Moving into a new home is an exciting milestone, but it’s also a critical time to assess your home’s security. Whether you’re a first-time homeowner in Frisco or relocating within the Dallas–Fort Worth area, taking steps to secure your new property should be a top priority. Securing your home starts with understanding potential vulnerabilities and addressing them quickly with professional locksmith services and a well-developed safety plan. From home rekeying to installing smart locks and setting up a reliable emergency response, here’s a comprehensive guide to making your home safer from day one.
Rekey or Replace Your Locks Immediately
Unless you’re the very first person to live in your newly purchased home, there’s no way to know how many keys exist—and who has them. Contractors, real estate agents, previous owners, pet sitters, neighbors—you name it. This is why home rekeying is one of the most crucial first steps for new homeowners.
Rekeying your locks is a cost-effective way to change access without replacing entire lock hardware. A licensed locksmith can reconfigure the internal pins of existing locks so that old keys no longer work. This service is typically less expensive than replacing locks and offers the same level of security—if not more when done by a professional.
According to the Associated Locksmiths of America (ALOA), “A professional rekeying service by a certified locksmith guarantees that only you and those you approve will have access to your home.”
In some cases, full lock replacement may be necessary—especially if the locks are damaged, outdated, incompatible with modern security measures, or of poor quality. When selecting new locks, we recommend using ANSI Grade 1 deadbolts for exterior doors, as they provide the highest level of security.
| Service | Advantages | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| Home Rekeying | Cost-effective, quick, improves security with existing hardware | Homes with good-quality locks and unknown key holders |
| Lock Replacement | Upgraded aesthetics, higher security potential, solve wear or damage issues | Old, damaged, or low-grade locks |
Install Smart Locks and Reinforce Entry Points
Smart locks offer convenience, remote control, and audit trails for access. They’re ideal for modern families, pet sitters, or even renters who need to grant temporary access to cleaning staff or service providers. Brands like Schlage Encode, Kwikset Halo, and Level Lock are popular for their strong encryption, keyless access features, and app integration with platforms like Apple HomeKit or Amazon Alexa.
But while smart locks enhance convenience, they should be part of a broader security plan. Always reinforce your home’s physical barriers—especially entry doors, windows, and garage access. Install deadbolts with hardened steel bolts, use strike plates with 3-inch screws, and make sure sliding doors are secured with auxiliary locks or security bars.
According to the FBI’s Uniform Crime Report, nearly 58% of home break-ins occur through forcible entry. Criminals look for weak locks, flimsy doors, or unlocked entry points. That’s why investing in strong locks and door reinforcement hardware is a smart way to reduce your risk.
Set Up a Home Security Checklist
New homeowners often feel overwhelmed, but following a structured security checklist can help prioritize the most important safety tasks right away. An experienced locksmith can help put together this checklist based on the layout and age of your home, but here are common must-dos after moving in:
- Test and replace exterior door locks or rekey as needed
- Install locks on backyard gates, sheds, and garage entries
- Check and secure all accessible windows with upgraded locks
- Install a video doorbell or smart camera system for entry monitoring
- Ensure smoke detectors and CO alarms are functioning properly
- Change garage door opener codes if applicable
- Consider motion lighting or dusk-to-dawn LED deterrent lights
Completing these steps within the first few days after moving in ensures you’re not caught off guard. As I often tell homeowners in Frisco and North Dallas suburbs, “Your safety should never take a back seat to the unpacking process.”
Don’t Overlook Vehicle Security at Your New Home
With more modern vehicles than ever on the roads in Texas, it’s just as important to consider your car’s security—especially if it’s parked outside your new home. Car break-ins and key fob thefts are on the rise in residential areas.
If your car keys were handled by others during your move or are showing signs of wear, it’s wise to consult a local automotive locksmith. Services such as key fob programming, transponder key duplication, and ignition repair are all essential to keeping your vehicle secure and running smoothly.
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) advises drivers to store keys inside secure homes and use steering wheel locks or encrypted fobs on susceptible models.
Tip: If you’ve recently purchased a pre-owned car or had your key fob lost or stolen, a locksmith can delete old fobs from your vehicle’s memory, ensuring old keys no longer unlock or start the car.
Local Peace of Mind, Backed by Trusted Pros
Security isn’t one-size-fits-all. Each home, family, and neighborhood has its unique needs. For homeowners in Frisco, Plano, McKinney, or anywhere in the DFW area, working with a licensed locksmith familiar with local neighborhoods and threats is a smart decision. Always confirm your locksmith is DPS-licensed to ensure professionalism and accountability per Texas standards.
Adding visible, well-maintained security upgrades can also help increase your home’s value and deter opportunistic criminals. When choosing a security specialist, ask about bundled service discounts for combined lock rekeying, smart lock installation, and garage security upgrades.
Your first weeks in a home are the most important for establishing lifelong safety habits. Take the time now to review your plan for home rekeying, develop a custom security checklist, and focus on essential move-in safety improvements with strong locks to protect what matters most.