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Congratulations! You’re A Homeowner - Do This Now!

By Michael Jacobs

Industry Observer CalDRE #01165532

April 22, 2015 08:42 AM

Keys To Your New Home

While it may happen in different ways in different cities.

You receive the phone call.

The transaction has recorded.

We’re confirmed.

The house is yours.

Here are the keys to your new home.

But wait….

When you learn you have closed on your home purchase...

I suggest - you do this first...

Call a locksmith.

First, why?

Who has a copy of the keys to your new home?

The former owners probably gave you all of their keys but who knows for sure? Maybe they forgot....

The housekeeper? A former housekeeper?

Kids? Adult children?

Neighbors?

A Handyman? A contractor?

The gardener(who has the key to the locked rear yard)?

Did the house have a lockbox?

You get the idea, right?

So call a locksmith and change the keys.

I’m a REALTOR® serving Pasadena, the San Gabriel Valley and the foothill communities of NorthEast Los Angeles. I can be reached at 818.516.4393 talk | text.

Congratulations! You’re A Homeowner - Do This Now!

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Dana Hollish Hill

Hollish Hill Group, JPAR Stellar Living - Bethesda, MD

REALTOR * Broker * Coach

It seems like an expense that you may not need, but it can really put your mind at ease.

Apr 27, 2015 02:38 AM

Michael Jacobs

Pasadena, CA

Hank Dugie

Brockway Realty, LLC - League City, TX

Mr. League City

Great advice, Michael Jacobs! Definitely something all new homeowners should consider. Do you recommend a particular locksmith or just that they get their locks switched?

Apr 27, 2015 05:26 AM

Michael Jacobs

Pasadena, CA

Michael Jacobs

Pasadena, CA

Pasadena And Southern California 818.516.4393

Hank Dugie - I can provide a name and contact information if the client asks -- it depends on the situation and knowledge of the area of the new homeowners.

Apr 27, 2015 05:33 AM

Hank Dugie

League City, TX

Hank Dugie

Brockway Realty, LLC - League City, TX

Mr. League City

Fair enough, Michael Jacobs. I don't personally know of a local locksmith, but this blog has prompted me to reach out to one. Thank you for keeping me on my toes!

Apr 27, 2015 05:35 AM

Lou Ludwig

Boca Raton, FL
Michael Jacobs

Pasadena, CA

Mary Hutchison, SRES, ABR

Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate-Kansas City Homes - Kansas City, MO

Experienced Agent in Kansas City Metro area

For piece of mind, get the locks changed! Great advice!

Apr 27, 2015 06:26 AM

Lou Ludwig

Boca Raton, FL
Michael Jacobs

Pasadena, CA

Holly Biltz

Charles Rutenberg Realty - Saint Cloud, FL

I sell the dream of Home Ownership!

Agree absolutely

Apr 28, 2015 02:28 AM

Michael Jacobs

Pasadena, CA

Michael Jacobs

Pasadena, CA

Pasadena And Southern California 818.516.4393

Thanks for the nice comment, Nick Thoroughman and for the added exposure.

Apr 29, 2015 05:55 AM

Norma Toering Broker for Palos Verdes and Beach Cities

Charlemagne International Properties - Rancho Palos Verdes, CA

Palos Verdes Luxury Homes in L.A.

New home and new keys--why let the potential of an unplanned "visitor" tarnish the happiness a new home brings?

Apr 29, 2015 06:13 AM

Lou Ludwig

Boca Raton, FL
Michael Jacobs

Pasadena, CA

Spirit Messingham

Tierra Antigua Realty - Tucson, AZ

Third Generation Full-Time Realtor® 520 471-6900

Some good advice, the home warranty I ask for every buyer covers re-keying, a VERY good idea for new home owners. Good blog!

Apr 29, 2015 08:09 AM

Lou Ludwig

Boca Raton, FL
Michael Jacobs

Pasadena, CA

Michael Jacobs

Pasadena, CA

Pasadena And Southern California 818.516.4393

It can be surprising and scary to discover who has keys to your new home Norma Toering Broker for Palos Verdes and Beach Cities.

That's interesting Spirit Messingham - I'm not aware of a home protection plan that includes that service -- very nice feature.

Apr 29, 2015 08:13 AM

Ryan Jennings

Keller Williams Realty-Wellington - Wellington, FL

"Buy With Confidence...Sell With Trust"

Yes, first thing you do is change the locks!!

Apr 29, 2015 10:43 AM

Michael Jacobs

Pasadena, CA

Michael Jacobs

Pasadena, CA

Pasadena And Southern California 818.516.4393

Nurit Praeger -- thanks. Ahhh, inspiration for another blog post.....

May 14, 2015 12:51 AM

Dorie Dillard Austin TX

Coldwell Banker Realty ~ 512.750.6899 - Austin, TX

NW Austin ~ Canyon Creek and Spicewood/Balcones

Good morning Michael Jacobs,

How did I miss this post? Roy Kelley posted a re-blog this morning and excellent advice! You can have the home re-keyed very easily and is not that expensive to do and is worth the time spend getting it done!

Jun 27, 2015 08:21 PM

Lou Ludwig

Boca Raton, FL
Michael Jacobs

Pasadena, CA

Doug Dawes

Keller Williams Evolution - 447 Boston Street, Suite #5, Topsfield, MA - Topsfield, MA

Your Personal Realtor®

Good Morning Michael Jacobs

You never know how many keys are floating around. Great reminder to all.

Jun 27, 2015 09:42 PM

Lou Ludwig

Boca Raton, FL
Michael Jacobs

Pasadena, CA

Kimo Stowell

HI Pro Realty LLC RB-21531 - Honolulu, HI

REALTOR Associate® RS-76763 - Honolulu Hawai'i

Aloha Michael,

Home safety lesson #1: ALWAYS change the keys after a purchase! Probably the most overlooked advice a Realtor can give a new home owner. Excellent post.

a hui hou,

Jun 28, 2015 07:27 AM

Lou Ludwig

Boca Raton, FL
Michael Jacobs

Pasadena, CA

Sharon Lee

Sharon Lee's Virtual Assistance - Jonesborough, TN

Retired and loving life

Good thinking Michael-I never did though when I bought mine but probably because the previous owners were very happy to get rid of that money pit

Jul 23, 2015 10:49 AM

Lou Ludwig

Boca Raton, FL
Michael Jacobs

Pasadena, CA

John McCormack, CRS

Albuquerque Homes Realty - Albuquerque, NM

Honesty, Integrity, Results, Experienced. HIRE Me!

Good Friday morning Michael Jacobs

Excellent information for any new home buyer to understand. Changing the locks is the most important thing to do ASAP!

Jul 30, 2015 11:59 PM

Lou Ludwig

Boca Raton, FL
Michael Jacobs

Pasadena, CA

Michael Jacobs

Pasadena, CA

Pasadena And Southern California 818.516.4393

Thanks very much for your comments and support. I appreciate it very much.

Jul 31, 2015 12:29 AM

Endre Barath, Jr.

Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices California Properties - Beverly Hills, CA

Realtor - Los Angeles Home Sales 310.486.1002

Michael all good advice next time we get together ask Diane when she got her keys and the story behind it:)) hint it wasn't when it was supposed to be:))Endre

Sep 16, 2015 03:35 PM