This van full of home buyers is touring six foreclosed homes in the Rockford-Loves Park area.

"There's about 3300 to 3400 homes for sale, that includes condos, and I would say probably 400 plus are foreclosures," Realtor, Keith Kelly said.

It's probably not your typical way to find a house to buy. But in this housing market, it's becoming a new trend for them. That's because these homes are...

"Priced typically well below normal market value so there's cost savings to be had," Home Buyer, Drew Wehrstein said.

He is looking for a potential residence that could also lead to an investment. And because there's so many buyers like him looking, realtors with Dickerson and Nieman recently started the trips to show foreclosed homes to multiple buyers at one time in hopes of selling them quicker.

"Obviously there's homes that are empty that are bringing down neighborhoods and this is a good way to kind of change that," Kelly said.

Many of these houses are priced between $40K and $160K. Some are in good condition and some need work.

Dale Anderson is interested in buying one, fixing it up, and then selling it. The process called flipping houses and he's made thousands doing it in the last year.

"We put some money back into it. We fix these houses up so the prices stay up a little higher," Anderson said.

Realtors said it's a risky investment that requires a lot of know-how.

"Not just anybody can go out there and buy a home and put 20-thousand into it and think you'll make 50-thousand," Kelly said.

So on these tours they advise buyers about the potential of each foreclosed home and what the best option is for the property.

If you're interested in flipping houses, realtors advise speaking with an expert first. For information about these homes and tours, call Keith Kelly at 815-381-6822.