We had them all rekeyed by a locksmith before we moved in.

At a prior house, there were a mish mash of 2 different brands and 4 different keys. We bought replacements for a 3 of the locks and then rekeyed, which meant we ended up with only 1 key for all of the exterior doors.

We moved spring 2023 in Bethesda. Cost us $610 to change the locks (one key can open all the locks). I believe our house has seven doors with locks. We were so busy with the move and forgot to schedule ahead as we wanted new locks the first night in our house (long story). I texted that day and he came that afternoon and he had all of them changed by the evening.

This guy is great
Name] David (locksmith)
[Mobile] +1 240-316-4646
[Work info] Bethesda Locksmith

We didn't do this, and although nothing happened, in hindsight I realize it was pretty stupid not to do it.

We changed the all the external locks to the house as soon as we moved in as well (to be fair not many of them). Wanted to have smart locks so didn't bother rekeying (and to be fair didn't realize that was an option till later lol).

Initially contacted someone on Thumbtack who quoted a ridiculous price to change em (200ish for the labor) so just went ahead and did it ourselves was super super easy just 10m of work per door. Just need to measure beforehand to make sure that the lock you are buying fits properly with current door setup.

Anonymous wrote:We did but honestly what are the chances the old homeowner is going to try to come into your home. First of all they will assume you have changed them so will actually throw the keys away, second unless you bought from a sketchy person or someone with an ax to grind I just don't see this ever happening. Now queue the person who's great Aunt Sally had this happen to her and they murdered her entire family.

I think the idea is that there will be realtors, cleaners, neighbors and often a bunch of tradesmen if they had work done who will have had access as well. But I agree, I have never bothered.

We did but honestly what are the chances the old homeowner is going to try to come into your home. First of all they will assume you have changed them so will actually throw the keys away, second unless you bought from a sketchy person or someone with an ax to grind I just don't see this ever happening. Now queue the person who's great Aunt Sally had this happen to her and they murdered her entire family.

Anonymous wrote:Of course you should change the locks. You just need a locksmith to rekey them. It cost us $100 per door.

You can buy new locks cheaper.

I switched locks and since I closed on new house prior to selling old house I just swapped locks.

Zero cost

We did this to our house in Bethesda, we needed 4 locks changed and one added (no lock on basement door!?!) and it came to $1000

Anonymous wrote:Do most people have all their locks changed when they move into a new house?

How much does something like that typically cost?

Just adding another vote for changing the locks. We def do this.

Anonymous wrote:Another thing to consider changing asap - is the garage door keypad code the frequency/code of the garage door opener. Many cars allow you to program your garage door in to your car, so you don't need a remote. If the previous owner did that, he/she could easily gain access to your garage. And, if you don't change the locks or lock the door, can walk right in.

Sorry, for the above post. Was multi-tasking. If you have a garage door keypad (the one outside the garage that will open up the door), change the code on that. Also, consider reprogramming your garage door and remote. Many cars allow you to program your garage remote in your car, so you don't need the physical remote to gain access. So, the previous owner could simply open up your garage door without your permission.

People are paying up to a thousand dollars for this?

A deadbolt is under 50 bucks! Just watch a youtube video and you can do all the outdoor doors in your house for under 150 bucks. Holy crap

Anonymous wrote:You’re supposed to but I never have. Oops.

Yeah this was us too. Now it's been 10 years and it's been fine. It's a risk, but seems pretty small.

Another thing to consider changing asap - is the garage door keypad code the frequency/code of the garage door opener. Many cars allow you to program your garage door in to your car, so you don't need a remote. If the previous owner did that, he/she could easily gain access to your garage. And, if you don't change the locks or lock the door, can walk right in.

Anonymous wrote:Do most people have all their locks changed when they move into a new house?

How much does something like that typically cost?

It is best practice to do so.