No junk fees. Wholesale rates. And a team with genuine Arizona roots — Ken Turkington has lived in the Phoenix East Valley since 2019, currently calls Gilbert home, spent two years living full-time in Tempe, owns a rental property in Tempe, and has two daughters who live there. This is not a state we licensed into from a distance. It is where Ken lives, invests, and works every single day.
The Arizona housing market has shifted meaningfully in 2026 — median listing prices are down nearly $28,000 from their 2024 peak, homes are spending more days on market, and buyers now have more negotiating leverage than at any point since before the pandemic. For prepared buyers and homeowners looking to refinance, this is a genuinely compelling environment. And we are here to help you navigate it.
Get Pre-Approved — It's FreeFirst Commerce Financial co-founder Ken Turkington has lived in the Phoenix East Valley since 2019. He currently lives in Gilbert — one of the fastest-growing and most desirable communities in the entire Phoenix metro. He spent two full years living in Tempe before returning to Gilbert, and he still owns a rental property in Tempe today. Two of his daughters live in Tempe, one of whom attended Arizona State University. When Ken talks about the Arizona market, he is speaking from the perspective of a full-time resident, a property owner, and an active mortgage professional — not a remote licensee.
Ken Turkington has been a Phoenix East Valley resident since 2019. He lives in Gilbert, spent two years as a full-time Tempe resident, owns a rental property in Tempe, and has two daughters who live there. He has watched this market grow, seen it peak, and observed its current recalibration in real time — from the perspective of both a homeowner and an investor. That firsthand knowledge translates directly into better guidance for every Arizona buyer and homeowner we work with.
Ken co-founded First Commerce Financial with Kirk Chivas in 2007. Together they bring 60+ combined years of mortgage experience — and a genuine commitment to zero junk fees and complete transparency that has defined how they operate since day one.
Kirk Chivas spent six years living in Lakewood Ranch, Florida before returning to Michigan. He maintains an apartment in Jacksonville and visits Florida regularly. Both founders bring deep personal market knowledge — not just licenses — to every state they serve.
The Arizona Market in 2026 — What Buyers Need to Know
Arizona — and the Phoenix metro in particular — has gone through a significant correction from its pandemic-era peak. The median listing price statewide has dropped nearly $28,000 from the first quarter of 2024 to the first quarter of 2026. Homes are spending more days on market. Sellers are increasingly negotiating. And buyers who are prepared have more leverage than at any point in the past four years.
This is not a market in distress — it is a market in recalibration. The fundamentals that drove Arizona's growth — job creation, population growth from California and other high-cost states, a strong tech and manufacturing corridor, and no state income tax — remain intact. What has changed is the negotiating dynamic, and that change favors prepared buyers in 2026.
Arizona's No Transfer Tax Advantage
Unlike many states, Arizona has no state transfer tax on real estate transactions. This is a meaningful cost advantage for both buyers and sellers compared to states like Michigan, Florida, and most northeastern states. Combined with no state income tax, Arizona's carrying costs for homeowners are among the lowest of any major Sun Belt market — a fact that continues to drive significant inbound migration from California, Illinois, and Washington.
Markets We Serve Across Arizona
We are licensed throughout the state of Arizona and serve buyers and homeowners across the entire Phoenix metro and beyond. Our deepest market knowledge is concentrated in the East Valley — where Ken lives and works every day.
🍎 Gilbert — Ken's Home
One of the fastest-growing cities in the entire country and consistently ranked among the best places to live in America. Median sale prices running $550,000–$600,000 in early 2026. Strong family demographic, excellent schools, and a community feel that continues to attract buyers from across the country. Ken lives here full-time.
🏛 Tempe — Ken's Second Home
Ken lived full-time in Tempe for two years, owns a rental property there, and has two daughters who call Tempe home. One attended Arizona State University. Median sale prices $480,000–$563,000 in early 2026. Strong rental demand from ASU and the tech corridor makes Tempe one of the most dynamic markets in the East Valley.
🏠 Scottsdale & Paradise Valley
Scottsdale continues to command premium pricing — median sale prices around $1M with the luxury segment up 10% year-over-year. Paradise Valley sits at the ultra-luxury tier. Both markets attract significant out-of-state buyers, executives, and retirees. Jumbo financing is common and we compete strongly across multiple wholesale jumbo lenders.
🏛 Chandler
A tech-driven market anchored by Intel, Wells Fargo, and a growing list of corporate campuses in the Price Road Corridor. Chandler attracts a significant professional buyer profile and continues to see strong demand from relocating professionals and families. Median prices run $450,000–$550,000 in early 2026.
