No junk fees. Wholesale rates. And a team with 18 years of firsthand experience living in this community — on the lakes, in the neighborhoods, raising kids in Walled Lake Consolidated Schools.
Commerce Township, Walled Lake, and Wolverine Lake are one interconnected market. If you are buying a home anywhere in the Lakes Area — whether on the water or off — you deserve a mortgage broker who actually knows this community. Not one who just added your city name to a template.
Get Pre-Approved — It's FreeFirst Commerce Financial co-founder Ken Turkington lived near Wolverine Lake in Commerce Township from approximately 2004 to 2019 — 15 years as a resident of this community. His children attended Walled Lake Consolidated Schools. He watched this market from the inside, through the post-2008 downturn, the recovery, and the price run-up of the 2020s. Commerce Township was not a market Ken studied from a distance. It was where he lived.
Ken Turkington lived near Wolverine Lake in Commerce Township from approximately 2004 to 2022. During those 18 years, his kids went through Walled Lake Consolidated Schools — one of the largest and most respected school districts in Oakland County. He knows this community the way only a long-term resident can: the difference between living on an all-sports lake versus a quieter no-wake lake, the tax structure differences across the township, the neighborhoods that families gravitate toward, and the ones that don't show up in the MLS searches people run from out of state.
Kirk Chivas has been working the Southeast Michigan mortgage market since 1997 and knows Commerce Township well as part of the broader corridor he has served for decades — neighboring Lyon Township, Wixom, Novi, and Milford.
Between Ken's 18 years of residency and Kirk's decades of market experience, First Commerce Financial brings a depth of Commerce Township knowledge that no competitor in this market can match.
Commerce Township, Walled Lake & Wolverine Lake — One Market
Commerce Township is a large charter township covering a significant portion of western Oakland County. Within its borders sit the Village of Wolverine Lake and the City of Walled Lake — each with their own municipal identity, but all part of the same interconnected real estate market that locals call the Lakes Area.
Most of the township is served by Walled Lake Consolidated Schools — the largest school district in Oakland County, with Walled Lake Northern, Central, and Western high schools all located within the township. Northern Commerce Township falls under Huron Valley Schools. Ken's children went through Walled Lake Consolidated, so he knows the school system from a parent's perspective as well as a mortgage professional's.
When we talk about the Commerce Township market, we mean the whole area — the township, Walled Lake, and Wolverine Lake together. This is how buyers actually shop here, and it is how we serve it.
The Lakes — What Makes Commerce Township Unique
Commerce Township has approximately 28 lakes covering over 1,700 acres of water — earning its reputation as Oakland County's premier Lakes Area. Nearly every neighborhood in the township puts you within a mile of water. The lakes range from large all-sports lakes where families spend summers on the water, to smaller quiet lakes that offer waterfront living without the boat traffic.
The major all-sports lakes fully within Commerce Township include:
Wolverine Lake
All-sports. One of the three largest lakes fully in Commerce Township. Ken lived near this lake for 18 years.
Commerce Lake
All-sports. One of the most sought-after addresses in the township. Strong demand, limited inventory.
Lower Straits Lake
All-sports. One of the three largest in the township. Highly desirable for families.
Lake Sherwood
All-sports. Popular family lake with strong community character.
Proud Lake
Adjacent to Proud Lake State Recreation Area — unique setting combining lake living with preserved land.
And 20+ More
Crystal Lake, Woodbridge Lake, Long Lake, and many smaller lakes throughout the township.
Lake Home Mortgages — What Buyers Need to Know
In Commerce Township, most lake homes are primary residences — families living on the water year-round, not seasonal cottages. That means conventional financing applies in most cases, which is good news for buyers. However, lakefront properties do have unique appraisal considerations. Waterfront footage, dock rights, water access type, and the condition of the seawall all factor into how a property appraises — and a lender unfamiliar with this market can miss these nuances.
Ken lived near Wolverine Lake for 18 years and understands the difference between a home with deeded lake access, a home on the water with riparian rights, and a home in a subdivision with shared lake privileges. These distinctions affect financing and we will walk you through them clearly before you make an offer.
Why Commerce Township Buyers Choose First Commerce Financial
18 Years as a Resident — Not Just a Lender
Ken raised his family near Wolverine Lake. His kids went through Walled Lake Consolidated Schools. He knows the difference between the 48382 and 48390 zip codes, the millage rate differences across the township, and which neighborhoods are feeding into which schools. That knowledge shows up in every Commerce Township transaction we do.
Wholesale Rates — Not Retail Markup
As an independent mortgage broker, we are not tied to any one lender's rate sheet. We shop dozens of wholesale lenders to find the lowest rate available for your specific situation. In a market where median home prices are running from the high $300Ks to well over $600K for lakefront properties, even a small rate difference matters significantly over 30 years.
Zero Junk Fees
No processing fees, no administrative fees, no surprise charges at closing. What we quote is what you pay. Complete transparency from the first conversation — that is how we have operated since 2007.
