I have only gotten a handful requests to make payment for the home inspection at escrow and I batted them right back at the client. They way I see it, I provide a professional service with prompt delivery of the report the next day so I should be paid promptly. I personally don't care if the house ever goes to settlement and I don't want to have to worry about how I will be paid if the deal falls through (many of my inspections do result in no sale).

I guess some areas of the country are different when it comes to this type of payment.