Allison Getz is like a lot of Americans, she wants to own her first home.

"Right now with the way the housing market is why not take that money and put it and invest in something for myself," Getz said.

Getz says she's tired of paying someone else's mortgage.

"Renting, I'm paying $500-$700 with bills," Getz said.

Getz is getting some help from local realtor Randy Poe of Keller Williams success realty.

"Right now, you can buy a home in today's market here in Bay County cheaper than you can have it built," Poe said.

And there are a lot of different programs and incentives to help you.

One is an eight-thousand- dollar government tax rebate for any first-time home-buyer. This credit is good for anyone buying a home from January 1 to December 31.

"The credit is not a deduction. It's an absolute dollar for dollar cash check that the government will give you for buying a home this year," Poe said.

The U.S. Department of Agriculture has another program offering rural development loans. It's a 100-percent mortgage loan.

"It allows the sellers to help you with closing costs. You can virtually get into this house with very, very little if not no money down," Poe said.

Experts also offer these tips for first time buyers.

First, choose a good lender and try and get pre-approved loans with fixed interest rates. That will prevent your payments from fluctuating or ballooning.

Second, check out your credit score. If it's not up-to-par, don't worry, you can still buy. Finally, find a good real-estate agent or broker to help you find the best deal.

Real estate experts say if you want to take advantage of this buyers market, you have to do your homework. Knowing what you want don't buy anything outside your means.

"I do want the house that is semi-newer. Standard is two bedrooms and two bathrooms and anything from there you know. The nice appliances included," Getz said.

"The last thing you want to do is end up to where your mortgage is choking you on a monthly basis," Poe said.

Experts say if you use street smarts when buying your first home, you will be on the fast track to your American dream.

For more information about first-time home buyers programs, check out these websites:

www.federalhousingtaxcredit.com

www.hud.gov

www.va.gov

www.usda.gov