The Impact of Oklahoma City's Real Estate Boom on Locksmith Service Demands

Things are moving fast in Oklahoma City—property deals are closing quicker than they did even just two years ago. According to the Oklahoma Housing Finance Agency, residential property sales jumped by over 14% year-over-year in 2024, with median days on market dropping below 20. Behind those fast closings is a rising trend in something most buyers don’t think about until the last second: home security upgrades.

Toplock Locksmiths, a local company deeply involved in home security for over a decade, reports a 34% increase in service calls from new homeowners in just the past six months. Most of these aren’t emergency calls—they’re planned appointments from buyers who have just gotten the keys and want to make sure they’re the only ones who have them.

This press release gathers key insights and practical recommendations from Toplock locksmith technicians, who’ve seen firsthand how the city's fast-paced property shifts are changing security habits. Based on their field experience, local data, and industry trends, the information here is meant to help homeowners, agents, and property managers understand the value of timely lock upgrades—and what’s trending in 2025.

Quick Overview

1. Introduction: Oklahoma City's booming real estate market and home security
2. Why new homeowners prioritize smart lock upgrades after closing deals
3. Most common lock issues found in recently purchased older homes
4. Toplock Locksmiths reports increased service calls from new property buyers
5. The role of locksmiths in Oklahoma City's property value protection
6. Smart lock trends Oklahoma City homeowners are embracing in 2025
7. When to change your locks after buying a new house
8. Summary: Boosting security in Oklahoma homes with expert locksmith solutions

Why new homeowners prioritize smart lock upgrades after closing deals

There’s a reason why smart locks are no longer just a flashy tech accessory. They're becoming essential. With Oklahoma City's population projected to top 725,000 by 2026 (U.S. Census estimates), more homes are exchanging hands than ever. And every one of those homes carries its own history—and its own set of keys.

Most buyers are changing locks within the first week after moving in, and increasingly, they’re opting for smart options. Among the top priorities:

Resetting access: Most standard locks still have duplicate keys floating around. Former tenants, neighbors, contractors—there’s no way to know how many are still out there.

Convenience: Homeowners want remote access, app control, and the ability to issue temporary digital keys for guests, cleaners, or deliveries.

Futureproofing: Compatibility with existing smart home systems, such as Google Home, Amazon Alexa, or Apple HomeKit, is driving decisions.

Brands like Schlage Encode Plus and Yale Assure Lock 2 are common favorites in the area—not just for their looks but because they’re known to hold up against tampering, drilling, and weather issues common in central Oklahoma. One of Toplock OKC's technicians noted that “Yale’s updated deadbolt module has been the easiest to retrofit into older wood-frame doors,” which are common in pre-2000s homes in neighborhoods like Nichols Hills or The Village.

Smart locks come with a variety of authentication methods—keypads, biometric scans, mobile apps—and even auto-locking timers that re-engage deadbolts when doors are left unlocked too long. That’s particularly useful for families with kids, where doors often get left open during a school-day rush.

With rising property prices—median value hit $236,000 in Q1 2025, per Zillow data—buyers are viewing security upgrades as an essential investment, not a later task. Most are bundling these with minor interior upgrades, like thermostats or lighting systems, while finalizing their mortgage paperwork.

The takeaway? Don’t wait for an issue to show up. Whether it’s day one or day seven in a new home, upgrading the locks should be on your move-in checklist right between turning on the water and setting up the Wi-Fi.

Most common lock issues found in recently purchased older homes

Older homes in Oklahoma City—especially those built before 1995—come with charm and character. But many also come with outdated or damaged locks that are more vulnerable than homeowners realize. During recent inspections, Toplock OKC found that nearly 62% of homes over 25 years old had at least one lock that was either non-functional, easily picked, or rusted from years of exposure.

Some issues are easy to miss without a trained eye:

• Misaligned strike plates: Often from seasonal shifts or door frame swelling. This causes the latch to miss the plate completely.
  
• Deadbolts with stripped screws: These are often loosely installed and easy to force open with basic tools.
  
• Corrosion inside the cylinder: From exposure to humidity and dust, especially in homes with poor insulation or older windows.
  
• Keyholes that have been re-keyed multiple times: Over time, repeated re-keying can degrade the lock mechanism, causing sticking or jamming.
  

