Lock Change upon buying a previously-owned house (2013, settlement, offer)

[Sky-Blue]

I am planning to be a first time house buyer this spring 2013 (so this may be an obvious question to others):

Do I (as the buyer of a house) change all the locks upon taking possession of a home that was previous owned? Is that lock change expense included in closing costs, or is it an extra expense I should budget in advance?

Thanks.

[kww]

your responsibility, at your cost.

first thing I recommend a new buyer do after settlement is go and change the locks.

[Magic78]

Why would the sellers be responsible for changing the locks?

[NinaN]

Buyer responsibility. Cost depends on where you live. Cheaper in states that don't require a licensed locksmith to alter the keys/lock. CA for example.

[manderly6]

You don't have to. But I would. And no one is going to pay it for you.

[SouthernBelleInUtah]

I always do that right after closing. They don't actually change out the locks, rather they re-key the locks. Cost me $60 to have 3 doors done.

[ranosb]

For $60 you could probably buy 4 new locks...

[SunsetBeachFL]

If you get a no-pick lock, just make sure to never leave your keys inside your home!

And yes, to answer your question, either do the DYI or a locksmith to get new locks.

[Rakin]

If you are getting a home warranty paid by the seller, several offer free Re-key service as part of their package.

[VickiR]

If you call a locksmith to come to your home to re key, it is approx. $20 per lock.

If you take out the key cylinder, yourself, and take it to a hardware store to re key, it is about $10 per lock.

Vicki