I get this question all the time, and I absolutely, unequivocally, say "YES, you should hire an home inspector!"

As much as I am sure that your son is very knowledgeable, and really can tell you what he finds wrong with the house you may potentially buy, there are definitely areas that he may not know about. Your son may know everything there is to know about plumbing, heating, electrical, and even structural issues, but is he well versed on the troublesome environmental issues? Does he know about Lead Based Paint, Radon, Mold, etc. If there is a crack in the basement, will he know if it is a structural issue or just normal settlement cracks? These are all IMPORTANT issues that you must have someone (who is educated in these areas and understands them fully) analyze!!!

There are so many stories I hear where agents are not recommending inspections to their buyers. If it helps you as a buyer, have your son accompany the home inspector. He can help you determine what you need to have addressed by the seller prior to your purchase. Don't get so emotional about your new home that you will allow your emotions to cloud your decision to ask for necessary repairs.

Your agreement of sale will define exactly what a home inspector is allowed to check (eg. the heating and A/C are supposed to function normally for systems of their age, the roof should not leak, etc.) and exactly what imperfections you can ask the seller to remedy.

Another point.... always put everything in writing!!!! In Real Estate NOTHING verbal is legally accountable. So, after your home inspection, write a letter to the seller asking for the necessary repairs. Deliver it to your Realtor and maybe even send a certified return receipt copy to the seller, and wait for a written response. The time frames for this should be outlined clearly in your agreement.