Stop Hiding Your Spare Key Like a Rookie
Stop Hiding Your Spare Key Like a Rookie (and Start Thinking Like a Pro)
Let’s talk about something every homeowner has done at least once—locking themselves out.
Maybe it was a quick trip to the mailbox, maybe you were carrying groceries, maybe you were just having “one of those days.” Either way, you realize your keys are still inside, you look at the door, and the door stares back at you like, “Not today, pal.”
So, you get a spare key made. Smart move.
But then the real question hits: Where do you hide it?
If your answer is under the doormat… congratulations, you just wrote the world’s easiest invitation to burglars.
Don’t Hand Your House Over on a Silver Platter
Hiding your key in obvious places is basically like using “Password123” for your online banking. Criminals know the classics:
Under the mat
Above the doorframe
Inside that cute little plastic rock from the dollar store
Beneath the flowerpot (yes, even the one with the dead plant)
If your “secret” key spot is something your grandma could guess in two tries, it’s time for an upgrade.
CREATE AND USE STRONG PASSWORDS
Smarter Hiding Spots
Let’s outwit the bad guys and keep your home safe:
Nature’s Hidey Hole – Hang your key from a nail tucked into the crook of a tree branch.
Guard Doghouse – Got a doghouse? Stick it in the back—burglars aren’t looking there (and if they are, they’re probably not getting past Sparky).
Magnet Magic – Use a magnetic key holder on your grill, air conditioning unit, or gutter downspout.
The Pro Move – Get a key lockbox and attach it to a discreet part of your property. Bonus: looks legit and works year-round.
Security Pro Tips
Don’t keep a house key in your wallet. If your wallet gets stolen, you’ve basically given a thief your address, cash, credit cards, AND your front door ticket. Yikes.
Only tell a couple of trusted people where your spare key is.
Don’t post on Facebook that you’re “off to Cancun for 2 weeks, woohoo!” while leaving your house dark and empty.
Keys? How 1800s of You.
If you really want to modernize, skip keys altogether:
Install an electronic keypad with a custom code.
Set up temporary guest codes that expire after use.
Use your smartphone app to lock or unlock your door from anywhere in the world (yes, even while you’re sitting at a Waffle House).
Not only does this eliminate lockouts, but it also gives you that “secret agent” feeling every time you open your own door.
Bottom Line
Protect your home like it’s the castle it is. Use your head, not the obvious “Hollywood hiding spots.” And if you want to make sure your home—inside and out—is truly secure and worth top dollar when it’s time to sell…
📞 Call the Hawk — I’m not just here to help you hide keys. I’m here to help you open doors… to your next home, your next investment, and your future wealth.
Richard Hawkins | Hawk The Realtor | Fathom Realty Central | 10515 W Markham St Suite E3, Little Rock, AR 72205 | 501-291-1495 | HawkTheRealtor.net
