Get Pre-Approved — Know Your Budget Before You Start Shopping
Getting pre-approved is the single most important step you can take before you start shopping for a home. It tells you exactly what you can afford, shows sellers you are a serious buyer, and puts you in a position of strength when it comes time to make an offer.
Click the "I Want to Purchase" button below to start the process.
What Happens After You Submit
We know filling out a form can feel like stepping into the unknown. Here is exactly what happens — no surprises, no pressure.
We Review Your Information
Kirk or Ken personally reviews what you submitted — not a call center, not an automated system. A real person who knows mortgages looks at your situation.
We Reach Out Quickly
One of us will contact you — by phone, text, or email, whichever you prefer — to ask a few follow-up questions and explain your options clearly.
We Shop Your Loan
As an independent broker, we compare your loan across multiple wholesale lenders to find the best rate and terms for your specific situation.
You Get Your Pre-Approval Letter
We issue your pre-approval letter — typically the same day for qualified buyers. You are now ready to make offers with confidence.
What Makes First Commerce Financial Different
When you get pre-approved through a bank, that bank looks at its own loan products and its own rate sheet. That is one option. When you get pre-approved through First Commerce Financial, we shop your loan across dozens of wholesale lenders simultaneously — finding the best rate and terms available for your specific credit profile, down payment, and loan type.
The difference in rate is not always dramatic. But on a $400,000 mortgage, a 0.25% rate difference saves you $57 per month — $680 per year — $20,400 over the life of the loan. And we do it with zero junk fees. What we quote is what you pay.
What Our Clients Say
175+ five-star reviews in Michigan alone. Here is what our clients tell us.
"Kirk and Ken made the whole process incredibly easy. They were upfront about everything and got us a great rate. We will never use anyone else."
— Michigan Homebuyer
"As a first-time buyer I was nervous about the whole process. They walked me through every step and I always knew exactly where things stood. Highly recommend."
— Florida First-Time Buyer
"Got our pre-approval the same day we applied. When we found our home we were ready to move immediately. Closed without a single issue."
— Arizona Homebuyer
"I was skeptical about the no junk fees promise but it was completely true. The number they quoted us at the start was the number we paid at closing. Refreshing."
— Michigan Refinance Client
Frequently Asked Questions
Answers to the questions we hear most often before buyers get started.
Does getting pre-approved hurt my credit score?
A pre-approval involves a hard credit inquiry, which may temporarily lower your credit score by a few points. However, multiple mortgage inquiries within a short window — typically 14 to 45 days — are treated as a single inquiry by the major credit bureaus. The impact is minimal and short-lived.
How long does a pre-approval last?
Most pre-approval letters are valid for 60 to 90 days. If your pre-approval expires before you find a home, we simply update your information and issue a new letter — a quick process for existing clients.
What documents will I need?
For most pre-approvals we will need recent pay stubs, W-2s from the past two years, recent bank statements, and a government-issued ID. Self-employed borrowers typically provide two years of tax returns. We will walk you through exactly what is needed after you submit the form.
What is the difference between pre-qualification and pre-approval?
A pre-qualification is a quick estimate based on self-reported information — no income verification, no credit check. It has limited value in today's market. A pre-approval involves verifying your income, assets, and credit — and carries real weight with sellers.
I am not ready to buy for 6 to 12 months. Should I still reach out?
Absolutely. A conversation now gives you a clear picture of where you stand today and exactly what you need to do to be ready when the time comes. We regularly work with buyers who are 6 to 24 months out. There is no cost and no obligation.
Do you charge any fees to get pre-approved?
No — there is no cost to get pre-approved with First Commerce Financial. And when you do move forward with a loan, we charge zero junk fees. What we quote is what you pay at closing. Complete transparency from day one.
First Commerce Financial | NMLS #137512 | AZ MB #1001354 | Licensed in Michigan, Florida, Arizona, and Texas | Equal Housing Opportunity
