Though financial and credit turmoil has lead to a deep recession, some people are looking to make lemonade out of lemons by seeking information on how to buy foreclosed properties.

Peoples Management Group (PMG) is hosting a free foreclosure seminar focused on helping those new to that segment of the real estate industry.

Education is extremely important in order to be successful when dealing with foreclosed properties, said Steve Bruere, conference organizer and Peoples Co. president.

“While there most certainly is potential for significant profit, legal and property-condition problems can lead to disastrous outcomes,” Bruere said. In order to equip attendees with the tools they need to navigate foreclosure sales, PMG has “assembled an outstanding team of experts who can help investors make sense of foreclosure investing opportunities and pitfalls, he said.”

Although a majority of the foreclosures in PMG’s weekly compilation of sheriff’s sales in Polk, Dallas, Warren and Madison counties are on residential properties, Bruere said there will soon be more opportunities for commercial real estate investors.

“We see (a lot of commercial real estate) coming down the pipeline later this year,” he said.

Bruere said information provided at this seminar can help investors dealing with any kind of foreclosed property.

“It’s a complicated process and we want to help people get everything they need to make these investments,” he said.

The seminar will be held June 23 at the West Des Moines Marriott from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. Call Peoples Realty Co. at (515) 961-0247 to reserve one of 30 remaining seats.

Speakers will include Justine Washburn, director of Peoples Co.’s commercial division; attorney Charles Hendricks of Patriot Title and Escrow; David Brown, president of Iowa Property Exchange LLC; and Eric Lohmeier of NCP Inc., an investment banking firm.