Did your new home come with a keyless entry lock?
Let me guess: none of the keys (in the sandwich bag you got at the closing table) work on it, right?
Perhaps you’re a tiny bit freaked out knowing that the seller (and every visiting REALTOR®) has been privy to its entry codes.
What do you do?
Yes, you can remove the lock and replace it with a regular lock. But what if the keypad is in good conditions & you’d like to keep it?
When we encounter keypads with our new home buyers, here’s what we do during their rekey:
1. Rekey the existing key hole (if applicable). This gives provides a backup key should the batteries run out. Ideally, we try to make this key also open the rest of entry doors, streamlining the sandwich bag mess.
2. Wipe the brain of the keypad and reset it to factory. This removes all entry codes (disclosed or otherwise) from the unit.
3. Reset the keypad with new programming and entry codes.
4. Install fresh batteries in the unit.
5. If the keypad is in the deadbolt position, we recommend a passage knob (a non-locking/ closet handle) underneath it. This prevents lockouts when you bank on keyless access.
6. Email a PDF of the keypad manual to the client. This can be printed out for their reference should they need to make future changes to the unit.
Most technically inclined folks can do most of these steps, but just about everybody appreciates us addressing it during their rekey.
This peace of mind from the start frees them up to concentrate on all the other fun tasks associated with moving!