that could get costly down the road. And changing the locks is a GREAT idea.

Jun 23, 2012 08:34 AM

Erv Fleishman

Realty Associates - Boca Raton, FL

Luxury Prop Specialist Realty Associates

Looking at the picture in your post, she re-keyed the property and forgot to take the new keys with her.

Or, her alimony check is inside along with the trophy wife.

Roorshach for the masses.

Jun 23, 2012 08:45 AM

William Feela

WHISPERING PINES REALTY - North Branch, MN

Realtor, Whispering Pines Realty 651-674-5999 No.

This i a no-brainer. Those that do not re-key are asking for trouble

Jun 23, 2012 10:52 AM

Lou Ludwig

Ludwig & Associates - Boca Raton, FL

Designations Earned CRB, CRS, CIPS, GRI, SRES, TRC

Gary

So true, new keys and locks are a must.

Good luck and success.

Jun 23, 2012 01:37 PM

Kathryn Maguire

GreatNorfolkHomes.com (757) 560-0881 - Chesapeake, VA

Serving Chesapeake, Norfolk, VA Beach

And this is why many foreclosure homes have the locks changed before closing so that you have a new set once you take possession. For some reason, I think someone must have had a lawsuit because the new buyers did not and trouble ensued.

Jun 23, 2012 09:46 PM

Sharon Lee

Sharon Lee's Virtual Assistance - Jonesborough, TN

Retired and loving life

Gary-People ALSO need inspections on NEW construction, To do otherwise is foolish

Jun 23, 2012 11:43 PM

Diane Daley

Caron's Gateway Real Estate - Northumberland, NH

Very good advise, inspections and new locks at tops on my list as well. Good post

Jun 24, 2012 03:20 AM

Eileen Hsu

Douglas Elliman Real Estate - Manhattan, NY

LICENSED REAL ESTATE SALESPERSON

It is wise to get the key lock change just in case! Especially you can sleep better at night.

Jun 25, 2012 06:16 AM

Your Home Is Not Your Castle Till You Answer YES To This Question

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