A very important procedure which should be done before escrow closes is to have the property inspected thoroughly. The purpose is to look for any unforeseen damages. Can you imagine if a buyer purchased a house without having it inspected? There are numerous things that the buyer might encounter that are not up to their expectations and so they might be unpleasantly surprised should this occur. For example, there might be broken plumbing, mildew and fungus growing underneath the floorboards, or termites. If the house is purchased with unforeseen damage, the buyer would then have to pay for repairs out of his or her pockets, whereas if there was an inspection, he or she might have been able to negotiate a better price for the house or for repairs to have been paid for.
As a realtor, I would recommend my client to an inspection company that I have used in my previous sales. Ideally, the company would demonstrate professionalism, is licensed, and has been proven to provide satisfaction to my clients. Some clients might already have an inspection company in mind, especially if they had many experiences in purchasing a home. However, by giving them suggestions on an inspection company, this would hopefully allow more options to choose from. As a new home buyer, they might not know where to look for an inspection company or if the one they chooses have the credentials, so by recommending one to them, it will take one less assignment off their hands.
I would choose to attend the inspection with the client. I like to make notes of what the inspector observed and suggested be done to rectify problems at the property. Research and understanding of any damages to the property should be done before any negotiations take place. You would be in a much better position knowing what you are dealing with. You would also have a better idea of how much to negotiate for and also know what needs to be negotiated.
All the damages that were addressed in...