Call it a somewhat of a surprise, but in real estate investments, residential home lots are very hot in Hernando County Florida, one of the most talked about markets in the United States that saw the highest peaks and the worst busts during the past three years.

On Florida's west coast, Hernando County sits prime for bulk purchases of developed and undeveloped building lots. Lot sales are really hot right now with prices in some local areas of Spring Hill, and the Royal Highlands are creeping up 10 to 20% from their low point.

The reason is that home contractors are now looking ahead to 2010 and 2011. They see the rebound already taking on new dimensions. And builders will want well located lots ready to go for the construction they are now planning for the immediate future.

The best deals are bank-owned lots taken back in foreclosures from earlier, unsuccessful developers and from investors who own several dozen parcels ready to unload just to pay the taxes. They often come with no frills pricing and rising demand from contractors and buyers who are putting upward pressure on those price points.