No junk fees. Wholesale rates. Same-day pre-approvals in most cases. First Commerce Financial is licensed in Texas and serves the entire Dallas-Fort Worth metroplex the same way we serve every market — virtually, transparently, and with direct access to the people responsible for your loan from day one.
Dallas-Fort Worth is the fourth largest metro in the United States and one of the fastest-growing real estate markets in the country. With no state income tax, a diversified economy anchored by finance, technology, healthcare, and logistics, and a population that has grown by over a million people in the last decade — DFW is not a market that is slowing down. Whether you are buying in the urban core of Dallas, a family home in Southlake or Keller, a new construction home in Celina or Anna, or refinancing after significant equity growth — we shop multiple wholesale lenders to find you the best rate available for your situation.
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 in the DFW metroplex.
Dallas-Fort Worth is not one market — it is a sprawling metroplex of distinct cities, suburbs, and communities spread across twelve counties, each with its own character, price range, school district, and growth trajectory. Understanding which submarket fits your lifestyle and budget is the first step toward making a smart home purchase decision in DFW. We work across the entire metroplex and will help you navigate the options clearly.
The DFW Metroplex — Understanding the Market by Area
DFW covers an enormous geography. Here is how the major submarkets break down — from the urban core to the fastest-growing outer suburbs:
North Dallas Suburbs — McKinney, Frisco, Prosper & Allen
The North Dallas corridor is one of the most in-demand suburban markets in the entire country. Frisco has been one of the fastest-growing cities in America for over a decade. McKinney offers established neighborhoods alongside rapid new development. Prosper and Celina are the next wave — newer, larger lots, more space per dollar. Allen and Plano offer more mature suburban living with excellent schools and strong appreciation. Median prices range from $450K in Allen to $600K+ in Prosper. We have a dedicated page for this corridor.
Fort Worth & Tarrant County — Value and Growth
Fort Worth is often overlooked in favor of Dallas but offers exceptional value — median prices around $320K–$380K with strong schools, a growing downtown, and the cultural anchor of the Stockyards and Cultural District. Suburbs like Keller, Southlake, Colleyville, and Grapevine offer premium living at price points 20–30% below comparable Dallas suburbs. Mansfield and Arlington provide accessible entry points for first-time and move-up buyers. Fort Worth is one of the best value propositions in the entire DFW metro.
Dallas Urban Core & Inner Suburbs
Uptown, Oak Lawn, the M Streets, Lakewood, and Preston Hollow offer urban and near-urban living with walkability, dining, and culture that the suburbs cannot replicate. Inner loop Dallas prices range from $400K townhomes in Uptown to $2M+ single family homes in Preston Hollow and Highland Park. University Park and Highland Park (the Park Cities) are among the most prestigious — and expensive — addresses in all of Texas, with top-ranked HPISD schools driving consistent demand.
Outer Growth Corridors — Celina, Anna, Weatherford & Beyond
The outer growth corridors of DFW — Celina, Anna, Gunter, and Van Alstyne to the north; Weatherford and Aledo to the west; Midlothian and Waxahachie to the south — offer the most affordable entry points in the metroplex with active new construction, larger lots, and the infrastructure investment that follows rapid population growth. These markets today feel like McKinney and Frisco did fifteen years ago. Builder incentives including rate buydowns are actively available throughout these corridors.
Texas Cash-Out Refinance Rules — What DFW Homeowners Need to Know
Texas has unique constitutional rules governing cash-out refinances that do not apply in other states. Under Texas law, cash-out refinances are capped at 80% loan-to-value, closing costs are capped at 2% of the loan amount, and there is a mandatory 12-day waiting period between application and closing. Closing must happen at a title company, attorney's office, or lender's office — not at your home.
DFW homeowners who purchased before 2020 have seen significant equity appreciation — many are sitting on $100K–$200K+ in tappable equity. We have navigated Texas cash-out refinances many times and will make sure your transaction is structured correctly and compliant from day one.
