No junk fees. Wholesale rates. And a team with a genuine, active presence in Northeast Florida — Kirk Chivas is in Jacksonville right now, visits monthly, and has been building First Commerce Financial's First Coast presence the same way he built our Sarasota presence: by actually being here.
Jacksonville is one of the most dynamic real estate markets in the Southeast — the only Florida city on the National Association of Realtors' Top 10 Housing Hot Spots for 2026. Whether you are a healthcare professional relocating for Mayo Clinic or UF Health, a military family at NAS Jacksonville or Naval Station Mayport, a remote worker choosing the First Coast for its beaches and space, or a buyer taking advantage of a market that finally favors buyers again — we are here and we know this market.
Get Pre-Approved — It's Free📷 Everything Is Done Virtually — No Office Visit Required
Text or call Kirk or Ken directly, upload your documents securely, and close from your kitchen table. We have been doing this virtually since before virtual was normal — and our buyers in Michigan, Florida, Arizona, and Texas close loans every day without ever setting foot in an office. Direct access to the people responsible for your loan, from wherever you are on the First Coast.
Kirk Chivas is in Jacksonville right now — and he is here every month. His daughter is in PA school at Nova Southeastern University in Jacksonville, bringing Kirk into this market naturally and consistently. He keeps an apartment here, has built a Jacksonville Google Business Profile that is already collecting five-star reviews, and is actively serving buyers and homeowners throughout the First Coast.
This is not a market Kirk learned about from a licensing exam. He spent six years as a full-time Florida resident in Lakewood Ranch, building deep roots in the Sarasota-Bradenton market before extending that same approach to Northeast Florida. The Jacksonville GBP is live, the reviews are coming in, and the First Coast is a market First Commerce Financial is committed to for the long term.
Ken Turkington co-founded First Commerce Financial and has been serving the Florida mortgage market since 2016. Together, Kirk and Ken bring decades of mortgage expertise and genuine Florida roots to every Jacksonville client they serve.
Who Buys in Jacksonville & the First Coast
Jacksonville attracts a distinctive mix of buyers that shapes its real estate market unlike most Florida cities. Three buyer profiles dominate this market — and each has specific mortgage needs we are well positioned to serve.
The Healthcare & Medical Community
Jacksonville is home to one of the most impressive medical corridors in the Southeast. Mayo Clinic Florida — ranked #1 hospital in Florida by U.S. News & World Report — anchors a healthcare ecosystem that employs thousands of physicians, researchers, residents, fellows, and allied health professionals across the city. UF Health Jacksonville, Baptist Health, Wolfson Children's Hospital, and Nemours Children's Health complete a medical community that makes Jacksonville one of the top healthcare employment markets in the state.
Kirk's daughter is in PA school at Nova Southeastern University in Jacksonville — a program that feeds directly into this healthcare workforce. We understand the career trajectory and financial profile of healthcare professionals because it is part of our own family's story in this market.
Mayo Clinic Florida
#1 hospital in FL. San Pablo Road campus with $432M expansion underway. Major employer of physicians, researchers, and allied health staff.
UF Health Jacksonville
Major academic medical center and teaching hospital. Large resident and fellow population with specific physician mortgage needs.
Baptist Health System
One of the largest healthcare systems in Northeast Florida with multiple hospital campuses across the metro.
Florida Blue (BCBS of FL)
Florida Blue's headquarters is in Jacksonville — one of the city's largest non-healthcare employers with thousands of professional staff.
Wolfson Children's Hospital
Leading pediatric hospital and major employer of pediatric specialists throughout Northeast Florida.
Nemours Children's Health
Major pediatric health system with a large Jacksonville presence — significant employer of pediatric physicians and staff.
Physician & Healthcare Professional Mortgages
Healthcare professionals — physicians, dentists, residents, fellows, and advanced practice providers like NPs and PAs — often have unique financial profiles: high student loan balances, recent employment starts, and high income potential that standard mortgage qualification models do not always capture well.
We work with lenders that offer physician loan programs specifically designed for healthcare professionals — higher loan amounts with low or no down payment, student debt treated more favorably in debt-to-income calculations, and flexible qualification for those in residency or fellowship. If you are a healthcare professional relocating to Jacksonville for Mayo Clinic, UF Health, Baptist Health, or any of the region's medical institutions, talk to us before you assume you know what you qualify for.
The Military Community
Jacksonville is one of the most significant military cities in the Southeast. Naval Station Mayport — the third largest naval fleet concentration in the United States — sits seven miles east of downtown at the mouth of the St. Johns River. NAS Jacksonville, a major naval air station, adds thousands more active duty personnel, dependents, and veterans to the local market.
