No junk fees. Wholesale rates. And a team that has been closing loans in Novi since 1997 — before most of our competitors were even in business.
If you are buying or refinancing a home in Novi, you deserve to work with people who actually know this market — not a call center in another state, not a website that just dropped your city name into a template.
Get Pre-Approved — It's FreeFirst Commerce Financial co-founders Kirk Chivas and Ken Turkington have been working the Novi mortgage market since 1997. Between them, they have been part of the Southeast Michigan real estate and mortgage world since the early 1990s — first in real estate and title, then in lending. They have closed loans during the boom years, through the 2008 collapse, through the recovery, and through every rate cycle since. This is not a market they read about. It is a market they have lived and worked in for decades.
Ken Turkington began his career in the Southeast Michigan title business in 1991, learning how closings actually work from the inside before moving into mortgage lending in 1996. He has been financing homes in the Novi area ever since.
Kirk Chivas started in Michigan real estate in 1994 — working directly with buyers and agents — before moving into mortgages in 1997. He understands what homebuyers actually need because he spent years helping them find homes before he ever financed one.
Together since 1997 at Pioneer Mortgage — where they helped grow the company into Michigan's 2nd largest mortgage lender, recognized on the Inc. 500 in 1999 and 2002 — and co-founding First Commerce Financial in 2007, they bring a depth of Michigan market experience no competitor in the Novi area can match.
Why Novi Homebuyers Choose First Commerce Financial
We Actually Know This Market
Novi sits at the intersection of Oakland and Wayne County with one of the most active real estate markets in Southeast Michigan. The Twelve Oaks corridor, the communities along Grand River, the neighborhoods near Novi and Northville schools — we know how these areas move, what homes appraise at, and what it takes to get a deal done here. We have been watching this market since the 1990s.
Wholesale Rates — Not Retail Markup
As an independent mortgage broker, we are not tied to any one lender's rate sheet. We shop dozens of wholesale lenders to find the lowest rate available for your specific situation. Retail banks and big lenders build their margin into the rate before they even quote you. We don't work that way.
Zero Junk Fees
We are transparent about costs from the first conversation. No processing fees, no administrative fees, no surprise charges at closing. What we quote is what you pay — and in the Novi market, where closing costs add up quickly, that matters.
Background in Title and Real Estate — Not Just Mortgages
Most loan officers only know the loan side of a transaction. Ken spent years in the title business before moving into mortgages. Kirk spent years working directly with buyers and agents in Michigan real estate. That means we understand every part of your transaction and catch issues early that other lenders miss entirely.
A Note on Who Else Is Out There
When you search for a mortgage broker in Novi, you will find several names. Some are large out-of-state companies with Novi landing pages built purely for SEO. Some are Grand Rapids-based lenders with no real local presence. Some are individual loan officers at national companies who happen to have a Novi office address.
We are not any of those. Kirk and Ken worked mortgages out of Novi for decades and built their careers here. First Commerce Financial was founded by two people who know this specific market intimately — and who are still actively serving it today.
Mortgage Programs Available in Novi, MI
Conventional Loans
The most common choice for Novi buyers. Competitive rates for buyers with strong credit. Fixed and adjustable options available.
FHA Loans
3.5% down payment options for buyers building credit or purchasing their first home. More flexible qualification standards.
VA Loans
Zero down payment loans for eligible veterans and active-duty military. We close VA loans regularly throughout Southeast Michigan.
Jumbo Loans
For higher-priced Novi and Oakland County properties that exceed conventional loan limits. Same no-junk-fee approach, larger loan amounts.
Refinance
Rate-and-term or cash-out refinances for Novi homeowners. We shop wholesale lenders to find your best option — not just the easiest one for us.
First-Time Homebuyer
Novi is a popular market for first-time buyers. We walk you through every step — from understanding what you qualify for to closing day.
Investment Property
Financing for rental and investment properties in Novi and throughout Oakland County. We know Michigan's investor market well.
USDA Loans
Zero down payment loans for eligible properties in qualifying areas surrounding Novi. We will check your specific address instantly.
What Novi Homebuyers Should Know
The Novi market moves quickly. Oakland County consistently sees strong buyer demand, and homes near top-rated Novi Community Schools and Northville schools often receive multiple offers. A pre-approval from a lender who can actually execute matters here. We do not lose deals over slow processing.
Property taxes vary significantly by township. Novi straddles Oakland and Wayne County, and tax rates can differ meaningfully by neighborhood and school district. We factor the full carrying cost — principal, interest, taxes, and insurance — into your pre-approval so you are shopping in the right price range from day one.
Jumbo loan territory. Parts of Novi and neighboring communities like Northville and South Lyon are pushing into jumbo loan territory as prices have risen. We are experienced with jumbo financing and have the lender relationships to compete on rate even at higher loan amounts.
We also serve the full surrounding area. If you are buying in Northville, South Lyon, Commerce Township, Wixom, New Hudson, Milford, Brighton, West Bloomfield, Farmington Hills, Plymouth, or Canton — we can help. This is the market we have worked in for our entire careers.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long have you been working in the Novi mortgage market?
Ken and Kirk have both been working in the Southeast Michigan real estate and mortgage market since the 1990s, and specifically in Novi mortgages since 1997. They worked together at Pioneer Mortgage in Novi before co-founding First Commerce Financial in 2007. This is a market they know from decades of firsthand experience — not one they entered recently.
Are you a local Michigan company?
Yes. First Commerce Financial was founded in Michigan by two people who built their careers here. Kirk currently lives in New Hudson, MI. Ken lived in Commerce Township and Brighton for many years. Michigan is where First Commerce Financial was built and it remains one of our primary markets.
What is the difference between a mortgage broker and a mortgage lender?
A mortgage lender loans you their own money and is limited to their own products and rates. A mortgage broker like First Commerce Financial shops multiple wholesale lenders on your behalf, creating competition that almost always results in a lower rate and better terms. We work for you — not for any single bank.
How quickly can you get me pre-approved?
Typically same day or next business day. In the Novi market, where homes move quickly, we understand that a slow pre-approval can cost you the house. We move fast.
Do you charge fees for the pre-approval?
No. Pre-approvals are free. And we will not run your credit without your knowledge or permission. We start with a soft pull to give you a clear picture of your options before anything is locked in.
What areas near Novi do you serve?
All of them. We lend throughout Southeast Michigan — Northville, South Lyon, Commerce Township, Wixom, New Hudson, Milford, Brighton, West Bloomfield, Farmington Hills, Plymouth, Canton, and beyond. If you are buying or refinancing anywhere in Michigan, we can help.
Ready to Get Pre-Approved in Novi?
Talk directly with Ken or Kirk — not a call center, not a chatbot. Just straight answers about what you qualify for and what it will actually cost. No pressure, no obligation.
Start Your Free Pre-ApprovalOr call us directly at (248) 459-5511
First Commerce Financial | Licensed Michigan Mortgage Broker | NMLS #137512 | Serving Novi, MI and all of Southeast Michigan