Below is a summary of common lock issues found by Toplock OKC across older neighborhoods like Capitol Hill, Mesta Park, and Gatewood:

Another overlooked issue? Duplicate keys found inside drawers, garages, or even under doormats—left behind by sellers or previous owners. In roughly 1 out of 5 homes, technicians found unsecured access methods still in place. This makes lock changes not just about preventing theft, but correcting years of casual security habits.

For homeowners wanting to keep some of the original hardware intact—say, for a craftsman-style aesthetic in historic areas—mortise locks can be custom-fitted with modern cylinders. It’s a small detail, but one that maintains style while improving strength.

Homes with steel exterior doors often require reboring when switching to a smart lock system. Without proper alignment tools, even a high-end deadbolt won’t sit flush, which can cause issues later with weather exposure and sensor reading errors.

Toplock Locksmiths reports increased service calls from new property buyers

Technicians at Toplock OKC say they’re working double the appointments compared to the same time last year. Of those calls, nearly 70% are from property buyers who’ve recently closed on homes. What’s driving the surge?

For one, Oklahoma City’s inventory includes a large portion of flipped properties. These homes may have updated floors and fresh paint—but rarely are the lock systems upgraded to match. Buyers assume everything is “like new,” but many of those homes still rely on inexpensive, builder-grade knobs and deadbolts, which are easier to manipulate or bump open.

Techs note that the most common call-outs from recent homebuyers fall into three categories:

1. Smart lock installations for homes with existing Wi-Fi infrastructure.
   
2. Full rekeying services for homes with multiple old locks and keys still in circulation.
   
3. Custom installs for decorative or non-standard entry doors, often found in older mid-century or ranch-style homes.
   

Interestingly, neighborhoods with higher flip activity—such as South OKC or portions of Bethany—see more of these same-day requests. Buyers are closing, walking through, and immediately noticing misaligned doors, missing screws, or unfamiliar key patterns that raise questions about who might still have access.

Technicians also report a significant jump in garage side-door and patio lock upgrades, especially where entry points are out of sight. These are often the weak link in home security setups, with original locks dating back to the 1980s.

In homes with iron or decorative gates, buyers are increasingly asking about adding Bluetooth or Z-Wave compatible padlocks to keep those entrances synced with the rest of the property. Brands like Kwikset Halo Touch and Level Lock+ are requested for their minimalistic appearance and fast pairing with mobile systems.

Technicians emphasize that locks are often the only line of defense for single-family homes in low-traffic areas. Once the moving trucks leave, it’s the homeowner’s job to secure that new investment. Many are taking that seriously—and calling in experts before they even unpack.

The role of locksmiths in Oklahoma City's property value protection

Lock changes and upgrades aren’t just a matter of safety—they’re playing a bigger role in preserving property value, especially in areas seeing rising real estate activity like Edmond, Moore, and Northwest OKC. technicians have noted that appraisers and home inspectors are starting to factor entry system quality into overall home condition ratings, particularly for properties above the $300,000 range.

Modern locking systems, especially tamper-resistant deadbolts and smart locks, are now seen as a standard rather than a luxury. In homes with visible wear or missing lock components, inspectors often flag those as functional concerns, which can impact final loan approvals or insurance binding. Lenders and underwriters are becoming more cautious about easily accessible homes, particularly in zip codes with higher turnover rates.

Professionals in the Oklahoma real estate market have also reported that well-maintained locks and modern hardware increase buyer confidence, which shortens listing times. For homes sold within the first 10 days of listing, updated locks were present in nearly 80% of those cases, based on data pulled from local MLS records.

Locksmiths are also stepping in during pre-listing consultations, especially when properties are being prepped for sale. Adjusting strike plates, rekeying all entries, and installing clean, consistent hardware across entry points not only improves security but also creates a sense of care and maintenance that buyers notice during walkthroughs.

Houses with dual entry systems—for example, front and rear smart locks that can be managed through the same platform—have also been shown to attract more tech-savvy buyers. These systems are especially appealing in duplexes or homes with accessory dwelling units (ADUs), which are becoming more common as families look for multi-generational living setups.

In short, security isn’t just about peace of mind—it’s tied directly to how buyers, agents, and inspectors evaluate the value of a home. Ignoring worn-out locks or sticking with outdated key systems can put a small but noticeable dent in property perception and final sale outcomes.

Smart lock trends Oklahoma City homeowners are embracing in 2025

This year, smart locks are not only more advanced—they’re easier to use, better looking, and more connected than ever. In Oklahoma City, homeowners are leaning into systems that prioritize remote control, user tracking, and wireless compatibility with broader smart home platforms.

