All Forum Posts by: Tavisha Grant

I would contact a local fire restoration company.  They often field calls from investors who are specifically looking for fire or water damaged properties.  You might also contact a local public adjuster.  I get several calls a month from people interested in fire-damaged properties that my clients may want to sell.

Tavisha Grant, Public Adjuster, Property Claim Adjusters, Phoenix, AZ

I'm a public adjuster who specializes in water damage claims.  I would recommend that you ask for a report from the mitigation company stating what they did to ensure that there is no mold.  I regularly request these when my clients sell their homes after the reconstruction has been completed so they can provide them to the buyers.

Tavisha Grant, Public Adjuster, Property Claim Adjusters, Phoenix, AZ

Hi Carey. I'm a public adjuster in Arizona and I would first talk to a local public adjuster before going to an attorney. You may have to go to appraisal (an informal arbitration process) when there is a dispute regarding the value of a loss. It's much less expensive than ligation.  Most PAs will charge between 10-15% contingency or a higher percentage if they are taking a fee only on "new money" over and above what you've already received. Most policies cover asbestos abatement. Only the cheap non-standard policies don't include it here in Arizona.  Contact me if you have questions. I can't represent you as I'm no longer licensed in Colorado, but I can help point you in the right direction.

Tavisha Grant, Public Adjuster, Property Claim Adjusters, Phoenix, AZ

You might also consider contacting a company like ALE Solutions who help people with temporary housing when they've been displaced due to a covered property damage insurance claim. I put clients who've had fire and water claims into temporary housing all the time while negotiating their insurance claims. It's a good option as these folks are homeowners and treat your property differently than the typical renter.  The only caveat is that they often have pets.

Tavisha Grant, Public Adjuster, Property Claim Adjusters, Phoenix, AZ

The most important thing to know is to read both the CC&Rs for the association, as well as the master policy. You need what's called a unit owner's policy. Some master policies cover everything from the drywall in (electrical, plumbing, framing, etc.), but others cover hardly anything. There is not a lot of uniformity in the industry. I would suggest that you develop a relationship with a local public adjuster who can review all of your specific policies and CC&Rs to identify any gaps. Then, when you have any property claims (water damage, storm damage, fires, vandalism, etc.), you'll already have someone familiar with your insurance to manage your claims. Public adjusters typically at least double the amount of your settlement and make sure that your financial interests are protected in the event of a claim (which is ultimately what you need). Most charge between 10-15% on a contingency basis based on the total settlement - which is money well spent.

Tavisha Grant, Public Adjuster, Property Claim Adjusters, Phoenix,AZ 

I'm a public adjuster who specializes in fire damage and water damage.  I've  handled many fire damaged home claims where the insurance company's preferred vendor contractor quoted $25k (or less) to do the repairs.  Once we got in there and did a proper estimate, it was more like $100k.  Typically, they think they can go in there and spray Kilz on everything and it's fine.  It's not fine - especially if there's any structural damage that's been hidden by Kilz.  I had one fire loss I worked on where the insurance contractor "Kilz'ed" the entire attic, hiding charred trusses.  I pushed my pen through one of the trusses.  That's not good.  We eventually settled for $132k.  Make sure to have the property evaluated by someone who understands fire damage (and who doesn't do work directly or indirectly for insurance companies).  It makes a huge difference on how they view the value of the damage.

Tavisha Grant, Public Adjuster, Property Claim Adjusters, Phoenix, AZ

I would suggest that you develop a relationship with a local public adjuster now - before something happens.  I'm a PA (public adjuster) and work with many investors who have insurance claims on their properties.  I manage their claims from start to finish.  The fees I charge are insignificant considering that I typically increase the claim by at least double, but often much more.  You need someone representing your interests in an insurance claim who is familiar with the industry and who knows what the value of your claim should be.

Tavisha Grant, Public Adjuster, Property Claim Adjusters, Phoenix, AZ

I am am a public adjuster who deals primarily with water losses. I've had several of my clients subsequently sell those properties and ask me for a report that states that the water loss was mitigated properly. This is something you might want to consider asking for, too. Did they treat any visible mold or mildew? Did they treat with an anti-microbial? Did they do a clearance test with an environmental hygienist? Those are important questions. I've handled several condo water losses from sprinkler system malfunctions. The bottom floor always gets it the worst. I'd find out what was the exact cause of the water loss. Was it a failed supply line to the toilet, icemaker, etc? Or did the loss originate in a different unit? Also, who paid for what? Did the HOA pay for the damage or was it split between the unit owner's policy and the master policy?

Let me know if you have any specific questions.  I will help all that I can.

Tavisha Grant, Public Adjuster, Property Claim Adjusters, Phoenix, AZ