Many homebuyers in the United States face the same dilemma: if a seller already provides a full home inspection report, does it make sense to pay again for a separate buyer-side pre-inspection? The short answer is: often yes. This article explains why a second inspection can protect the buyer’s long-term financial interests and negotiation leverage.

As 2025 unfolds, the U.S. housing market continues to cool from its pandemic-era frenzy. Home prices are rising modestly, while rent growth slows to its lowest pace in years. With both ownership and rental costs stabilizing, many Americans are reevaluating whether buying a home might finally make more financial sense than renting.