If you have enough LQS's nearby then try them all. See which ones you and bond with and feel you would use the most.
Set your budget. Make a 'wish list' of features you need and those you want. [Personally lots of fancy stitches doesn't do it for me as I only use about 10 of them anyway. Oh well.]
Is there going to be a quilt show or expo near you? Can you go to Houston? Dealers will discount their machines in order not to have to pack them up and take them home afterwards.
Are you willing to buy a used machine. You might find one by asking at LQS's, watching CL, checking the sale adds, and going online. As newer models come out some quilters/sewers do trade their machines in for newer models. A few more often than most.
Good luck.
ali