Buying a new house is a dream come true. You want your new property to be safe, so changing your locks is one of the first things you should do. But why — after all, your real estate agent, along with the previous owner of the home, ensured that every key is in your possession? Here are reasons why you should change the locks when you buy a new home.

You may not have all the keys

Perhaps the previous owner made several copies of the keys you now have in your hands. While the previous owner may have no malicious intent to use their keys, the idea of someone who knows your home inside and out having a key to get inside is rather daunting.

Or, here's another scenario: what if the previous homeowner left a key with a family friend, neighbor, or a family member, then forgot about the extra key when they moved out of their home? Knowing that a complete stranger may potentially have a set of keys to your house is certainly alarming.

Call a locksmith right away to change the locks on all your doors, especially the front and back entrances. If you have a garage door that is currently not locked, consider putting a lock on that door as well to better safeguard your home.

Your locks are likely dated

If your locks are the traditional kind that simply open with a key, you aren't providing your family with much protection. A standard lock from the local store can be easily picked open, allowing intruders or nosy people inside.

You should at the very least upgrade to a lock with a deadbolt on it, or upgrade to a series of locks for all your main doors that are very hard to penetrate. Your locksmith will recommend the most convenient and protective locks on the market today for residential use and will install your new locks with ease. Then, they will show you how to use your locks and will make a note of how many copies of the keys are made (and ensure that you are the only one who can make copies in the future, using their services only).

Your locksmith does much more than simply rescue you when you are locked out of your home or car. Your locksmith also installs and changes locks for your home to make your residence much safer. To learn more, visit http://www.alocksmithriverside.com.