No junk fees. Wholesale rates. And a team with deep roots across the East Valley — from Gilbert and Tempe to Queen Creek and Apache Junction. Ken Turkington has lived in Gilbert since 2019, owns investment properties in Tempe, and has family across this entire corridor. This is not a market he knows from the office. It is where he lives.
The East Valley is one of the most dynamic real estate markets in the country right now. Whether you are buying a primary residence in Gilbert, investing near Arizona State University in Tempe, purchasing in the fast-growing Queen Creek corridor, or taking advantage of the explosive new construction boom in Apache Junction — we know this market and we are ready to help.
Get Pre-Approved — It's FreeFirst Commerce Financial co-founder Ken Turkington moved to Gilbert, Arizona full time in 2019 — following his parents, who had relocated from Michigan to Apache Junction in 2016. Since then, Ken has become deeply embedded in the East Valley real estate market. He owns multiple investment properties in Tempe, has a daughter who attended Arizona State University, and has family members living in Queen Creek. This is not a market Ken studies from a spreadsheet. It is the community he has chosen to call home.
Ken Turkington has lived in Gilbert, AZ since 2019. His parents moved from Michigan to Apache Junction in 2016, and Ken followed them to the Valley — eventually settling in Gilbert, one of the most desirable communities in the entire Phoenix metro. He has watched this market evolve firsthand: the explosive growth of Queen Creek, the transformation of Apache Junction from overlooked to one of the hottest ZIP codes in the Valley, and the continued appreciation of established Gilbert neighborhoods.
Ken owns multiple investment properties in Tempe — a market driven by Arizona State University, one of the largest universities in the country, and a constant demand for housing from students, faculty, and young professionals. His daughter attended ASU, so he understands the Tempe market from a resident and investor perspective simultaneously.
Ken also has family in Queen Creek, giving him direct community knowledge of one of the fastest-growing towns in Arizona. Between Gilbert residency, Tempe investment experience, Apache Junction family roots, and Queen Creek community connections, the East Valley is the market Ken knows better than anyone on our team.
Kirk Chivas co-founded First Commerce Financial and has been serving the Arizona market through our Tempe office since 2007. Our Arizona roots are deep and our team is active across the entire Phoenix metro.
The East Valley Corridor — Four Distinct Markets, One Connected Region
Gilbert, Tempe, Queen Creek, and Apache Junction are four very different communities — but they are connected by the same commuter network, the same family of school districts, and the same East Valley lifestyle that has made this one of the fastest-growing corridors in the country. Here is how each market works:
Gilbert — Established Excellence
Ken's home since 2019. Gilbert is consistently ranked one of the safest and most desirable cities in America — excellent schools (Gilbert Public Schools and Higley Unified), family-friendly neighborhoods, low crime, and strong appreciation. Median home values around $550K–$600K. Tight inventory means homes move fast. This is a mature, premium market.
Tempe — University Market & Investment Hub
Home to Arizona State University — one of the largest universities in the country with over 80,000 students. Tempe is Ken's investment market: strong rental demand, proximity to major employment corridors, and consistent appreciation. His daughter attended ASU. Tempe is where First Commerce Financial has had its Arizona office since 2007.
Queen Creek — The Next Gilbert
Ken has family in Queen Creek. Often called "the next Gilbert" — larger lots, newer construction, strong schools, and infrastructure investment that keeps compounding. Prices range from $450K to $600K+ for new construction, with more space per dollar than Gilbert. Builders are active and offering incentives. A strong move-up buyer market.
Apache Junction — The New Hotspot
Ken's parents live in Apache Junction. In 2025, Apache Junction's 85120 ZIP code was ranked the #1 hottest market in the entire Phoenix metro by Zonda's Heat Index — outpacing Gilbert, Queen Creek, and Mesa. D.R. Horton's Radiance at Superstition Vistas has sold over 1,200 homes since 2023. Affordable entry points, Superstition Mountain views, and rapid development. Apache Junction today feels like Queen Creek did a decade ago.
Investment Properties Near ASU — What Tempe Buyers Need to Know
Ken owns multiple investment properties in Tempe and understands this market as both a landlord and a mortgage professional. The Arizona State University market creates a unique and resilient demand for housing — 80,000+ students, faculty, and university-adjacent employers generate consistent rental demand regardless of broader market conditions.
Investment property financing works differently than primary residence financing — higher down payment requirements, different qualification standards, and rate adjustments for investor properties. We have navigated this many times in the Tempe market and we will walk you through the options clearly so you can structure your investment correctly from the start.
Why East Valley Buyers Choose First Commerce Financial
Ken Actually Lives Here
Ken moved to Gilbert in 2019 and has been embedded in this community since. His parents live in Apache Junction. His daughter went to ASU in Tempe. He has family in Queen Creek. He owns investment properties in Tempe. When Ken talks about the East Valley, he is talking about his own backyard — and that local knowledge shows up in every transaction.
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 where Gilbert homes are averaging $550K–$600K and Queen Creek new construction is starting in the $450Ks, every fraction of a percent in rate adds up significantly over 30 years.
Zero Junk Fees
No processing fees, no administrative fees, no surprises at closing. What we quote is what you pay. We have operated this way since 2007 and it is the foundation of everything we do.
