Don't rush into buying the first home you fall in love with. Take the time to compare several homes to find the right one for you.

Buying the first house you like is kind of like marrying the first person you go on a date with: not necessarily a good idea. If you don't shop around and see what else is out there, you could miss out on a good deal or potentially regret your purchase. While you don't need to visit every home in the neighborhood, you should compare at least three homes before you make a decision to ensure that you're getting the right house at the right price.

• Learn 4 reasons why you should shop around for a home

• Learn how to write a "Vision of Home"

• Get tips for buying your first home in FrontDoor's First-Time Buyer's Guide

• Learn what moves to make and what mistakes to avoid when buying a home

NEXT: #4: Forgoing a home inspection >>