Why DFW Buyers Choose First Commerce Financial
Wholesale Rates — Not Retail Markup
As an independent mortgage broker licensed in Texas, we shop dozens of wholesale lenders to find the lowest rate available for your specific situation. In a market where DFW median prices are around $400K and North Dallas suburbs regularly exceed $500K–$600K, every fraction of a percent in rate makes a significant difference over 30 years.
Zero Junk Fees
No processing fees, no administrative fees, no doc prep fees, no surprises at closing. What we quote is what you pay. We have operated this way since 2007. Most big lenders quietly add $1,500–$2,000 in junk fees to every closing. We do not.
Same-Day Pre-Approvals in Most Cases
The North Dallas suburbs move fast — well-priced homes in Frisco, McKinney, and Prosper still see multiple offers in desirable neighborhoods. A same-day pre-approval means you can make an offer the day you find the right home. We review your file quickly and get your letter in hand fast.
Direct Access to the Owners — Always
Ken Turkington and Kirk Chivas are the co-founders of First Commerce Financial. When you work with us, you work with them directly — not a call center, not a junior loan officer, not a processor who does not know your file. You get their cell numbers and you use them.
Mortgage Programs for DFW Buyers
Conventional Loans
The most common loan type across the DFW metroplex. Competitive rates for qualified buyers at all price points — from Fort Worth starter homes to North Dallas move-up properties.
FHA Loans
3.5% down with flexible credit requirements. A strong option for first-time buyers in the more affordable parts of Fort Worth, Arlington, Mansfield, and the outer growth corridors.
VA Loans
Zero down payment for eligible veterans and active-duty military. DFW has one of the largest veteran populations in the country — NAS Fort Worth JRB, Naval Air Station Dallas, and proximity to multiple major military installations. We close VA loans across the metroplex regularly.
USDA Loans
Zero down payment for buyers in eligible rural areas. Parts of the outer DFW growth corridors — Celina, Anna, Gunter, Weatherford, Midlothian — may qualify. We check any address for USDA eligibility instantly.
Jumbo Loans
For Preston Hollow, Highland Park, Southlake, and higher-priced Prosper properties that exceed conventional loan limits. We have the lender relationships to compete on jumbo rates in this market.
New Construction & Extended Rate Locks
Celina, Anna, Prosper, and communities throughout the outer growth corridors have active builder markets with 6–12 month build timelines. We work with lenders offering extended rate lock programs so your rate is protected through the full construction period.
What DFW Buyers Should Know Right Now
DFW corrected from its 2022 peak but remains fundamentally strong. DFW prices pulled back 8–12% from the 2022 peak in most submarkets — creating real buying opportunities that did not exist during the pandemic frenzy. The fundamental demand drivers — corporate relocations, population growth, no state income tax, job diversity — remain completely intact. This is a market correction, not a market collapse.
Property taxes in DFW run high. Dallas and Tarrant County property taxes typically run 2.0%–2.5% of assessed value annually. On a $400K home that is $8,000–$10,000 per year — or $667–$833 per month on top of your principal and interest. This is one of the most important numbers to factor into your budget and we always include it in our pre-approval calculations.
Builder incentives are real in the outer corridors. In Celina, Anna, Gunter, Weatherford, and other outer growth communities, builders are actively offering rate buydowns, closing cost credits, and upgrade packages to move inventory. You have the right to use any lender — we will give you an honest side-by-side comparison of the builder's preferred lender offer versus our wholesale rate before you commit.
The North Dallas corridor is a different market than Fort Worth. Frisco, McKinney, and Prosper command significant price premiums driven by school district reputation, corporate employer proximity, and a decade of brand recognition. Fort Worth and Tarrant County offer comparable quality of life at meaningfully lower price points — especially in Keller, Southlake, and Colleyville. If your budget is under $500K, Fort Worth deserves serious consideration alongside the North Dallas suburbs.