🏛 Queen Creek
One of the fastest-growing cities in the entire country — large lots, top-rated schools, and master-planned communities at prices that still make sense relative to Gilbert and Chandler. Queen Creek's massive new construction wave has created a significant future refinance market as builder rate buydowns expire. We are here now and ready for that wave.
🏛 Mesa
Arizona's third-largest city and one of the most diverse markets in the Phoenix metro — from Eastmark's master-planned communities to Las Sendas golf course luxury. Boeing, Apple, and Banner Health anchor a strong employment base. A large veteran community makes VA loans particularly active here. Median prices around $462K in early 2026.
🏛 Glendale
Home to State Farm Stadium and the Desert Diamond Arena, Glendale anchors the West Valley's entertainment and sports corridor. Strong mix of affordable entry-level homes and mid-range family neighborhoods. Luke AFB proximity makes VA loans a significant part of this market. Median prices in the $380K–$430K range.
🏛 Surprise
One of the fastest-growing cities in the country — from 30,000 residents in 2000 to 170,000+ today. A premier active adult market with communities like Sun City Grand, Sterling Grove, and Heritage at Asante drawing retirees from across the country. Strong VA loan activity from nearby Luke AFB. Median prices $440K–$560K.
🏛 Peoria
Home to Vistancia — the largest active master-planned community in the western United States — and strategically positioned 15–25 minutes from the $165 billion TSMC semiconductor corridor via Loop 303. Balanced market at $540K median with meaningful buyer negotiating leverage in 2026. Strong new construction activity and a diverse buyer profile from first-time buyers to active adult communities.
🏛 Maricopa
Pima County's most affordable major market — not to be confused with Maricopa County — sitting 35 miles south of Phoenix on SR-347. Median home prices $335K–$365K attract first-time buyers and value seekers priced out of the Phoenix metro. USDA loan eligibility applies to many Maricopa properties. Province 55+, Rancho El Dorado, and Glennwilde are the most active communities.
✈ Tucson & Davis-Monthan AFB
Arizona's second-largest city and one of the strongest VA loan markets in the state. Davis-Monthan Air Force Base is located within Tucson city limits with 11,000 active Airmen and 29,000+ military retirees in the area. Median home prices around $320K — 27% below the national average — make VA's zero-down benefit especially powerful here. University of Arizona and Raytheon anchor the civilian economy.
🏛 Phoenix & West Valley
The broader Phoenix market — from the urban core to the expanding West Valley in Goodyear and Buckeye — offers a wide range of price points and buyer profiles. New construction is highly active throughout the West Valley. Median prices range from $285,000 in affordable West Phoenix to $460,000+ in central Phoenix.
Why Arizona Buyers Choose First Commerce Financial
Ken Actually Lives in Arizona
Ken Turkington has lived in the Phoenix East Valley since 2019. He lives in Gilbert, spent two full years in Tempe, owns a rental property in Tempe, and has two daughters who live there. He is not a remote licensee who added Arizona to a service area dropdown. He is a full-time Arizona resident who navigates this market as a homeowner, investor, and mortgage professional every single day.
Wholesale Rates — Not Retail Markup
As an independent mortgage broker, we shop your loan across dozens of wholesale lenders to find the lowest rate available for your specific situation. In a market where even a 0.25% rate difference can save $50,000+ over the life of a jumbo loan, having an independent advocate fighting for your rate matters significantly.
Zero Junk Fees
No processing fees. No administrative fees. No surprise charges at closing. What we quote is what you pay. Complete transparency from day one — the way we have operated since 2007.
No Arizona Transfer Tax
Arizona's no-transfer-tax environment means your closing costs are leaner than in most other states. Combined with our zero junk fee commitment, Arizona buyers often find their total closing costs meaningfully lower than they expected.
Mortgage Programs for Arizona Buyers
Conventional Loans
The most common choice for Arizona buyers with solid credit. Competitive rates across all price points in the Phoenix metro — from affordable West Valley entry-level to East Valley move-up homes.
Jumbo Loans
For Scottsdale, Paradise Valley, and premium East Valley properties above conventional loan limits. We work with multiple wholesale jumbo lenders and compete strongly on rates in the $800K–$3M+ range.
VA Loans
Arizona has one of the largest veteran populations in the country — Luke AFB drives strong VA activity across Glendale, Surprise, Peoria, and the West Valley, and Davis-Monthan AFB anchors the Tucson VA market with 29,000+ military retirees. Zero down, no PMI, competitive rates. We handle Certificate of Eligibility and close VA loans throughout Arizona regularly.
FHA Loans
3.5% down for first-time buyers and those with credit scores as low as 580. Popular across the Phoenix metro's entry-level and mid-range price tiers — Mesa, Glendale, south Peoria, West Phoenix, Maricopa, and the broader West Valley. Also active in Tucson's east side neighborhoods near Davis-Monthan.