Background in Title and Real Estate
Ken started in the Southeast Michigan title business in 1991 before moving into mortgages in 1996. Kirk started in Michigan real estate in 1994 before moving into mortgages in 1997. We understand every part of a transaction — including the title and closing considerations that come up with lakefront properties and older established neighborhoods.
Mortgage Programs for Commerce Township Buyers
Conventional Loans
The most common choice for Commerce Township buyers. Competitive rates for qualified buyers purchasing primary residences throughout the township.
Jumbo Loans
Lakefront homes on Commerce Lake, Wolverine Lake, and Lower Straits frequently exceed conventional loan limits. We compete strongly on jumbo rates.
FHA Loans
For buyers purchasing in the more affordable end of the Commerce Township market. 3.5% down with flexible qualification standards.
VA Loans
Zero down payment loans for eligible veterans and active-duty military. Commerce Township has a strong veteran community and we close VA loans here regularly.
Refinance
Rate-and-term or cash-out refinances for Commerce Township homeowners. We shop wholesale lenders to find your best option.
First-Time Homebuyer
Commerce Township offers a range of price points for first-time buyers, particularly in non-lakefront neighborhoods and condos in the Walled Lake area.
What Commerce Township Buyers Should Know
Two school districts serve the township. Most of Commerce Township is served by Walled Lake Consolidated Schools — one of the largest and highest-rated districts in Oakland County. Northern Commerce Township falls under Huron Valley Schools. Always verify your specific address with the district before you make an offer, as school assignment can affect both your family's plans and the resale value of the property.
Tax rates vary across the township. Commerce Township, the Village of Wolverine Lake, and the City of Walled Lake each have their own millage rates. Lakefront properties also carry higher assessed values that affect your annual tax bill. We factor the full carrying cost — principal, interest, taxes, and insurance — into every pre-approval so you are shopping in the right price range from day one.
Lake access comes in different forms. Some homes sit directly on the water with full riparian rights. Others are in subdivisions with deeded lake access or shared boat club privileges. These distinctions affect both the property's value and its financing. We will help you understand exactly what you are buying before you commit.
The market is competitive and established. Commerce Township is a mature market with strong demand and limited inventory, particularly for lakefront properties. Most well-priced homes accept offers in 10 to 30 days. Having a pre-approval in hand before you start looking gives you the ability to move quickly when the right property comes up.
We serve the full surrounding area. If you are buying anywhere in this corridor — Wixom, White Lake, Milford, West Bloomfield, Novi, or anywhere in Oakland County — we can help. This is the market we have worked in for decades.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long have you been in the Commerce Township market?
Ken Turkington lived near Wolverine Lake in Commerce Township from approximately 2004 to 2022 — 18 years as a resident. His children attended Walled Lake Consolidated Schools. Kirk Chivas has been serving the broader Southeast Michigan mortgage market since 1997, including Commerce Township and its neighboring communities. Between them, First Commerce Financial brings decades of firsthand knowledge of this specific market.
Are lake homes in Commerce Township financed as primary residences or second homes?
The vast majority of lake homes in Commerce Township are primary residences — families living on the water year-round. This is good news for buyers because primary residence financing offers better rates and more flexible options than second home or investment property loans. There are some seasonal cottages and second homes in the township, but they are the exception rather than the rule.
What school district serves Commerce Township?
Most of Commerce Township is served by Walled Lake Consolidated Schools — the largest school district in Oakland County, with three high schools: Walled Lake Northern, Central, and Western. Northern Commerce Township is served by Huron Valley Schools. Ken's children attended Walled Lake Consolidated, so he knows the district from a parent's perspective. Always verify your specific address with the district before signing a purchase agreement.
What is the difference between Commerce Township, Walled Lake, and Wolverine Lake?
Commerce Township is a large charter township. Within it sit the City of Walled Lake and the Village of Wolverine Lake — each with their own municipal government and millage rates, but all part of the same real estate market. Most buyers shopping in this area consider all three as one community, and that is how we serve it. Ken lived near Wolverine Lake for 18 years and knows the distinctions between these municipalities well.
Can you help with a lakefront property purchase?
Absolutely. Lakefront properties in Commerce Township are primarily financed as conventional primary residence purchases, though jumbo financing applies for higher-priced waterfront homes. We understand the appraisal nuances specific to lakefront properties — waterfront footage, dock rights, seawall condition, and access type — and we will walk you through the financing process with full clarity before you make an offer.
What areas near Commerce Township do you serve?
All of them. We lend throughout Oakland County and all of Southeast Michigan — Wixom, White Lake, Milford, West Bloomfield, Novi, Northville, South Lyon, Lyon Township, Brighton, and beyond. If you are buying or refinancing anywhere in Michigan, we can help.
Ready to Buy in Commerce Township?
Talk directly with Ken — someone who lived near Wolverine Lake for 18 years and raised his family in this community. Straight answers about what you qualify for, how lakefront financing works, and what your mortgage will actually cost. No pressure, no obligation.
Start Your Free Pre-ApprovalOr call us directly at (248) 459-5511
First Commerce Financial | Licensed Michigan Mortgage Broker | NMLS #137512 | Serving Commerce Township, Walled Lake, Wolverine Lake, and all of Southeast Michigan
