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Do I have to change the locks on my new house?

The previous owner had just changed them, do i have to buy all new ones?
Asked By Gary | Portland, ME | 380 views | Remodeling | 1 year ago
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Pro
123 Answers
Chris Yochum

Dickson Realty

(19)

Its not a bad idea to replace the locks when purchasing a home to ensure you are the only one with access. Some home warranties will provide new locks on a new purchase.
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Semi-Pro
83 Answers
Marty & Abby Champagne

RE/MAX Market Place

(33)

Heck YES! You never know who might have a key and you will feel more safe knowing it has been changed.

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Semi-Pro
47 Answers
Lynne Pruell

Realty 100 LLC

(16)

It is advised to change the locks on your new house. You cannot be certain who may have keys to the existing locks. Even if the previous owner handed over all the keys, there could still be duplicates out there that could compromise your home’s security. It is relatively inexpensive and gives you a peace of mind.
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Rising Star
26 Answers
Joanne Patience

Iron Valley Real Estate North Florida

(5)

Gary that is a great question. I always suggest that my buyers have the locks rekeyed, garage codes, and any other codes changed. You do not know who else may still have the key. Also, rekeying to one key for all the locks is a lifesaver :) No more trying to figure out what key goes to which door.
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Rising Star
15 Answers
Janet Stanek

Lake Homes Realty

(16)

I would absolutely recommend you have your locks re-keyed. Re-keying should cost less than replacing locs and this way, you can have all entrances keyed to the same key if you wish.
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Novice
8 Answers
Melonie Aldridge

ERA BYARS REALTY

(11)

I would always change locks when you buy a house. You do not know who all has keys to the house.
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Novice
8 Answers
Agni Mitra

Keller Williams Arizona Realty

Hi! I always advise my buyers to change all the locks on the external doors no matter how new they are. There are some locksmiths who can just change the core of the locks (much less expensive) - ask a good locksmith in your area. Congratulations on your new home!
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Novice
5 Answers
David Woods

ERA First Advantage

You should plan to change the locks on a new house that you have purchased. You never know, maybe the sellers left a key with a neighbor one time when they went on vacation.
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Novice
4 Answers
Patricia Billings Malone

C21 Masters Malone Homes Group

(45)

I always recommend changing the locks to your new house or for your new tenant. If you got a home warranty they usually cover changing to new locks.

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