A famous old saying states, 'It pays to advertise.' That is certainly true when it comes to buying and selling investment properties.

Veteran house-buyers use a variety of methods for letting homeowners know they're in the market for houses. Certainly, ads in Yellow Pages phone directories can be quite helpful in getting the word out. Since people use the Yellow Pages frequently, it's likely that they'll come across the ad and at least be curious about it.

Another time-honored means of advertising is a notice in the newspaper. The ad should be placed in both daily local newspapers and penny-pinchers that come out on a weekly or monthly basis. An eye-catching ad can go a long way in spreading the word about a company's interest in buying houses.

Companies may also want to take advantage of flyers that can be placed in the door handles of homes in a particular sub-division; this method of advertising works especially well if a company is trying to target a specific area. An individual can be hired on a contract basis to distribute the flyers.

Another innovative approach is to place magnetic signs on the company car and drive it around the sub-division where you're interested in buying houses. The sign can be quite simple, reading 'We buy houses' with your phone number prominently displayed. People do pay attention to car signs, so it's a great way to get your message out.

Of course, the tried-and-true method of advertising is signs placed on utility poles or in grassy areas. One problem, though, is that it's easy for a competitor to take down the signs. Some signs, though, seem to have quite a bit of staying power, remaining in place for more than a year.

In the end, which advertising method works best often depends on the price of the houses you wish to buy. Homeowners in less expensive dwellings may respond well to signs, while those in higher-priced areas may be more likely to respond to Yellow Page ads. Magnetic car signs, however, may have universal appeal, since people of all income levels can be found on the road.

By spending just a small sum on advertising, you can reap great rewards. People will not know that you are interested in buying homes unless you tell them, and the best way to do that is to advertise. Advertise today, and watch your stock of homes rise tomorrow.