Popular trends include:

• Fingerprint access modules, which are now available on several mid-range locks.
  
• Keyless touchpad systems with auto-lock functions and one-time access codes.
  
• Integrated Wi-Fi/Bluetooth combos that don’t need external hubs.
  

Oklahoma City homes built in the last 15 years often include structured wiring systems, which makes them especially well-suited for newer lock hardware. Top neighborhoods like Quail Creek, Heritage Hills, and portions of Deer Creek have seen a strong uptick in installations of models like Ultraloq U-Bolt Pro Wi-Fi and August Smart Lock 4th Gen, both known for their slim designs and low battery usage.

Another change is the rise of dual-authentication locks—these require both a physical key and a digital input. While rare a few years ago, they’ve become a favorite among high-end buyers looking for extra layers of access control, especially for rental properties or secondary homes. Landlords managing duplexes or short-term rentals in neighborhoods like Bricktown or Paseo are setting time-restricted codes for guests and contractors—remotely, without needing to be on-site.

Also, local homeowners are moving away from glossy finishes and opting for matte black or brushed bronze designs, which pair better with current trends in exterior and interior door hardware. Entry doors, especially in mid-century modern or craftsman-style homes, now feature smart locks with angled touchscreen panels or backlit keypads, reducing glare and improving usability at night.

Finally, demand for battery-backup systems and lock status alerts has grown after severe weather events in early 2023. Residents want systems that hold up during outages, especially in storm-prone areas near Lake Overholser or Tinker Air Force Base.

The shift shows one thing clearly—security is now expected to be smart, stylish, and deeply integrated into how Oklahoma City residents manage their homes day-to-day.

When to change your locks after buying a new house

New homeowners in Oklahoma City often ask the same question during their first week: “How soon do I really need to change my locks?” The short answer is: immediately. But the longer answer depends on what kind of locks are present and how the home was used previously.

For homes purchased directly from previous owners, lock replacement is strongly advised within the first 48 hours of possession. Why? Because there’s no guarantee that every key was turned in. Most sellers don’t track how many duplicates exist—and even if they do, previous tenants, house cleaners, or neighbors may still have access.

For flipped or renovated homes, especially those sold by investment groups or property managers, there’s a high chance of temporary lock changes during construction, which are often never upgraded post-sale. Many of these homes still use inexpensive pin-and-tumbler knobs with non-ANSI grade ratings, which are vulnerable to forced entry.

It’s also important to change locks if:

1. The existing lock shows rust, dirt, or signs of tampering.
   
2. The same key opens multiple doors (garage, back door, and front door).
   
3. You plan to install a smart home system and need a compatible lock.
   
4. The home has shared fences or communal walkways, increasing foot traffic.
   

For homes with unique entry features—arched doors, sidelights, or non-standard depths—custom lock installation may be necessary. In older areas like Linwood Place or Jefferson Park, doors often don’t align with modern lock hardware out of the box, requiring minor carpentry or drilling adjustments.

One overlooked point: always check the hinges and door frame when installing a new lock. Even a high-security deadbolt will fail if the strike plate is mounted with short screws into soft wood.

For Oklahoma City buyers settling into new properties in spring or early summer, these updates often go hand in hand with changing HVAC filters, testing smoke detectors, or replacing window screens. It’s part of the move-in routine—simple, but essential for long-term safety.

Summary: Boosting security in Oklahoma homes with expert locksmith solutions

With real estate sales on the rise across Oklahoma City, timely lock upgrades have become more than a checklist item—they’re a core part of protecting new investments. Professional locksmiths have seen how outdated locks, inconsistent key systems, and low-quality hardware can quietly put new homeowners at risk. Their field data, gathered from hundreds of post-sale service calls, shows that even homes with recent cosmetic renovations often lack secure entry systems.

Smart lock adoption is accelerating, but proper installation and door alignment remain critical for long-term function. Whether dealing with an aging latch, poorly sized deadbolt, or a need for full key control, Oklahoma homeowners benefit most when security decisions are made early—right after closing.

For expert advice and secure lock upgrades tailored to your new home, contact Toplock Locksmiths today to schedule a professional walkthrough or smart lock installation with a licensed technician.

Contact Information:

Toplock OKC

3428 nw 160th st,
Edmond, OK 73013
United States Minor Outlying Islands

. ,
(405) 757-8252
https://toplockokc.com/