Keys

I started managing rental property around 1998. John Kiltz had 14 little houses in Waller and 3 in Tomball. He got me started (thanks John?). Anyway, as with most things in life, including jobs, you sort of learn as you go. I now have 101 units that I manage for 7 different people. Needless to say, it went from a part time job, to a full time job. One of the many lessons I have learned include two very important words, "MASTER KEY". Again, as with many lessons in life, you don't necessarily learn it early enough, thus, my key nightmare begins!

I have spent MANY nightly hours lately, "sorting" my keys. Each key has a number, according to the "cut" in the key. So, I take each key, hold it up to this "gizzmo" that measures each cut. Then I have been writing down that keys ID, tagging it, and trying to find it's soul mate! You would think I might throw them away, but, if you spend enough time, you can find the matches, re-key a lock, and recycle them.


I don't know how many keys I have. But, if you roughly figure, each lock set comes with 4 keys, everytime someone moves out of a house or apartment you need to change the locks, over a 10 year period, well, let's just say I have well over 300 keys.


I am just great-full that I have a job, that I am still learning, and that I have the quiet time to sit and sort my keys. Last night, while sorting, I watched "Woman of the Year" with Katharine Hepburn and Spencer Tracey. Another great old movie!

PS. I should add that now MOST of my property now is Master Keyed, and thus I only carry around the Master Keys (of course, 4 of the people have their own Master Key's, but 4 is much easier to have on hand than 300 !)