IRON MOUNTAIN -- It's been more than three months since the federal tax credits expired for home buyers, but lenders say the market is strong for those looking to buy.

“It's still pretty easy to get money, and it's still pretty easy to buy a house,” said Bert Juneau, President of Affinity Mortgage in Iron Mountain.  “We can get people into a house if they make $1500 a month.  I would say that includes a lot of people."

With the exception of a late rush before the deadline, Juneau said the federal tax credit actually had little effect on the local housing market.

Vern Hixon took advantage of the available tax credits last year when he bought his first house in Iron Mountain.  Now he's looking to buy a second house even without tax credits being offered.

"The interest rates are still really low, and I feel that the supply outweighs the demand,” said Hixon.  “So there are a lot of good opportunities out there to get a good deal, and I'm looking to capture that while it lasts."

Juneau said the local housing market will continue to improve as more jobs come to the area.

But while the market is down, now is the right time for buyers.

"We've had a number of hits to our local economy...Khoury Brothers closing,” he said.  “I think as jobs return to the market and as people feel safer in their employment situation, our market will return to a more normal market."

Juneau said he hopes to see that rebound in 2011.