New homeowners are busy unpacking and slowly de-stressing after a busy few weeks along the home-buying journey. It’s not easy to remember each step as well as plan for contingencies and curve balls. Fortunately, all of that is in your “rear-view mirror.”
But there is one more aspect of homeownership to consider: following important safety tips.
First, ask yourself this: How well did you know your seller? Did you even meet the person (or couple) and understand his/her motivations to leave the home? Maybe he/she needed to move after a testy divorce. Maybe only one spouse wanted to move and the other truly loved the home. Anything is possible.
Whatever the case, do not assume the seller(s) left the home free and clear – both physically and emotionally. That’s why we suggest making the following changes as soon as you can:
Re-key every lock
You have the keys to your home. Do you really know if anyone else has a copy? No. Get the locks changed pronto on all doors leading to the inside of your home (don’t forget those sliding doors), including new sets of keys for each lock – also known as re-keyed. While you’re at it, consider adding an additional deadbolt for good measure. (Consumer Reports recommends getting a cylinder made with hardened-steel inserts rather than made of brass alone, and to make sure the steel plate is fastened to the door with three-inch screws instead of typical ¾-inch varieties.) Some of the better home warranty companies offer re-key coverage to new homeowners under contract. American Home Shield, for one, gives homeowners up to six locks and four new keys for each as part of its service contract.
If you are moving into a home with a single-address locking mailbox, consider changing the lock. If you’re handy, you can switch out the lock in a matter of minutes for about $10. If you’re not-so-handy, a local locksmith will charge you a pretty penny (well thousands of pretty pennies) to complete the work. Check with your post office or mail carrier for any ordinances related to individual locking mailboxes. (This suggestion generally does not apply to condo community mailboxes – often located indoors – and operated by mail carriers with a single, master key.).
Reset garage door opener
It’s unlikely someone other than you would have a remote to open a garage door. After all, you were given both remote-control garage openers. But…how do you know if there isn’t a third opener? You don’t. That’s why it’s wise to reset the code to the remotes within the first week of homeownership. Unsure how to do it? Search online for the company name(s) of the remote control and garage door mechanism for details (for example).
Reset your home security system
There are more and more types of systems to secure a home. That includes standard varieties requiring a multi-digit code to arm and disarm the security box – typically at the front entrance. (ADT is a popular system.) There are other systems that include video and audio surveillance, which may have been originally installed by the previous homeowner. Do you know how to change the operational codes/passwords to access the “eyes and ears” in the cloud so that the former owner – or someone else – isn’t eavesdropping? Yes, that could happen!
Your safety and security, and of your loved ones and the property itself, are a serious matter that should be prioritized after move-in and not brushed aside.