Buying a home or commercial property is one of the biggest investments most people will ever make. While buyers often focus on location, price, and aesthetics, there’s one critical step that frequently gets overlooked: bringing in a licensed public adjuster to review the property and any related insurance claims.
Skipping this step can lead to costly surprises later—like unresolved storm damage, hidden fire restoration issues, or insufficient insurance coverage. Here’s why a public adjuster review should be part of every real estate transaction, whether you’re buying, selling, or investing.
What Is a Public Adjuster?
A public adjuster is a licensed professional who represents the policyholder—not the insurance company—when it comes to assessing and settling property insurance claims. They evaluate property damage, estimate repair costs, interpret policy language, and negotiate with the insurer to ensure the policyholder receives the maximum payout allowed under their policy.
Public adjusters are particularly valuable after natural disasters, such as hurricanes, hailstorms, fires, or flooding. They work independently from insurance companies and provide an objective, expert assessment of both visible and hidden damage.
For Texas residents, TX Public Adjusting is one example of a professional, client-focused firm helping individuals and businesses across the state protect their investments and recover what they’re rightfully owed.
Why Real Estate Deals Need a Public Adjuster Review
1. Uncover Hidden Damage
Property inspections are standard during a real estate transaction, but inspectors typically assess the structure’s condition—not its claim history or the quality of previous repairs. That’s where a public adjuster comes in.
A public adjuster can:
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Identify incomplete or subpar insurance-related repairs.
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Uncover water damage that may have been painted over.
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Assess roofing or structural repairs from past storm claims.
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Determine if mold, fire, or flood issues have been fully addressed.
A home may appear to be in “good condition” while still harboring expensive problems. A public adjuster ensures you aren’t walking into a liability.
2. Verify Insurance Claims History
In Texas, sellers are required to disclose previous property damages and repairs under state law (Texas Property Code Section 5.008). But disclosures are often vague or incomplete.
A public adjuster can review previous insurance claims to determine:
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What types of claims were filed.
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The extent of damage.
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Whether insurance fully covered the costs.
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If repairs were properly completed or need reevaluation.
Buyers can also request a Comprehensive Loss Underwriting Exchange (CLUE) report for more background, but a public adjuster provides in-depth analysis and context that a report alone won’t offer.
3. Ensure Proper Insurance Coverage Going Forward
A public adjuster doesn’t just help with past claims—they can also help you ensure that your new property is adequately insured moving forward.
Many homeowners and investors mistakenly assume that a standard insurance policy covers everything. It doesn’t. A public adjuster can help review your potential policy and spot:
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Coverage gaps.
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Inadequate limits.
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High deductibles.
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Exclusions that may hurt you later (e.g., flood or windstorm exclusions in Texas coastal counties).
With a proper review, you can purchase the right coverage for your property from day one—saving you from denial headaches when a storm or disaster eventually strikes.
Case in Point: Post-Storm Purchases in Texas
Texas has been hit by a slew of powerful hurricanes and hailstorms over the past two decades. Unfortunately, many properties that sustained damage from storms like Hurricane Harvey (2017) or the February 2021 freeze were quickly repaired, flipped, and sold—sometimes without proper remediation.
The Texas Department of Insurance (TDI) warns consumers to be aware of fraud, shoddy repairs, and unlicensed contractors. A public adjuster brings an expert eye to the table to verify that what you’re buying was repaired to standard and is insurable.
If you’re unsure whether a property has been impacted by a disaster, you can check FEMA disaster declarations at https://www.fema.gov/disaster/declarations and match the county or ZIP code to the property’s location.
Public Adjusters for Sellers and Investors Too
It’s not just buyers who benefit from a public adjuster. Sellers, real estate agents, and investors can also gain from pre-listing inspections and claim reviews.
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Sellers can preemptively resolve or disclose insurance issues.
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Flippers can prove the quality of their repair work.
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Agents can offer additional transparency to buyers, speeding up closings.
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Landlords can better protect rental portfolios with professional oversight.
Having a public adjuster review your property before a sale can boost buyer confidence and may even increase your asking price.
What to Expect in a Public Adjuster Review
When you hire a public adjuster, here’s what typically happens:
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Property Walkthrough: The adjuster performs a detailed visual inspection inside and out.
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Claim History Review: If previous claims exist, they will evaluate repair quality and scope.
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Damage Assessment: They may use infrared imaging, drones, or moisture meters to detect hidden problems.
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Policy Review: If you’re purchasing or updating insurance, they’ll flag coverage risks.
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Report Delivery: You’ll receive a documented report or damage estimate, which can be used in negotiations.
At TX Public Adjusting, licensed professionals provide these services throughout Texas, offering fast turnaround and tailored service whether you’re a first-time buyer or a seasoned investor.
Final Thoughts: Don’t Buy Blind
Buying real estate is exciting, but it’s also complex—and potentially risky. While you’d never skip a home inspection or title check, you also shouldn’t skip a public adjuster review, especially in disaster-prone areas like Texas.
It’s an investment in peace of mind, ensuring that your dream property doesn’t come with hidden nightmares.
Before you sign on the dotted line, make sure you’ve got a public adjuster on your team. Visit TX Public Adjusting to schedule a consultation or learn more about how they can support your next real estate transaction.