Buying a Foreclosed Home in Phoenix? Why Rekeying Should Be Your First Move
Foreclosures and bank-owned properties offer serious value in Phoenix’s competitive housing market. Whether you’re an investor, a first-time buyer, or a house flipper, you know you’re getting a deal.
But what many buyers don’t realize is that foreclosures come with unique security risks—and one of the smartest things you can do right away is:
Rekey every lock.
In this post, we’ll walk you through why rekeying a foreclosure or REO home in Phoenix is essential, what to watch out for, and how we help buyers secure their investment fast.
🏚️ Foreclosed Properties Come with Unknown Access History
Here’s what makes foreclosures different from a standard home purchase:
- Multiple parties may have had keys (banks, agents, contractors, cleaners)
- Prior occupants may have refused to leave peacefully
- Locks may have been drilled or replaced poorly
- Spare keys might be hidden or copied
- Code-based locks may not have been reset
- Entry points may be worn out or damaged
That’s a long list of unknowns. And when it comes to home security, uncertainty = vulnerability.
🔐 What Is Rekeying and Why It’s Perfect for REO Homes
Rekeying means adjusting the internal pins in the lock cylinder so that old keys no longer work—and only new keys function.
It: ✅ Keeps your existing hardware (if it’s in good shape)
✅ Prevents access by previous owners, agents, or vendors
✅ Costs far less than full lock replacement
✅ Restores your peace of mind before move-in or renovation
We can also rekey smart locks and digital entry systems that banks or agents used.
🔍 Common Problems in Phoenix Foreclosure Locks
We regularly rekey properties in Laveen, Maryvale, South Phoenix, and other neighborhoods with high REO activity. Here’s what we see most:
❌ Missing or mismatched keys
Locks may be changed quickly by bank reps—sometimes sloppily, leaving unknown or duplicate keys behind.
❌ Drilled or damaged deadbolts
Eviction services may force entry, damaging the lock so it only “sort of” works.
❌ Master-keyed systems left active
Some large banks use master keys across multiple homes, which should be disabled after purchase.
❌ Smart lock codes still active
Old agent, bank, or contractor codes may not have been deleted.
🧠 Why Investors and Flippers Should Always Rekey
If you’re renovating or flipping:
- Contractors, cleaners, or stagers may need temporary access
- Locks may be left open or rekeyed without your knowledge
- Buyers and agents touring the property may be using old codes
We help flippers: ✅ Set up secure one-key systems
✅ Use temporary locks during rehab
✅ Re-rekey the home right before listing
🔑 What Should Be Rekeyed in a Foreclosed Home?
We recommend rekeying:
- All exterior doors
- Garage access doors
- Back gates or side yards
- Patio sliders (if lockable)
- Detached structures or sheds
- Interior privacy locks, if being converted into rentals
- Smart locks (keyway and codes)
📞 Book your foreclosure rekey today or call (602) 854-2766.
🧰 What If You’re Renovating Before Move-In?
You can rekey before, during, and after renovations.
We recommend:
- Initial rekeying to block access from prior owners
- Contractor key tracking during repairs
- Final rekeying before moving in or listing
We also offer lock upgrades or recommendations if hardware is worn, mismatched, or missing.
💡 Don’t Forget: Banks Don’t Always Rekey
It’s a common myth that banks rekey foreclosures when selling them. But in many Phoenix cases, they don’t. They may:
- Use generic master keys
- Leave “as-is” after a previous rekey
- Provide a single working key (or none at all)
That’s why rekeying is your responsibility as the buyer.
💲 How Much Does Rekeying Cost for Foreclosures?
| Service Type | Avg. Cost |
|---|---|
| Rekeying 2–3 exterior locks | $60–$90 total |
| Additional doors or gates | $15–25 each |
| Smart lock reset + rekey | +$15–$30 |
| Final rekeying pre-sale | Discount available ✅ |
🗺️ We Rekey Foreclosed Homes Across Phoenix
We serve buyers and investors in:
- Laveen
- South Mountain
- Central Phoenix
- Maryvale
- Alhambra
- Garfield
- Estrella
- Roosevelt Row
…and nearby suburbs
Whether you’ve got a fixer-upper, a move-in ready deal, or a rental-to-be—we’ll help secure it fast.
Final Word: New Key, Fresh Start
Buying a foreclosed or bank-owned home can be a fantastic investment—but it should always start with rekeying. Don’t leave access in the hands of whoever last had the key.
Rekeying gives you confidence, safety, and a clean slate to build on.
Just Closed? Now Close the Door for Good.
Secure your Phoenix foreclosure the right way—starting with a fresh key and a trusted locksmith.
Affordable Security Locksmith And Alarm – Phoenix
📞 (602) 854-2766
🌐 affordablesecurityphoenix.com