If that didn't work, then I would have made sure there was no disputing that I was the rightful owner of the house and called up the locksmith. 

It could be a painter, locksmith, etc.The contractor was nice enough to diagnose over the phone for free.  

If they have kids in school they'll tell the judge they need to wait until school year ends, blah blah... after Trenton gives their ok which takes 1-2 months, you go back to Essex Sheriffs and they take 1-2 months to schedule, then the tenant or landlord can stop the eviction process by appealing to the judge, and the liberal judge will give them more time and more hearings, then you go back to the Sheriffs, pay for locksmith movers, and a month of storage.Not easy, which is why I'm befuddled why so prices are bid up so high at Sheriff sales.

Give him the "cash for keys" and have a locksmith standing by.If there is something that I missed, please let me know. 

Thank you, no locksmith for me.My first look at the property.Well, the guy was a smoker.

I would have the phone number of a locksmith handy that has been alerted to the situation, and is on standby ready to drill out the locks and change them.  

Call around to local locksmiths and ask a few questions about installing a double keyed deadbolt, to see if they are legal or common in your area, just to get an expert suggestions.

Electronic locks are becoming the hot thing and their key or code can easily be removed without the assistance of a locksmith.

Have the seller send a locksmith over to open the house, and have the locksmith make a key (or take a new lockset with you, and change it on the house with written seller's permission).

Anyone know a locksmith for changeovers?