Most people have heard of a real estate bubble, or might be familiar with the idea that a rise in prices often bursts like a bubble. Others might not be quite so familiar with the term, but will understand that the selling and buying of any commodity goes through ups and downs.

But just exactly what is a real estate bubble and how does it affect buyers and sellers of property? The basic definition of real estate bubble includes reference to a quick rise in property values that often covers both residential and business property. The result of this increase throughout the market is inflated prices that might be good for the seller but not so good for the buyer. Ultimately, the buyer is taking more risk when purchasing a home or building during this part of the cycle, because real estate values may go down, leaving the owner with property worth less than the purchase price.

Some observers of the real estate scene have had heated debates about what makes a real estate bubble and what is really just a good home-buying market. There really isn't a number or price level that determines this. Often the potential homebuyer or investor has to rely on the so-called "experts" to tell him or her where the hottest markets are and where a real estate bubble might exist.

Bubbles in any industry carry risk and instability with them, while a "boom" or genuinely heated market may have less risk. Over the past few years, a number of consultants and financing companies have prepared reports intended to identify where the best home-buying areas are. In addition, these studies can show the buyer and seller where a true real estate bubble exists, helping these folks avoid some of the risks that come with a potential "bust" in prices of properties.

One factor to understand when considering the idea of a real estate bubble or "up" market in real estate is equity. Simply put, equity is the amount of value the owner has in the home, as compared to the value still held by the bank or mortgage lender. If the bank has a huge portion of the value in a home that is part of a true bubble, the homeowner could be at risk. The lender still expects you to pay based on the numbers in the loan agreement, while the market has dropped the street value below the loan amount.

As one expert noted years ago, the market in any commodity, including real estate, will fluctuate. Prices will go up and down over a period of time. There may even be some eye-opening rises and drops in price. That's why patience is a key to realizing profit from sale of a home, as well as in buying property. Catching real estate prices at a low point can be the start of a great property investment. It is always a good idea to be informed of the potential for profit and loss in an strong real estate market, a weak market or in a true real estate bubble.