Independent Mortgage Brokers You Can Trust
First Commerce Financial is an independent mortgage broker licensed in Florida, Arizona, Texas, and Michigan. Co-founders Kirk Chivas and Ken Turkington have been working together since 1997 — and in that time, they’ve helped thousands of homeowners, first-time buyers, veterans, and investors navigate the mortgage process with confidence.
As an independent broker, we’re not tied to any single bank or lender. We shop your loan across multiple wholesale lenders to find the best rate and terms for your situation — saving you money and cutting out the junk fees that big banks are notorious for.
Our Story
Kirk and Ken first crossed paths in 1997 at Pioneer Mortgage in Novi, Michigan. Together, they helped grow Pioneer Mortgage into Michigan’s 2nd largest mortgage lender — behind only Quicken Loans/Rocket Mortgage. The company earned spots on the Inc. 500 list in both 1999 and 2002 as one of the fastest-growing privately held companies in America.
In 2003, Pioneer Mortgage was acquired by Sallie Mae. Kirk and Ken stayed on to help build Sallie Mae Home Loans into a multi-billion dollar mortgage operation. When Sallie Mae Home Loans closed in 2007, they made the decision to go out on their own.
First Commerce Financial was born that same year — built on a simple belief: homebuyers deserve transparent pricing, honest advice, and a mortgage experience free from the runaround and junk fees that have become standard at big banks. Nearly two decades later, that belief hasn’t changed.
Why Choose First Commerce Financial?
We’re not a call center. When you work with us, you work directly with Kirk or Ken — two professionals who’ve seen nearly every mortgage scenario imaginable and know how to get deals done. Here’s what sets us apart:
No Junk Fees — Ever
We’re transparent about costs from day one. No surprise charges at closing, no made-up fees buried in the fine print. You’ll know exactly what your loan costs before you ever sign anything.
Wholesale Rates You Won’t Find at a Bank
As independent brokers, we compare multiple wholesale lenders to find the lowest rate available for your specific scenario. We’re not limited to one lender’s product shelf — we shop the market so you don’t have to.
60+ Years of Combined Experience
Kirk and Ken have been doing this together since 1997. They’ve worked through every market condition — booms, downturns, rising rates, falling rates — and that experience means fewer surprises and better outcomes for you.
Straight Talk, Always
We tell you where you stand, what you need, and what to expect — in plain English. No jargon, no fluff, no pressure. Just honest guidance from people who’ve been at this for over 25 years.
5-Star Reviews
Our clients are the foundation of our success. We’ve built our reputation one transaction at a time — and the reviews speak for themselves.
Licensed in FL, AZ, TX & MI
First Commerce Financial is licensed and actively lending in Florida, Arizona, Texas, and Michigan. Whether you’re buying your first home in Tampa, refinancing in Phoenix, relocating to Dallas, or purchasing an investment property in Detroit — you get the same experienced team and the same commitment to low rates and zero junk fees.
We also work with buyers relocating from out of state — so if you’re moving to any of our markets, we can get you pre-approved before you even arrive.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long has First Commerce Financial been in business?
First Commerce Financial was founded in 2007 by Kirk Chivas and Ken Turkington. But their partnership goes back further — they’ve been working together in the mortgage industry since 1997, giving the company a foundation of nearly three decades of combined experience.
Are you a bank or a mortgage broker?
We’re an independent mortgage broker, not a bank. That means we don’t lend our own money — instead, we shop your loan across dozens of wholesale lenders to find the best rate and terms available for your situation. This almost always results in better pricing than going directly to a retail bank.
Who will I be working with?
You’ll work directly with Kirk Chivas or Ken Turkington — not a junior loan officer or a call center representative. Kirk and Ken handle their clients personally, which means experienced guidance from start to closing.
What states do you lend in?
We’re currently licensed and actively lending in Florida, Arizona, Texas, and Michigan. If you’re buying or refinancing in any of these states — or relocating to one of them — we can help.
How do I get started?
The easiest way is to start your pre-approval online or give us a call. We’ll ask you a few questions about your situation, run a soft credit check that won’t affect your score, and tell you exactly what you qualify for — usually within one business day.
Let’s Talk
No pressure, no obligation — just a straight conversation about what you qualify for and what it will actually cost. Kirk and Ken have been helping homebuyers and homeowners make smart mortgage decisions for over 25 years. They’d love to help you too.
📞 Call us at (248) 459-5511
✅ Or start your pre-approval online — takes just a few minutes.
NMLS #137512 | AZ MB #1001354 | Licensed in FL, AZ, TX & MI