BEST PLACES TO BUY REAL ESTATE

No matter where you look, you should check out some basic economic fundamentals before buying. Is job growth stable in the area? Is income keeping up with inflation? Is crime above the national average? Is there a higher-than-average rate of foreclosures? These issues and others play a factor when deciding where to buy a house. TOP PLACES TO BUY Killeen, Round Rock, Austin, Texas: Killeen has the lowest average home price in any market in the nation. Mission Viejo, California: Mission Viejo has the lowest crime statistics in the nation. Palm Beach, Florida: This area has been pummeled by foreclosures but there are also a lot of boomers, and Palm Beach is looking mighty attractive. If you don't like this high of a risk (which translates to great prices), check out Tampa or Clearwater in the same state. Las Vegas, Nevada: Yes, Las Vegas comes in quite high on the national foreclosure list, but there's an upside--a very strong job market. In 2007, Las Vegas experienced a 12 percent increase in population, coupled with low prices, we could see inventories reduced here, which would also stabilize prices. Be careful what you buy. PLACES TO AVOID Detroit, Michigan: The job market is in chaos. National statistics seem to point to a significant problem with job loss and job income not keeping up with inflation. Miami, Florida: Miami, which sits in its gorgeous aqua water with half-built and abandoned condos, a shrinking job market, a tough time getting insurance against hurricanes and a job problem. You may get a good deal, but do this only if you don't need the appreciation from the home in the next decade. Riverside/San Bernardino, California: Riverside and San Bernardino counties in Southern California consistently lead California in foreclosures. The prices have plummeted, and jobs in the area are scarce.