Military families relocating to Jacksonville face unique challenges: PCS move timelines, BAH considerations, and the decision between renting and buying on a military schedule. VA loans are one of the most powerful mortgage tools available — zero down payment, no PMI, competitive rates — and we have extensive experience using them throughout Florida.
VA Loans for Jacksonville's Military Community
VA loans are the single best mortgage product available to eligible veterans and active-duty military — zero down payment, no private mortgage insurance, and competitive rates. In a Jacksonville market where median home prices range from $310K in Clay County to $577K in St. Johns County, eliminating the down payment requirement is a significant financial advantage.
We close VA loans regularly throughout Florida and understand the specific requirements — Certificate of Eligibility, VA appraisals, occupancy rules for PCS moves, and the entitlement restoration process for veterans who have used their benefit before. If you are stationed at NAS Jacksonville or Naval Station Mayport, or relocating to the First Coast as a veteran, we will make the VA loan process straightforward from day one.
Northeast Florida / First Coast — The Broader Market
When buyers think about Jacksonville, they are really thinking about the entire First Coast — a diverse region spanning multiple counties with very different price points, lifestyles, and buyer profiles.
St. Johns County — Nocatee & Ponte Vedra
The highest-priced county in the metro with a median around $577K. Nocatee is one of the top-selling master-planned communities in the nation. The St. Johns County School District is the primary demand driver — consistently ranked among Florida's best. Ponte Vedra Beach average sale prices exceed $1 million.
Duval County — Jacksonville Proper
The core market with a median around $303K–$365K. Diverse neighborhoods from historic Riverside and San Marco to the Jacksonville Beaches. Strong value relative to St. Johns County. NAR's only Florida selection for Top 10 Hot Spots 2026.
Clay County — Orange Park & Fleming Island
The most affordable county in the metro with a median around $310K. Popular with military families at NAS Jacksonville. Established neighborhoods and newer subdivisions with excellent value. Fleming Island is particularly popular for families.
Nassau County — Fernandina Beach & Yulee
Median around $380K. A split market: historic Fernandina Beach and Amelia Island command coastal premiums; inland Yulee offers more affordable suburban options. Strong appeal for buyers seeking coastal lifestyle with more space.
Why Jacksonville Buyers Choose First Commerce Financial
Kirk Is Here — Every Month
Kirk is in Jacksonville right now and visits every month. His daughter is in graduate school here. The Jacksonville GBP is live and collecting reviews. We are building our First Coast presence the same way we built our Sarasota presence — through genuine community investment, consistent presence, and results that speak for themselves.
Wholesale Rates — Not Retail Markup
As an independent mortgage broker, we shop dozens of wholesale lenders to find the lowest rate for your specific situation. In a market with price points ranging from $310K in Orange Park to over $1 million in Ponte Vedra Beach, the right rate makes a meaningful difference over the life of the loan.
Zero Junk Fees
No processing fees, no administrative fees, no surprises at closing. What we quote is what you pay. Complete transparency from day one — that is how we have operated since 2007.
VA, Physician, Conventional, FHA, Jumbo — All in One Place
Jacksonville's buyer mix is diverse. We have the loan programs to serve military families using VA benefits, healthcare professionals with student loans, families buying in Nocatee, and first-time buyers in Orange Park — all under one roof with direct access to Ken and Kirk.
Mortgage Programs for Jacksonville & Northeast Florida Buyers
VA Loans
Zero down payment for eligible veterans and active-duty military. No PMI. Competitive rates. We close VA loans throughout Florida and understand the specific requirements for PCS moves and entitlement use.
Physician / Healthcare Professional Loans
Specialized programs for doctors, dentists, residents, fellows, NPs, and PAs. Higher loan amounts, low or no down payment, student debt treated favorably. Ideal for Mayo Clinic, UF Health, and Baptist Health relocations.
Conventional Loans
The most common choice for Jacksonville buyers across all price points. Competitive rates for qualified buyers in Duval, St. Johns, Clay, and Nassau Counties.
Jumbo Loans
For Ponte Vedra Beach, Nocatee luxury homes, and waterfront properties that exceed conventional loan limits. We compete strongly on jumbo rates in this market.
FHA Loans
3.5% down payment options for buyers entering the market in Clay County, the Northside, Westside, or other more affordable parts of the metro.
Refinance
Rate-and-term or cash-out refinances for existing Northeast Florida homeowners. We shop wholesale lenders to find your best option.
What Jacksonville & First Coast Buyers Should Know Right Now
It is a buyer's market right now. Jacksonville entered 2026 with elevated inventory relative to recent years, giving buyers more negotiating power than they have had since before the pandemic. Well-priced homes in desirable neighborhoods still sell quickly, but buyers have more leverage on dated listings and overpriced properties than they have had in years.
