No junk fees. Wholesale rates. And a co-founder based right in the Phoenix East Valley — Ken Turkington lives in Gilbert and serves the entire Phoenix metro, including Glendale, with the same direct, hands-on approach he brings to every market we serve.
Glendale has grown into one of the most dynamic cities in the West Valley — home to State Farm Stadium, Desert Diamond Arena, a historic downtown, and some of the most affordable family neighborhoods in the greater Phoenix area. Whether you are buying near the sports and entertainment district or settling into one of Glendale's established residential communities, we will give you a straight answer about your mortgage options.
Get Pre-Approved — It's Free📷 Everything Is Done Virtually — No Office Visit Required
Text or call Ken or Kirk 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 Glendale.
Ken Turkington lives in Gilbert, Arizona — right in the heart of the Phoenix East Valley — and has built First Commerce Financial's Arizona presence by serving the entire Phoenix metro, not just the communities closest to home. Glendale, on the opposite side of the Valley in the West, is squarely part of the market Ken serves regularly.
That metro-wide approach means Ken understands how Glendale fits into the broader Phoenix housing picture — how it compares to neighboring Peoria and Surprise, what makes the sports and entertainment district unique, and where the best value lies for buyers looking at the West Valley.
Kirk Chivas co-founded First Commerce Financial alongside Ken, bringing the same zero junk fee, full-transparency approach to every market the company serves — including Glendale.
Glendale's West Valley Position
Glendale sits in the West Valley, offering a genuinely different feel from the East Valley communities like Gilbert and Scottsdale. Anchored by State Farm Stadium — home of the Arizona Cardinals and a regular Super Bowl host site — and Desert Diamond Arena, home to the Arizona Coyotes, Glendale has built a true sports and entertainment identity that drives both visitor traffic and local economic growth.
Beyond the entertainment district, Glendale offers historic downtown charm, established middle-class neighborhoods, and meaningfully more affordable housing than many of its East Valley counterparts — making it an attractive option for buyers who want Phoenix metro access without East Valley price tags.
Glendale Market Breakdown
Westgate Entertainment District
Surrounding State Farm Stadium and Desert Diamond Arena, this area has grown into a mixed residential, retail, and entertainment hub. Newer condo and townhome developments have brought a more urban living option to the West Valley, appealing to buyers who want walkability to dining, shopping, and major events.
Historic Downtown Glendale
Glendale's historic downtown offers charming older homes and a distinct small-town feel within a major metro area. Antique shops, local restaurants, and a walkable core give this part of the city a character that is increasingly rare in the rapidly growing Phoenix suburbs.
North Glendale & Arrowhead
North Glendale, including the Arrowhead area, offers more recently built family neighborhoods with strong schools and easy access to Loop 101. This part of the city tends to attract families prioritizing newer construction and established community amenities.
West Glendale
The most affordable part of the city, West Glendale offers entry-level pricing for buyers looking to get into the Phoenix metro market without the premium of newer or more centrally located neighborhoods. A strong option for first-time buyers.
Ken Serves the Whole Phoenix Metro from Gilbert
Living in Gilbert does not limit Ken to the East Valley. First Commerce Financial's Arizona business is built to serve buyers anywhere in the greater Phoenix metro — Glendale, Peoria, Surprise, and the rest of the West Valley included. Every transaction is handled virtually, so your location relative to Ken's home base has no impact on the speed or quality of service you receive.
Why Glendale Buyers Choose First Commerce Financial
Phoenix Metro Coverage from a Local Co-Founder
Ken Turkington lives in the Phoenix East Valley and has built First Commerce Financial's Arizona presence to serve the entire metro. Glendale buyers get the same direct access and local market knowledge as buyers anywhere else in the Valley.
Wholesale Rates — Not Retail Markup
As an independent mortgage broker, we shop dozens of wholesale lenders to find the lowest rate available for your situation. In a market with price points ranging from affordable West Glendale entry-level homes to Westgate district properties, having an independent advocate matters significantly.
Zero Junk Fees
No processing fees, no administrative fees, no surprise charges at closing. What we quote is what you pay. That has been our standard since 2007.