Primary Residence, Investment, and New Construction — All in One Place
The East Valley serves every type of buyer simultaneously — families buying primary residences in Gilbert, investors buying near ASU in Tempe, move-up buyers in Queen Creek, and first-time buyers taking advantage of entry-level pricing in Apache Junction. We finance all of it and we know the nuances of each market segment.
Mortgage Programs for East Valley Buyers
Conventional Loans
The most common choice across Gilbert, Queen Creek, and Apache Junction. Competitive rates for qualified buyers at all price points in the East Valley market.
FHA Loans
Great entry point for first-time buyers in Apache Junction and the more affordable parts of Queen Creek. 3.5% down with flexible qualification standards.
VA Loans
Zero down payment loans for eligible veterans and active-duty military. The East Valley has a strong veteran community and we close VA loans across this corridor regularly.
Jumbo Loans
For higher-priced Gilbert and Chandler properties that exceed conventional loan limits. We have the lender relationships to compete on jumbo rates in this market.
Investment Property Loans
Ken owns investment properties in Tempe. We understand the financing requirements for investor purchases — down payment thresholds, qualification standards, and rate structures for non-owner-occupied properties near ASU and throughout the Valley.
New Construction & Extended Rate Locks
Queen Creek and Apache Junction have active builder markets. We work with lenders offering extended rate lock programs so your rate is protected through the full build timeline — often 6–12 months.
What East Valley Buyers Should Know
Gilbert moves fast. Gilbert homes are averaging 35–70 days on market, but well-priced homes in desirable neighborhoods still see multiple offers. Having a same-day pre-approval in hand before you start touring gives you the ability to move when the right home comes up. We move fast.
Apache Junction is no longer the overlooked market. In 2025, Apache Junction's 85120 ZIP code was ranked the #1 hottest market in the Phoenix metro by Zonda's Heat Index. D.R. Horton, Pulte, and other major builders are active at Superstition Vistas with over 1,200 homes already sold. Entry-level pricing, Superstition Mountain views, and rapid infrastructure investment are driving this market forward. This is what Queen Creek looked like a decade ago.
Queen Creek has more space for the money. If Gilbert prices feel stretched, Queen Creek offers more house, more land, newer construction, and strong schools — at price points $50K–$100K lower than comparable Gilbert properties. Builders are offering incentives right now including rate buydowns and closing cost credits. Ken's family lives here and he knows this market well.
Tempe investment requires investor-specific financing. Investment properties near ASU require a minimum 15–25% down payment depending on the loan program, and rates are adjusted for non-owner-occupied properties. We have structured many investor purchases in Tempe and we will help you understand the options before you make an offer.
Builder preferred lenders are active across this market. D.R. Horton, Pulte, Toll Brothers, Taylor Morrison, and other builders active in Queen Creek and Apache Junction all have preferred lenders. You have the right to use any lender you choose. We will give you an honest comparison of the builder's offer versus our wholesale rate before you commit.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Ken actually live in Gilbert?
Yes. Ken Turkington has lived in Gilbert, AZ since 2019. His parents live in Apache Junction, his daughter attended Arizona State University in Tempe, and he has family in Queen Creek. He also owns multiple investment properties in Tempe. The East Valley is not a market Ken serves remotely — it is where he lives, invests, and has built his life since moving from Michigan.
Can you help with investment property financing near ASU in Tempe?
Absolutely — this is one of Ken's specialties. He owns investment properties in Tempe and understands both sides of the transaction — the financing requirements and the market dynamics. Investment property loans typically require 15–25% down depending on the loan program, and rates are adjusted for non-owner-occupied properties. We will walk you through all of the options and structure your purchase correctly from the start.
What is driving the Apache Junction boom?
Apache Junction was ranked the #1 hottest market in the Phoenix metro by Zonda's 2025 Heat Index. The growth is being driven by a wave of new construction at Superstition Vistas — D.R. Horton's Radiance community alone has sold over 1,200 homes since 2023. Affordable land, proximity to the Southeast Valley employment corridor, Superstition Mountain views, improving infrastructure, and entry-level price points are all contributing. Ken's parents moved to Apache Junction in 2016 — well before this boom — and he has watched the transformation firsthand.
How does Queen Creek compare to Gilbert?
Queen Creek offers more space per dollar than Gilbert — larger lots, newer construction, and price points typically $50K–$100K lower than comparable Gilbert properties. Queen Creek has been called "the next Gilbert" because its infrastructure, school quality, and community amenities keep improving while its prices remain more accessible. Ken has family in Queen Creek and knows the community well. Both markets are strong — the right choice depends on your budget, lifestyle, and commute priorities.
What areas in Arizona do you serve?
We serve the entire Phoenix metro area — Gilbert, Tempe, Queen Creek, Apache Junction, Chandler, Mesa, Scottsdale, Phoenix, Ahwatukee, Fountain Hills, Gold Canyon, San Tan Valley, and beyond. We are also licensed in Michigan and Florida. If you are buying or refinancing anywhere in Arizona, we can help.
Ready to Buy in Gilbert, Tempe, Queen Creek, or Apache Junction?
Talk directly with Ken — someone who lives in Gilbert, owns investment properties in Tempe, and has family across the East Valley corridor. Straight answers about what you qualify for, how the local market 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 Arizona Mortgage Broker | NMLS #137512 | AZ MB #1001354 | Serving Gilbert, Tempe, Queen Creek, Apache Junction, Chandler, Mesa, and all of the Phoenix Metro Area