Florida insurance costs are significant. Homeowners insurance in Northeast Florida — particularly for older homes — can be a substantial carrying cost. Getting insurance quotes early in the process, before you are under contract, helps you understand your true monthly payment. We factor insurance into every pre-approval.
St. Johns County schools drive demand. The St. Johns County School District is the primary reason buyers stretch their budget for Nocatee and Ponte Vedra. If school quality is your priority, the price premium for St. Johns County is well supported by consistent demand. If schools are not your primary driver, Clay and Duval Counties offer significant value.
Military BAH and VA entitlement require advance planning. If you are PCSing to NAS Jacksonville or Naval Station Mayport, timing your purchase around your BAH rate and VA entitlement status takes planning. The sooner you connect with us before your move date, the better position you will be in — ideally 60–90 days out.
We serve all of Northeast Florida. Jacksonville, Ponte Vedra, Nocatee, St. Augustine, Fleming Island, Orange Park, Fernandina Beach, Amelia Island, Yulee, Atlantic Beach, Neptune Beach, and Jacksonville Beach — all of Duval, St. Johns, Clay, and Nassau Counties.
Frequently Asked Questions
How active is First Commerce Financial in the Jacksonville market?
Kirk Chivas is in Jacksonville right now and visits every month — his daughter is in PA school at Nova Southeastern University here and Kirk maintains an apartment in the city. The Jacksonville Google Business Profile is live and already collecting five-star reviews. We are building our First Coast presence the same way we built our Sarasota presence — through genuine local investment, consistent presence, and client results that speak for themselves.
Can you help healthcare professionals relocating to Mayo Clinic or UF Health?
Absolutely. We work with lenders offering physician loan programs specifically designed for doctors, dentists, residents, fellows, and advanced practice providers. These programs accommodate high student loan balances, recent employment starts, and the income trajectory of healthcare professionals in ways that standard mortgage qualification does not. Kirk's daughter is in PA school at Nova Southeastern in Jacksonville — this buyer profile is personal to us, not just a marketing angle.
What VA loan services do you offer for military families?
We close VA loans throughout Florida and understand the full scope of VA loan requirements — Certificate of Eligibility, VA appraisals, occupancy rules for PCS moves, and entitlement restoration. VA loans offer zero down payment and no PMI, making them the most powerful mortgage tool available to eligible veterans and active-duty military. If you are at NAS Jacksonville or Naval Station Mayport, talk to us early in your PCS planning process — ideally 60–90 days before your move date.
Is it a good time to buy in Jacksonville?
Jacksonville entered 2026 as a buyer-friendly market — elevated inventory, longer days on market, and seller concessions that were not available during the 2020–2022 boom. At the same time, the city was NAR's only Florida selection for Top 10 Housing Hot Spots 2026, and well-priced homes in desirable neighborhoods are still moving in 2–3 weeks. If you are financially prepared and planning to stay for at least 5 years, the current market offers better negotiating conditions than buyers have seen in years.
What areas in Northeast Florida do you serve?
All of them. Jacksonville, Ponte Vedra Beach, Nocatee, St. Augustine, Fleming Island, Orange Park, Fernandina Beach, Amelia Island, Yulee, Atlantic Beach, Neptune Beach, Jacksonville Beach, and all of Duval, St. Johns, Clay, and Nassau Counties. If you are buying or refinancing anywhere in Florida, we can help.
Also buying or refinancing on Florida's Gulf Coast?
Kirk spent six years living in Lakewood Ranch — his family is still there and his wife's practice is headquartered there. We serve the full Sarasota-Bradenton corridor including Lakewood Ranch, Venice, Nokomis, Englewood, and all of Sarasota and Manatee Counties.
Lakewood Ranch & Sarasota Mortgage Broker →Looking for a Florida mortgage broker who serves the whole state?
First Commerce Financial is licensed throughout Florida. Wholesale rates, zero junk fees, same-day pre-approvals. Direct access to the owners — always.
Florida Mortgage Broker — See All Markets We Serve →Ready to Buy in Jacksonville or the First Coast?
Talk directly with Kirk — he is here every month, knows this market, and will give you straight answers about what you qualify for and what your mortgage will actually cost. Whether you are a healthcare professional, a military family, or a buyer choosing the First Coast for its lifestyle — no pressure, no obligation, no junk fees.
Start Your Free Pre-ApprovalOr call or text us directly at (248) 459-5511
First Commerce Financial | Licensed Florida Mortgage Broker | NMLS #137512 | Serving Jacksonville, Ponte Vedra, Nocatee, St. Augustine, Fleming Island, Orange Park, Fernandina Beach, Amelia Island, and all of Northeast Florida | Ken Turkington NMLS #137873 | Kirk Chivas NMLS #160828