Mortgage Programs for Glendale Buyers
Conventional Loans
The most common choice for Glendale buyers across all price points, from West Glendale starter homes to North Glendale family neighborhoods.
FHA Loans
3.5% down with flexible credit requirements — a strong option for first-time buyers entering the market in West Glendale and other more affordable neighborhoods.
VA Loans
Zero down payment, no PMI for eligible veterans and active-duty military. Luke Air Force Base is just west of Glendale, giving the area a meaningful military community.
USDA Loans
Zero down payment for buyers in eligible areas outside the immediate Glendale core. We check any address for USDA eligibility instantly.
New Construction & Extended Rate Locks
North Glendale and the Arrowhead area have active new construction markets. We work with lenders offering extended rate lock programs so your rate is protected through the full build timeline.
Refinance
Rate-and-term or cash-out refinances for existing Glendale homeowners. We shop wholesale lenders to find your best option.
What Glendale Buyers Should Know
Glendale offers strong value within the Phoenix metro. With a median home price meaningfully below many East Valley communities, Glendale is an attractive option for buyers who want Phoenix metro access without paying East Valley premiums.
Luke Air Force Base drives meaningful VA loan activity. Located just west of Glendale, Luke AFB gives the surrounding area a significant military community. If you are stationed at Luke or relocating to the area as a veteran, a VA loan is almost always your best option.
The entertainment district adds a distinct lifestyle option. If walkability to major sporting events, concerts, and dining is a priority, the Westgate area offers a living experience that is genuinely different from the rest of the Phoenix suburbs.
We serve the entire Phoenix metro. Our Arizona lending covers Glendale, Peoria, Surprise, Gilbert, Scottsdale, Chandler, and all of Maricopa County — wherever you are buying, Ken and the team can help.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Ken work in Glendale even though he lives in Gilbert?
Yes. Ken Turkington lives in Gilbert in the Phoenix East Valley, but First Commerce Financial serves the entire Phoenix metro — Glendale and the rest of the West Valley included. All transactions are handled virtually, so your location within the metro has no impact on the level of service or speed you receive.
What makes Glendale different from other Phoenix suburbs?
Glendale's identity is shaped significantly by State Farm Stadium and Desert Diamond Arena, which anchor a sports and entertainment district unlike anything else in the Phoenix metro. Beyond that, Glendale offers a historic downtown, established neighborhoods, and generally more affordable pricing than many East Valley communities — making it a strong option for buyers prioritizing value within the metro.
Can I get a VA loan near Luke Air Force Base?
Yes. Luke Air Force Base is located just west of Glendale and gives the surrounding area a significant military community. We close VA loans regularly throughout the Phoenix metro and understand the full process — Certificate of Eligibility, VA appraisals, and PCS move timelines.
Is Glendale a good market for first-time buyers?
Yes — Glendale's relative affordability within the Phoenix metro makes it a strong option for first-time buyers, particularly in West Glendale. FHA loans with 3.5% down and a generally lower price point than many East Valley communities both contribute to making homeownership more accessible here.
What areas around Glendale do you serve?
We serve all of Glendale and the broader West Valley, including Peoria and Surprise, as well as the entire Phoenix metro including Gilbert, Scottsdale, Chandler, and the rest of Maricopa County. Wherever in the Valley you are buying or refinancing, we can help.
Looking for an Arizona mortgage broker who serves the whole Phoenix metro?
First Commerce Financial is licensed throughout Arizona. Ken lives in Gilbert and works with buyers across Glendale, Peoria, Surprise, Scottsdale, Chandler, and beyond. Wholesale rates, zero junk fees, same-day pre-approvals.
Arizona Mortgage Broker — See All Markets We Serve →Ready to Buy or Refinance in Glendale?
Talk directly with Ken — based right in the Phoenix metro and ready to serve Glendale buyers with the same straight, hands-on approach he brings to every transaction. 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 Arizona Mortgage Broker | NMLS #137512 | AZ MB #1001354 | Serving Glendale, Peoria, Surprise, and all of Maricopa County | Ken Turkington NMLS #137873 | Kirk Chivas NMLS #160828
