TORONTO (Reuters) - The "for sale" signs are out in force and potential buyers are thinking they should get in on the action now while the good properties are still around.

But rather than seeking million-dollar homes, these shoppers are on the hunt for billions in buried copper and gold, as scarce resources combine with recovering markets to kick off a flurry of mining takeovers.

Spurred by strong economic signals, rising metal prices and rebounding stock markets, established miners have come out in force to snap up assets needed to ensure their future production.

Recent announced deals such as Quadra Mining's C$1.6 billion ($1.6 billion) acquisition of FNX Mining and gold miner Agnico-Eagle's C$570 million purchase of Comaplex Minerals' Meliadine project in northern Canada are seen as the leading edge of a new wave of mergers.

While there has been a trickle of deals in the wake of the 2008 resource price meltdown, potential buyers appear to have gained enough confidence from recent market signals to take on a bit of risk through acquisitions.

"I think the comeback of the capital markets really has helped a lot," said Egizio Bianchini, global head of mining at BMO Capital Markets.

"Assuming the market stays the way it does right now, I anticipate there being a lot more deals."

For investors eager to wring some value out of recently stagnant mining stocks — Toronto-listed miners are currently trading at December 2009 levels — getting in on a resource play ahead of an acquisition can pay big dividends.

Exeter Resource shareholders have enjoyed an 18 percent rise in the gold explorer's stock since Reuters quoted a company official on Tuesday saying it had signed confidentiality agreements — which can sometimes signal a deal in the works — with gold majors Barrick, Newmont and Kinross.