No state income tax is a real financial factor. For buyers relocating from California, New York, Illinois, or other high-tax states, Texas's lack of a state income tax can offset higher property taxes significantly — and in many cases results in a net positive. We work with many relocation buyers and understand how to frame the full financial picture of a Texas move.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are you licensed to do mortgages in Texas?
Yes. First Commerce Financial is licensed in Texas and has been serving Texas homebuyers and homeowners since our founding. Ken Turkington and Kirk Chivas are both licensed in Texas and handle every Texas transaction directly. NMLS #137512.
What is the difference between buying in Dallas vs. Fort Worth?
Dallas and its suburbs — particularly the North Dallas corridor of Frisco, McKinney, Prosper, and Allen — carry higher price points driven by school district reputation and corporate employer concentration. Fort Worth and Tarrant County offer comparable quality of life, strong schools in communities like Southlake and Keller, and median prices typically 20–30% lower than comparable Dallas suburbs. The right choice depends on your budget, your commute, and which community feels like the right fit for your family.
Can you help with a cash-out refinance in Texas?
Yes — and Texas cash-out refinances have specific rules you need to know. The state constitution caps cash-out refinances at 80% LTV, limits closing costs to 2% of the loan amount, requires a 12-day waiting period, and mandates closing at a title company or attorney's office. DFW homeowners who purchased before 2020 often have substantial equity to work with. We will walk you through exactly what your cash-out refinance would look like before you commit.
Do you work with corporate relocation buyers?
Absolutely. DFW is one of the top corporate relocation destinations in the country — Toyota, Charles Schwab, McKesson, Goldman Sachs, and dozens of other major companies have relocated headquarters or major operations to the metroplex in recent years. Relocation buyers often have unique timelines, out-of-state income documentation, and specific needs around rate locks and closing timelines. We handle these situations regularly and will work around your relocation timeline.
What areas of DFW do you serve?
We serve the entire Dallas-Fort Worth metroplex — Dallas, Fort Worth, Frisco, McKinney, Prosper, Allen, Plano, Celina, Anna, Denton, Southlake, Keller, Colleyville, Grapevine, Arlington, Mansfield, Midlothian, Waxahachie, Weatherford, Aledo, and all surrounding communities. We are licensed throughout Texas. If you are buying or refinancing anywhere in DFW, we can help.
Do you work with first-time buyers in DFW?
Absolutely. First-time buyers are one of our specialties. We offer same-day pre-approvals, walk you through every loan option on a live Zoom call with a custom spreadsheet, and make sure you understand exactly what you qualify for and what your mortgage will actually cost — before you make an offer on a single home. Fort Worth, Arlington, Mansfield, and the outer growth corridors offer the most accessible entry points for first-time buyers in the DFW metro right now.
Already focused on the North Dallas suburbs?
We have a dedicated page for McKinney, Frisco, Prosper, Denton, Aubrey, and Little Elm — with detailed market information for each community in the North Dallas corridor.
North Dallas Mortgage Broker — McKinney, Frisco, Prosper & More →Looking for a Texas mortgage broker who serves the whole state?
First Commerce Financial is licensed throughout Texas. Ken and Kirk work with buyers and homeowners across DFW, Austin, Houston, and beyond. Wholesale rates, zero junk fees, same-day pre-approvals.
Texas Mortgage Broker — See All Markets We Serve →Ready to Buy or Refinance in Dallas-Fort Worth?
Talk directly with Ken or Kirk — the co-founders and the people who will actually work your loan. Straight answers about what you qualify for, which DFW submarket fits your budget and lifestyle, and what your mortgage will actually cost. 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 Texas Mortgage Broker | NMLS #137512 | Serving Dallas, Fort Worth, Frisco, McKinney, Prosper, Allen, Plano, Celina, Denton, Southlake, Keller, Arlington, Mansfield, and all of the Dallas-Fort Worth Metroplex | Ken Turkington NMLS #137873 | Kirk Chivas NMLS #160828