Investment Property & DSCR
Arizona's rental market is strong, particularly in Tempe near ASU, across the East Valley, and in Tucson near the University of Arizona. Ken owns a rental in Tempe — we understand this market from the investor's perspective. DSCR loans qualify based on rental income.
Refinance
Rate-and-term or cash-out refinancing for existing Arizona homeowners. Join our Rate Watch System and we will notify you personally the moment refinancing makes financial sense for your specific loan.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Ken Turkington really live in Arizona?
Yes — Ken has lived in the Phoenix East Valley since 2019. He currently lives in Gilbert, spent two full years as a Tempe resident, and owns a rental property in Tempe today. Two of his daughters live in Tempe, one of whom attended Arizona State University. This is not a state we serve remotely — it is where Ken lives, invests, and works every single day.
Is it a good time to buy in Arizona in 2026?
For prepared buyers, yes. The Arizona market has recalibrated significantly from its 2021–2022 peak. Median listing prices are down nearly $28,000 from 2024, homes are spending more days on market, and sellers are increasingly negotiating. Arizona's fundamental demand drivers — job growth, no state income tax, no transfer tax, and continued inbound migration — remain intact. For buyers planning to stay 5+ years, the current environment offers meaningfully better value and negotiating leverage than anything available in the past four years.
What is the median home price in the Phoenix metro?
Median sale prices across the Phoenix metro are running $445,000–$485,000 in early 2026, down 3–5% year-over-year depending on the source. The range varies dramatically by market — from $285,000 in affordable West Phoenix to $1M+ in Scottsdale and Paradise Valley. Gilbert and Tempe run $480,000–$600,000. Queen Creek runs $640,000–$665,000. Mesa runs around $462,000. Glendale runs $380,000–$430,000. Surprise runs $440,000–$560,000. Peoria runs around $540,000. Tucson runs around $320,000 — 27% below the national average. We can give you specific current data for any neighborhood you are considering.
How is a mortgage broker different from a bank in Arizona?
A bank offers you their own loan products at their own rates — one option, one rate sheet. As an independent mortgage broker, we shop dozens of wholesale lenders simultaneously to find the best rate and terms for your specific situation. Arizona has no state transfer tax, which already makes closing costs lean — add our zero junk fee commitment and wholesale rates and the difference vs. a retail bank is often thousands of dollars over the life of the loan.
Do you need to be an Arizona resident to work with First Commerce Financial?
No — we work with buyers relocating to Arizona from out of state all the time. As long as the property you are purchasing or refinancing is in Arizona, we can help regardless of where you currently live. We are particularly experienced with California, Illinois, and Washington buyers relocating to the Phoenix metro, and with military personnel PCS-ing to Davis-Monthan AFB in Tucson.
What areas of Arizona do you serve?
We are licensed throughout Arizona and serve buyers and homeowners statewide. Our deepest market knowledge is in the Phoenix East Valley — Gilbert, Tempe, Chandler, Queen Creek, Mesa, Scottsdale, and Paradise Valley — where Ken lives and works. We also serve Glendale, Surprise, Peoria, Maricopa, Goodyear, Buckeye, and the entire West Valley, as well as Tucson, Davis-Monthan AFB, and all of Southern Arizona. Every city we serve has a dedicated page with local market data, neighborhood breakdowns, and the loan programs most active in that specific market.
Wondering why an independent broker beats a mortgage banker in Arizona?
Arizona's mortgage market is competitive — and mortgage bankers will tell you they lend their own money so they have better rates. That is not how it works. Mortgage bankers work from one consolidated rate sheet with a margin built on top, and they are not required by law to disclose their compensation on your Loan Estimate. We are. In a market where Arizona already gives you a cost advantage with no transfer tax, choosing an independent broker over a mortgage banker is how you protect that advantage all the way through closing.
Mortgage Broker vs. Mortgage Banker — Who Is Transparent? →Ready to Buy or Refinance in Arizona?
Talk with Ken — someone who has lived in the Phoenix East Valley since 2019, owns property in Tempe, and knows this market from the inside. Whether you are buying in Gilbert, investing in Tempe, refinancing in Scottsdale, buying new construction in Queen Creek, exploring Peoria's Vistancia, relocating to Surprise, or PCS-ing to Davis-Monthan in Tucson — straight answers about what you qualify for and what your mortgage will actually cost. No pressure, no obligation.
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 Gilbert, Tempe, Chandler, Queen Creek, Scottsdale, Mesa, Glendale, Surprise, Peoria, Maricopa, Tucson, Davis-Monthan AFB, and all of Arizona
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