Investing in real estate market carries less risk than many other forms of investments. But investing in the real estate market without having adequate market knowledge may involve risk. A knowledgeable investor can obtain handsome profits from the real estate market in despite of the fluctuations. Comparable to the stock market, real estate investment does not fluctuate sharply and there cannot be an overnight rapid fall in the prices.

Economy plays a crucial role in determining the value of the property. Because when economy is affected, then the value of the property also comes down. When number of properties has been offered in the real estate market for good price, then it is a good indicator for the changes in the market trend. If the number of properties listed in the market becomes low, then prices increases due to the demand and supply theory.

Price fluctuation in real estate market occurs depending upon the season. The critical factor of the real estate investor is exercise care while making a decision in buying or selling a property. The investor should analyze the value of the property before he/she decided to purchase the property. A good real estate investor should plan the strategy for purchase or sale in the real estate market. There is no room for speculation in the real estate business.

The various real estate market investment strategies are:

• Pre-Foreclosure Properties: This is a method whereby you buy properties where the owners are in default on their mortgages and the foreclosure process notified.

• Post-Foreclosure Properties: These are properties that have been formally foreclosed and confiscated by the mortgage lender or the lending banks.

• Distressed Properties: Distressed properties that are below market valuation are available in the market. Be knowledgeable about your market prices and work out the real costs of financing, repairs, holding and selling costs before you venture into this type of transaction.

• New Development Buying: This is an early bird strategy that involves buying homes in the first phase of a new housing development. Once again this strategy will work to your advantage only if you are in a market with rapid real estate appreciation.

• Buying Land for construction: This method needs financial resilience and knowledge by which you can make handsome gains by buying land and then building a home. One of the best scenarios is to buy enough land to build and sell finished houses or apartments.

• Buy and Hold: Buying homes or multi-units and holding it for a sufficiently long period are assured profit-making strategy. But you need to analyze all the implications of financing, holding costs, vacancy factors, taxes, property management, maintenance etc.

• Flip Strategy : Buying home for a quick flip is also a regular strategy. With this method you have a little more flexibility on the financial side since you will not be holding the property for a long period of time.

Although there are many strategies, not all real estate strategies work successfully in all markets. You need to arm yourself with knowledge and tools to apply the right strategy for your particular market.