The real estate business is extremely volatile and unpredictable. These conditions are not subject to a time frame or any geographical constraint. Real estate agents, the world over, face an industry that is either on a roll or following an unexpected pattern. Whenever buyers thrive in the market, even momentarily, the sellers and investors seem not too excited and vice versa. Nevertheless, the real estate industry is just like any other and is also full of solutions for every risk or problem.

Properties are appreciated either for genuine reasons, like in excellent localities and top notch residential areas, or they are pitched as 'most sought after' premises. However, it pays to conduct a little research prior to venturing into the market as a buyer. These 'hot' properties may not be so hot after all! You need to exercise caution and learn to identify fraudulent sales. The global stock market has witnessed more than one phase of investors burning their fingers with the claimed 'hot' properties.

These 'hot' sales have made paupers of millionaires overnight and forced first-timers to take a back-seat. A number of retired personnel are on record for having lost all their life-savings through these fraudulent deals. And, this is not the worst case scenario! Just as the market progresses and attracts genuine buyers, so does it lure racketeers who will keep coming up with new and innovative ways to make fast money! Consider the following tips to avoid falling trap to tricksters:

1. There is no dearth of good property markets in the world. In fact, some countries even offer more lucrative returns on investments made to the investors.

2. Real estate markets keep emerging in the developing countries and the need for investment is greater in these regions. This also gives you the opportunity of tapping resources that could establish you as a big player when the going gets good in such markets.

3. Always compare real estate markets within a region before investing in any property. A little research goes a long way in confirming real value for the money doled out.

4. Hope for the best, but prepared, at the same time, for the worst. Never assume things like- tax laws won't change.

5. Do your due home work well and ensure that the price for the property you are interested in is fair. Remember, that this is your investment, and therefore entirely your responsibility.

6. When it comes to areas that you are not sound in, always opt for the professionals. A little fee given to a professional can save you from future heart-ache. You should consider professional advice in the case of structural soundness and legal ramifications.

7. It does not matter where you are investing or the size of the project, always stick to a very realistic and pre-determined budget.

8. You should also consider whether the property would require any renovation or refurnishing work to transform into a lucrative asset for you.

These are just a few suggestions on how to avoid burning your fingers with real estate deals that are claimed to be real 'hot'. There are a number of online and offline resources available to offer guidance and enable you to identify genuine deals.