[rdangel49]

What I'm not asking for in this thread is home security tips. I've done enough research to know what I want. My problem is this--I'm closing escrow on a condo in a few weeks that's now protected by your typical realtor lockbox and key (if you can call that protection). I now know that there are loose keys to the unit floating around with third persons having no right to enter the premises, and know for a fact that strangers have been in and out of the place while it's been in escrow.

The unit's being purchased from a living trust. There is no living seller--just attorneys and a seller's agent. I apparently have no right to change locks until I take possession. Even if I really put the heat to the seller's agent, I'm sure the locks would be replaced with the cheapest stuff Home Depot has to offer.

My plan is to go the whole nine yards the day I take possession--Medico Ansi Grade 1 deadbolts, Strikemaster door frame reinforcers, protective film on the windows, secure window locks. In particular I have this panoramic sliding glass door opening to the common area which gives me the willies.

I know the hardware's expensive and I figure the cost is worth it. I'm not looking for more security tips. I'm not looking for a discussion of the merits of various pieces of hardware. What I'm looking for is one or more recommendations of honest and reliable locksmiths or security firms that can do this work for me at a fair price. I'm not a DIY kind of guy when it comes to this type of work.

TIA.

[Huckleberry3911948]

your instincts are good. proper change of hands of property is critical. u must change the locks when u change owners, many foolishly delegate this to others.
be there see it done and get that key yourself or give up that key yourself personally with witnesses and names.
lots of property damage and litigation comes from this foolish and clumsy mistake.

[bayview6]

Look in the yellow pages for "Locksmiths" and then google reviews of them. Unless you plan on storing $400k of gold in your condo you should be all right with any locksmith. Call them up and get estimates.

[ddrhazy]

Most locksmith companies should be able to provide you the service you request OP. My advice is to ask for quotes over the phone with what you want and see who can do it for you the cheapest.

[observer53]

Multiple off topic posts deleted. Answer the OP's question with the recommendations requested, only.

I will say that the OP probably could have avoided getting the unhelpful responses if she had titled the thread differently and simply asked for the recommendations. That said, she was very clear about what she didn't need, or want.

[007 license to sell]

ADT has a great system that you can have a lock put on that is locked and unlocked by your cell phone, and can take a key . You can have it where you can see who is at the door before you move in. Check into it, also check into the Schlage lock system.

By the way the only person that can change locks before a sale is closed is the owner or the owners agent with permission. A buyer cannot do anything until they legally own it because anything that happens while the old owner has the property is liable not the buyer.

[vtvette]

BTW the remote locks you can operate with a cell phone are also available at Lowes with no monthly fee's if you don't want to hire an alarm company

[irishspy]

A good loud barking dog !!!!

[observer53]

Originally Posted by rdangel49

What I'm not asking for in this thread is home security tips. I've done enough research to know what I want. My problem is this--I'm closing escrow on a condo in a few weeks that's now protected by your typical realtor lockbox and key (if you can call that protection). I now know that there are loose keys to the unit floating around with third persons having no right to enter the premises, and know for a fact that strangers have been in and out of the place while it's been in escrow.

The unit's being purchased from a living trust. There is no living seller--just attorneys and a seller's agent. I apparently have no right to change locks until I take possession. Even if I really put the heat to the seller's agent, I'm sure the locks would be replaced with the cheapest stuff Home Depot has to offer.

My plan is to go the whole nine yards the day I take possession--Medico Ansi Grade 1 deadbolts, Strikemaster door frame reinforcers, protective film on the windows, secure window locks. In particular I have this panoramic sliding glass door opening to the common area which gives me the willies.

I know the hardware's expensive and I figure the cost is worth it. I'm not looking for more security tips. I'm not looking for a discussion of the merits of various pieces of hardware. What I'm looking for is one or more recommendations of honest and reliable locksmiths or security firms that can do this work for me at a fair price. I'm not a DIY kind of guy when it comes to this type of work.

TIA.

Again, please respond to what the OP is looking for.