Find out how much you can afford to pay for your new house and get pre-qualified for a mortgage. Now you're ready to start your search. Sources available to find the right home would include:
Word of mouth:
By telling everyone you know you're looking for a new house, you just might hear about a home that may be ready to enter the market.
Newspapers / real estate magazines:
Check the new home section of your newspaper or look for real estate magazines available at newsstands, convenience stores and other outlets. These free publications feature pictures and a brief description of a variety of homes.
The Internet: 
Check real estate websites, such as www.mls.ca or www.remax.ca (<--shameless plug) for information and pictures on a superb range of properties. These sites allow you to narrow your search range by location, price, number of bedrooms, etc.
For Sale signs:
Drive around neighbourhoods that interest you - great way to find homes that meet your location desires - you'll also see home that are For-Sale-By-Owner. You should know that in our area there have been countless court cases involving people trying to save money by trying to take the place of a professional realtor - so beware.
Visit new development sites:
If you are in the market for a new home, this will allow you to see the various models and get information from the builders.
Realtor: For most, working with a Realtor is the key to a successful deal. Your real estate professional has all the tools at their disposal to ensure your transaction goes smoothly from the moment of introduction until your new home's keys are delivered.
Tips
Keep records - visit lots of different homes and record information so you can compare later on, i.e. utility costs, property taxes, repairs etc. Ask for copies of the household bills. Remember, you may have to compromise as finding a home that has every single detail on your wish list may prove a daunting task.
Financing - check out the existing financing on the property, you might be able to take over a favourable existing mortgage from the Seller or even obtain a vendor take-back mortgage in order to help close the deal.
Think twice - Even if a home looks perfect, go back and take a closer look. Visit on different days and times, chat with the neighbours and look beyond the cosmetics.
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