Securing (changing locks) on an unlocked vacant house in a virtual wholesale deal

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Securing (changing locks) on an unlocked vacant house in a virtual wholesale deal

David SichermanPro Member
Vendor · Lake Worth, FL · Member since 2014 · 713 posts · 149 votes

So I have a house under contract hours and hours from me, the owner also lives hours away from property.  Sent a photographer to take pics, and the house isn't locked, the doors are unlocked, the place is vacant.

Need to know how you go about securing a house when you and the owner don't live there.  Best idea I have is hiring a handyman off craigslist to change the locks and put one key in the mail to me, and one in  lockbox at the house.

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Aaron Wyssmann
Springfield, MO · Member since 2014 · 252 posts · 117 votes
12y

Now that is a problem, isn't it?  I'm assuming you are talking about doing this after you close on the property or have it under your possession otherwise you've got lots of legal issues there.

In my experience I wouldn't hire someone off Craigslist for that.  For all you know they could keep a copy of the key and do any number of things to the property.  I'd definitely send a locksmith company over to do that...if they will.  They may want proof that you can actually be changing the locks out.  The other option is to see if there is someone out here on BP that is in the are of the home and see if you could pay them to help you out. 

Good luck, hope you find someone.

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  • Aaron Wyssmann
    Springfield, MO · Member since 2014 · 252 posts · 117 votes
    12y

    Now that is a problem, isn't it?  I'm assuming you are talking about doing this after you close on the property or have it under your possession otherwise you've got lots of legal issues there.

    In my experience I wouldn't hire someone off Craigslist for that.  For all you know they could keep a copy of the key and do any number of things to the property.  I'd definitely send a locksmith company over to do that...if they will.  They may want proof that you can actually be changing the locks out.  The other option is to see if there is someone out here on BP that is in the are of the home and see if you could pay them to help you out. 

    Good luck, hope you find someone.

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  • Nathan BrooksBusiness Member
    Lender · Kansas City, MO · Member since 2012 · 403 posts · 187 votes
    12y

    I totally agree with @Aaron Wyssmann ... they have another layer of security, and also a insurance covering it.  I'd probably also ask them to send before and after pics of the lock being changed.  And maybe a lockbox while their at it.

    Good luck!

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  • Brandon Eleazer
    Real Estate Agent · Philadelphia, PA · Member since 2010 · 166 posts · 23 votes
    12y

    @David Sicherman 

    Locking the doors are a basic security measure. But if you don't plan to have someone checking on the property regularly then you should have a "trusted" contractor meet the locksmith to screw 1st floor windows shut and lock them, and secure back door with wood stud(s). You may also consider a small wireless alarm w/motion sensor. It doesn't hurt to take a few extra precautions to protect your investment.

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  • David SichermanPro Member
    OP
    Vendor · Lake Worth, FL · Member since 2014 · 713 posts · 149 votes
    12y

    I ended up hiring a local handyman to stop by on Monday, change the deadbolts on the 2 doors, leave a lockbox on the side door and mail me the extra keys for $150.  Not bad.  Hopefully I can sell it quick enough.

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