The CLUE Report: One of the Most Overlooked Tools in Real Estate (and Why I Use It)
- Tom Andre, Assoc. Broker, REALTOR®
- Feb 5
- 5 min read
When most people think about buying or selling a home, they focus on the obvious things: price, location, interest rate, and maybe the inspection.
What almost nobody talks about -but absolutely should - is the insurance history.
Enter the CLUE report.
CLUE stands for Comprehensive Loss Underwriting Exchange, and it’s one of the most useful (and underused) tools I rely on when advising buyers, sellers, and investors.
If you’ve ever bought a used car, you know how normal it is to expect:
• A vehicle history report (ex. CarFax)
• Maintenance records (what has been kept up and what has been deferred - because it will have effect on the price you are willing to pay if you are anticipating additional out of pocket expenses to catch up on it.)
• Receipts
• Proof of repairs
Yet somehow, when it comes to a house -often the largest purchase someone will ever make - buyers are expected to just take someone’s word for it (via the disclosures provided.)
That’s backward.
So, what Is a CLUE Report?
A CLUE report is a seven-year insurance claims history tied to a property (and to individuals), compiled by LexisNexis.
Insurance companies use it to assess risk and price policies. I use it to assess truth, risk, and real cost.
If a claim was filed - water damage, roof replacement, fire, storm loss, liability - it’s likely documented in the CLUE report.
And that matters. A lot.
I often refer to the CLUE report as, "the CarFax for houses."
What Shows Up on a CLUE Report?
A typical CLUE report can include:
• Insurance company name
• Policy details
• Claim date
• Type of loss
• Amount paid
• Property address tied to the claim
This applies to homeowners insurance (and auto, though my focus is real estate).
If a seller says, “The roof was replaced in 2024,” the CLUE report helps verify:
• Was a claim actually filed?
• Was it a full replacement or partial repair?
• When did it occur?
• Which insurer paid it?
These are things you can investigate further detail if needed while touring the property or while in Due Diligence to ensure they were handled correctly.
Facts > stories.
How I Use CLUE Reports for Buyers
When I’m helping a buyer evaluate a property, I’m not just looking at comps and finishes. I’m asking:
• Has this property had repeated claims? (or any claims)
• Was there water intrusion, mold remediation, or storm damage?
• Could this home be expensive - or even difficult to insure?
• Has any of this affected the value +/- of the property?
Why this matters:
• Past claims can drive up insurance premiums
• Insurance is often escrowed into the mortgage
• Higher insurance = higher monthly payment
• Higher payment impacts affordability and qualification
In plain English: Two identical homes at the same price can have very different monthly costs because of insurance history.
I’ll often pair a CLUE review with a current insurance quote, so buyers can see the real cost of owning the home -not just the purchase price.
How I Use CLUE Reports for Sellers
When I represent sellers, I use CLUE reports proactively.
• In the Georgia Association of REALTORS (GAR) forms, in the Seller's Disclosure - the seller will be asked if there has been any insurance claims during their ownership period. It is a yes or no question with the ability to describe in more detail what happened.
• However, that may not be enough information for some buyers, so can openly disclose and share information in greater detail via documentation
• This information, whether shared or not... upfront or accurately (that depends on my client as it is their responsibility to disclose what they know the the best of their ability), but if they have forgotten about the claim or if they have lied about - it will likely be found later (if it is within that 7-year window of time) when the buyer goes to insure the property. It could also kill a deal if the insurance rates are too expensive and unaffordable for the buyer as mentioned above)
• We gather data regarding the claim
• We collect receipts, invoices, and warranties on the work
• We document who did the work and when
• We clarify what was repaired vs. replaced (and/or remediated.)
This does two things:
1 It increases credibility of the seller (and listing agent.)
2 It reduces buyer fear and renegotiation later (no surpises)
Yes, disclosures are required -but backing them up with all of the documentation is what separates a clean transaction from a stressful one.
Transparency protects everyone.
Why This Impacts Property Value
I say this often:
“I usually get more information when buying a used car than when buying a house -and that makes no sense.”
Deferred maintenance, undocumented repairs, and vague claims don’t just affect perception - they affect actual market value.
If a roof was replaced:
• Who installed it? Were they reputuable (insured, bonded, etc...)
• What materials were used?
• Is there a transferable warranty?
• Is it labor, material, or both?
Those details matter to:
• Buyers
• Inspectors
• Appraisers
• Insurers
• Lenders
So, yes - they roll directly into value. If you don't agree with me, I can show you some examples with some very poor quality materials or workmanship that negatively affects the value of repair and a property, too.
How to Get Your CLUE Report
The good news: You’re entitled to one free CLUE report per year.
You can:
• Request it directly from LexisNexis
• Review it for accuracy
• Dispute errors if needed
• You can request it from an insurance broker.
If you’re buying, selling, or even just planning ahead, it’s a smart move.
Bottom Line
Real estate isn’t just about what a home looks like - it’s about:
• Risk
• Cost
• Documentation
• Accuracy
CLUE reports help replace assumptions with facts. And in my experience, the deals that go the smoothest -and hold their value best -are the ones where nothing is hidden and nothing is guessed.
Behind every transaction is a transition. And behind every smart decision is good information and a experienced guide to steer you through it.
If you are looking for an experienced REALTOR® to guide you through your experience as a buyer or as a seller, contact Tom Andre today. He can be reached at 678-472-1934.
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