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On the move: how a new
home presents a new
opportunity for locksmiths
» » A NEW HOME IS ALWAYS EXCITING
for the buyer, but for locksmiths and
security specialists, moving day means
a window of opportunity to sell, sell, sell.
Here ‘We Buy Any House’ explains why
there is more to be made than a simple
lock change when a house gets a new
owner...
LOCK REPLACEMENT
The first and perhaps most important
thing to advise customers is to replace all
the locks on their new property. Chances
are the previous tenant left the locks
they used and may even still have a key
meaning they could enter the property
without issue.
ALARM CODES
If your customer is moving into a new
home and have inherited an alarm system
they’ll need to get both the code and the
manual to operate the system from the
sellers. Forgetting to do this could cause
a whole host of headaches in trying to
change the system. They may want to
contact the alarm company to see if any
ownership needs changing, too.
Recommend that customers check
the age of the alarm system in their new
property and advise that an old outdated
system could put their property in
jeopardy. Not only is it a great opportunity
for you to upsell but it also ensures that
your customer is taking steps to make
their new home secure as possible.
SPEAK TO RESIDENTS IN THE AREA
Before moving into the property it’s
always recommended to speak to other
local residents about their experiences
of crime within the area. They’ll be able
to advise on whether there has been
an upturn in crime rates or whether
they’ve remained low (and, if you didn’t
already know, crime rates for different
areas can be checked here: https://www.
ukcrimestats.com).
CHECK HOME CONTENTS INSURANCE
Advise assessing any home insurance
policies they may have. It might be that
their policy was taken out some time
ago and may need adjusting to meet the
requirements of a new property. Looking
at whether the security conditions of the
new property comply with an existing
policy is also advisable.
HIDE THE MOVE
If it’s likely that the move is going
to take up a few days recommend
ensuring the house doesn’t look like it’s
being vacated. Burglars often prey on
properties that are unoccupied or in the
process of becoming unoccupied. Keep
blinds and curtains installed until the last
day to hide belongings and don’t leave
boxes in plain sight.
NEW DOORS AND/OR WINDOWS?
If the windows and doors on the new
property look old recommend replacing
them. It’s advised that replacements
are certified to the enhanced security
standard. Not only will they help keep
burglars out but they’ll help keep the
property warmer in cold climates too.
OUT BUILDINGS & GARAGES
If the new property has outbuildings
or a garage there’s ample opportunity to
offer your services once more. They’re
prime targets for prospecting burglars
LOCKSMITHJOURNAL.CO.UK | NOV/DEC 2018
Sponsored by ABUS
‘there is more to
be made than a
simple lock change’
and so advising on alarm systems or
basic locks that’ll help secure windows
and doors on both will be welcome for
those moving.
CCTV
One of the best deterrents of burglary
is a CCTV. Recommend that any family
moving into a new home purchases a
good CCTV system. Not only will it help
secure the items within the property, it’ll
help safeguard those left outside too.
AN OPPORTUNITY
It’s worth remembering that with every
new job there’s an opportunity for more
work. Keep your eyes out for ‘for sale’
signs. At the very least those people
moving homes will need help changing
locks and they probably haven’t even
considered finding a locksmith yet...
Relocation is a perfect opportunity for
you to offer your skill set and services.
And often by just providing free impartial
advice you’re reinforcing your brand as a
trusted locksmith that a customer will call
on again.
Article provided by We Buy
Any House, find out more at:
www.webuyanyhouse.co.uk