| With the real estate market of today being a dynamic | | | | at the center of the knob, update for a more modern |
| and turbulent industry, homes, houses and apartments | | | | model. Opt for deadbolt locks with a bolt of at least |
| are changing hands more than ever. Even the best | | | | one inch in length. Knobs with the keyhole in the middle |
| home alarm system in the world is no match for | | | | can be easily picked, and in today's world are as good |
| someone that has the ultimate resource for breaking | | | | as a written invitation to would-be intruders. |
| and entering, a key! Not keeping track of who has | | | | Replace all door locks for lost keys. Even if you're |
| keys is a basic mistake that many people make while | | | | 95% sure you saw your keys go flying into the ocean |
| in the hectic process of moving. One of the best | | | | when you were unloading that brand-new sailboat, or |
| preventative measures is to be informed about key | | | | disappear down a gutter when you were bent down |
| safety, and follow some of the following basic | | | | to tie your shoe, don't take any chances. Although they |
| precautionary measures. | | | | may seem lost to you, anyone with a bit more motive |
| Replace all door locks on move-in. If you thought you | | | | or ambition may be able to recover your keys and |
| wanted the shiniest new item in your new home or | | | | take advantage of the situation. Home security means |
| apartment to be the plasma TV, think again. In order to | | | | being 100% sure unwanted intruders will have to force |
| keep that plasma safe and sound in your living room, | | | | entry, not walk into a turn-key furniture and electronics |
| the door locks are what should be brand-new and | | | | free-for-all. |
| never used. Check and make sure all door locks have | | | | Spare the spare key. Although it's a nice touch when |
| been changed since the previous owner or renter | | | | you've left your keys at the office or lost your wallet |
| moved out, and ask for the names and addresses of | | | | to have the back-up plan of a hidden spare key, the |
| anyone that has had copies of the keys. With a | | | | unfortunate reality is that your clever hiding place is not |
| whirlwind of painter, contractors, brokers and | | | | such a secret the first time anyone sees you retrieve |
| prospective tenants or owners trailing through homes | | | | it. Especially in apartments where just about anyone |
| on today's market, it doesn't hurt to be overly careful. | | | | can gain entry into the common areas, it's a better idea |
| Although it can be a good idea to have a spare key, | | | | to leave a spare key with a neighbor, nearby friend, or |
| it's a better idea to be the one who knows where it's | | | | doorman should there be one. A good alternative may |
| hidden. | | | | be keeping an extra key in your wallet, gym bag, or in |
| Update. To maintain home security don't be an easy | | | | any item you have with you on a daily basis that is |
| target. If the door leading to the common area in your | | | | separate from you actual keychain. |
| apartment or leading into your home has the keyhole | | | | |