We're definitely not pros, but we certainly have learned more than a few things about shopping for houses. Here's a few:

Figure out what you can afford early.

I think it's safe to say we learned this one the hard way. Talking to a financial planner (or someone who really really knows their stuff, like my pop) to see what's a comfortable price range is a good place to start, since you'll know from the get-go what you should be looking at. There can be a heck of a lot of properties, and it's not hard to assume you can afford more of them than you actual may be able to.

Browse, browse, browse. Browse.

Check out MLS.ca. Check out the Real Estate Guide (here on PEI, the guides come out ever second Thursday in the Guardian, or are available in front of agency offices in those yellow bins). Have a look at what's available, and get an idea of what homes are listed for in different areas. Drive around and see some of them (or just check them out on Google Street View). Educating yourself on what properties are available and what they typically go for is important.

Go to open houses.

They typically run from 2-4 (sometimes 1-3) on Saturday or Sunday. Sunday's the busier day. On a good day, we can hit four in the Charlottetown area.  I'll be honest, I had no idea what to expect the first time we went to an open house. I was sure some sleezy real estate agent was going to push us around the house and then try to deal with us right there. Not so (usually). Most times the agent greets you at the door, gives you a listing sheet, and sends you on your way. It's one of the best ways to educate yourself. We've probably been to about 30 or 40 so far, and it's helped give us a pretty good idea of what houses go for and are worth.

There's a lot more, but it's late and I'm tired. So we'll write them up another time.