I recently replaced the front door at my own home. The upgrade itself was simple: a frosted glass panel that lets in light without giving up privacy. But the detail that has generated the most conversation is not the glass. It is the lock. No key, no code to remember, just a fingerprint. It got me thinking about how quickly this kind of feature has moved from novelty to expectation, particularly in new construction across the Peninsula.
A Feature That Used to Be Optional
Smart locks are not new. What has changed is how standard they have become. A few years ago, keyless entry was something buyers might ask about as an upgrade. Today, in a growing share of new construction and recent renovations, it is simply there, the same way a tankless water heater or a Nest thermostat has become an assumed feature rather than a selling point on its own.
This matters for sellers because buyer expectations tend to shift quietly. A feature that once impressed can become, over time, simply the baseline. Homes that still rely on a traditional key and deadbolt are not at a disadvantage yet, but the gap between what buyers expect and what older homes offer is starting to widen.
Why Buyers Are Drawn to It
Convenience is the obvious draw, but the details are what make it compelling. In our case, my husband and I use our fingerprints to get in, and we have given our kids and our cleaners their own individual codes, some permanent, some one-time-only. The app logs exactly who has entered and when, which has been surprisingly useful for peace of mind. We can also lock or unlock the door remotely from anywhere. I locked ours this past weekend from a concert in Los Angeles. And for the rare moment technology fails, there is still a traditional key as backup.
For buyers, this kind of system also signals something beyond convenience. A modern entry setup suggests a home that has been thoughtfully maintained and updated, even if the rest of the house is not brand new.
What Sellers Should Consider
This is not a renovation. A quality smart lock can typically be installed in under an hour and fits most standard door preparations without structural changes. For sellers preparing to list, it is worth weighing alongside other small, high impact updates, the kind that cost relatively little but shape a buyer's first impression before they have stepped past the entryway.
It is also worth noting that not every buyer wants a home managed through an app. Some prefer the simplicity of a traditional lock, or a keypad without smart home connectivity. The point is not that every seller needs to install one before listing, but that this is a low cost update worth discussing during a pre-listing consultation, especially in neighborhoods where comparable homes have already made the change.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do keyless entry systems add value to a home?
Keyless entry systems are unlikely to raise a home's appraised value on their own, but they can strengthen a buyer's first impression and support the perception of a well maintained, move in ready property, which can influence how competitively a home is received.
How much does it cost to install a smart lock?
Most residential smart locks range from a few hundred dollars to just over a thousand dollars including installation, depending on the brand and whether it integrates with an existing smart home system. It is one of the more affordable pre-listing updates available.
What is the difference between a keypad lock and a fingerprint lock?
A keypad lock uses a numeric code that can be shared and changed as needed, while a fingerprint lock relies on biometric access for the primary user, often with a backup code or key for guests. Both remove the need to carry a traditional key, and the right choice generally comes down to household preference.
Are keyless locks common in Los Altos homes?
Yes, particularly in new construction and recently updated properties. Buyers touring newer homes in the area increasingly expect it, which is worth keeping in mind when preparing an older home for the market.
Should I upgrade my locks before selling my house?
It depends on the home and the competitive set nearby. If comparable listings in your neighborhood already feature keyless entry, it is worth considering as one of several small updates that collectively shape a buyer's first impression.
If you are weighing which updates are worth making before you list, or simply curious what buyers in today's market are expecting, I am always happy to talk through it.
