Drive through the residential streets of Austin and look at the homes for their architectural appeal and how they fit with the topography and landscape. Examine traffic patterns and identify where busy intersections, noisy interstates and crowded commercial areas are located, compared to where you want to buy a home.

1. Look for locations that suit your needs.


2. Avoid locations likely to be affected by traffic congestion and sprawling shopping centers or commercial development.


3. Check the Internet for news stories about flooding and storm damage.


4. Stay away from neighborhoods where the "tear-down" phenomenon is occurring. Smaller homes are replaced with oversized residences that don't fit the neighborhood.


5. Go to "Open House" events. Take a clipboard or notebook. Wear comfortable clothes and shoes.

Information about "Open House" events can be found by reading the real estate display advertising section of the Sunday paper.