When you get a mortgage through a big bank, you’re paying their rate — padded with their overhead, their profit margin, and fees buried in the fine print. When you work with First Commerce Financial, you get a licensed Florida mortgage broker who shops dozens of wholesale lenders on your behalf to find you the lowest rate available — and shows you exactly what you’re paying, upfront, every time.
Co-founders Kirk Chivas and Ken Turkington bring 60+ years of combined mortgage experience to every transaction. Whether you’re buying your first home on the Gulf Coast, refinancing in Tampa, or purchasing an investment property in the Sarasota market — this is the team to call.
Why Choose an Independent Mortgage Broker in Florida?
Access to Wholesale Rates
As an independent broker, we’re not tied to one lender’s rate sheet. We shop dozens of wholesale lenders to find the best rate and terms for your specific situation — something a retail bank simply can’t do.
No Junk Fees — Full Transparency From Day One
Junk fees are made-up charges lenders add to boost their margin — processing fees, administrative fees, application fees. We don’t charge them. You’ll know exactly what your loan costs from the first conversation, and that number won’t change at closing.
60+ Years of Combined Experience
Kirk and Ken have handled first-time buyer deals, complex jumbo transactions, investment properties, and everything in between. That experience means fewer surprises, faster closings, and better outcomes — in every Florida market we serve.
Florida Mortgage Programs We Offer
Whether you’re buying your first home or refinancing a vacation property, we have a loan program for your situation:
- Conventional fixed-rate mortgages — stable payments, competitive rates
- FHA loans — ideal for first-time buyers with lower down payments
- VA loans — $0 down for eligible Florida veterans and active military
- Jumbo loans — for higher-priced properties in Naples, Sarasota, and Tampa
- USDA loans — for eligible rural and suburban areas across Florida
- Second home mortgages — for vacation and coastal properties
- Investment property loans — for Florida’s strong rental market
- Refinances — rate-and-term and cash-out
Florida Cities We Serve
We’re licensed throughout Florida and actively lend across the state. We have particular depth in:
Tampa
One of Florida’s fastest-growing metros, Tampa has seen significant home price appreciation and strong buyer demand. The market moves fast — pre-approval speed matters, and we deliver.
Sarasota & Bradenton
A highly competitive market for move-up buyers, retirees, and second home purchasers. Sarasota’s luxury market and Bradenton’s family-friendly communities both offer strong opportunities for buyers at every price point.
Lakewood Ranch
One of the top-selling master-planned communities in the country, Lakewood Ranch attracts buyers from across the U.S. We work with relocating buyers regularly and understand the market inside and out.
Naples & Fort Myers
Southwest Florida’s luxury and lifestyle markets. Jumbo loans and second home financing are common here, and we have the relationships and experience to get these deals done efficiently.
Jacksonville
Florida’s largest city by area, Jacksonville has strong demand for FHA and VA loans, driven by a large military presence at Naval Air Station Jacksonville. We help veterans and first-time buyers navigate the process every day.
What Florida Buyers Should Know About the Market
- Florida has a documentary stamp tax of $0.70 per $100 of sale price — a seller cost that varies slightly by county
- Title insurance is customarily a seller expense in most Florida counties — unusual compared to other states
- Florida’s coastal and waterfront markets see significant demand for second home and jumbo financing
- The state has no income tax, which makes it attractive for relocating buyers from high-tax states
- HOA fees are common in Florida communities and factor into your debt-to-income ratio — we account for these upfront
Frequently Asked Questions — Florida Mortgage
Do you work with buyers relocating to Florida from out of state?
Absolutely — this is one of our most common scenarios. Florida attracts buyers from the Northeast, Midwest, and beyond. We can get you pre-approved before you even arrive, so you’re ready to make offers the moment you find the right property.
Can I get a VA loan in Florida?
Yes. Florida has a large veteran and active military population, especially in Jacksonville, Tampa, and the Space Coast. VA loans are one of our specialties — $0 down, no PMI, and competitive rates for eligible borrowers.
Are USDA loans available in Florida?
Yes — many areas outside Florida’s major metro cores qualify for USDA financing. If you’re buying in a qualifying suburban or rural community, you may be able to purchase with zero down. We’ll check any address for USDA eligibility immediately.
What credit score do I need to buy a home in Florida?
It depends on the loan type. Conventional loans typically require 620+, FHA loans can go as low as 580, and VA loans are flexible. We’ll pull your credit early and tell you exactly what you qualify for.
How fast can you get me pre-approved?
In most cases, same day or next business day. In competitive markets like Sarasota and Tampa, having a strong pre-approval can make the difference between getting the home and losing it.
Ready to Get Started in Florida?
No junk fees. No runaround. Just straight answers and the lowest rate we can find you — whether you’re buying in Tampa, Sarasota, Lakewood Ranch, Naples, Jacksonville, or anywhere else in the state.
📞 Call us at (248) 459-5511
✅ Or get pre-approved online — takes just a few minutes.
Licensed Florida Mortgage Broker | NMLS #137512
Serving Tampa, Sarasota, Bradenton, Lakewood Ranch, Naples, Fort Myers, Jacksonville, Orlando, and all of Florida.
