DO Research the Neighborhood.  

DO Look at Several Houses Before You Buy.  

Buying the first house you look at it is kind of like marrying the first person you go on a date with -- not necessarily a good idea. If you buy a home without comparing it to other listings in the area, you're likely to overpay or miss out on a great nearby home. Walk through at least three homes before you choose. If you still love the first one you saw, make an offer.

DO Invest in a Professional Inspection.  

The average home buyer takes 15 minutes or less to choose a home, but many potential problems, like plumbing and wiring trouble, might not be visible to the naked eye. Home inspectors can look beyond the fresh coat of paint to find costly underlying problems. Splurge on an experienced professional -- it will save you time, money and house-induced heartache later on.

DO Buy Based on Needs, NOT Wants.

The average American lives in the same home for about 9 years, so it's crucial that you think about your long-term needs when buying a home. A 2-bedroom house with a gourmet kitchen may dazzle you today, but will you still be enamored down the road when your family starts to grow? Make a list of your needs and stick to it to avoid buyer's remorse down the road.

DO NOT Buy a House for its Decor.  

A home might have gorgeous furnishings at the showing, but it needs to accommodate your furnishings and lifestyle after the sellers pack up their sofa. Look past a home's decor and make sure the space will accommodate your lifestyle and furnishings.

Are the spaces functional and efficient for your daily routine? You might love how a seller has transformed an extra bedroom into a crafting space, but will it be big enough for your twins' bunk beds? Focus on the floor plan and the square footage to decide if a home is right for you.

DO NOT Get Emotionally Attached.

Don’t just think about acquiring the home, consider its resale value, inspect its location and the proposed siting, and, most important, how livable it is for you. Make sure that you are thinking financially first, and living within your budget. Too often buyers get emotionally connected to the idea of buying a home in a specific neighborhood or of a specific size, rather than buying the home that matches their financial budget (See our financial dos and don’ts page).

DO NOT Buy the Most Expensive House on the Block. 

Keep up with the Joneses, but don't outdo them. You won't get the same return on investment with the biggest house on the block, and you might have trouble selling later on. Before you purchase a home, research the neighborhood. Is the house you're considering overbuilt for the area? Are comparable homes selling in the area? You'll be glad you gathered the information if you ever decide to sell.