No junk fees. Wholesale rates. And a team that did not just get licensed in Michigan — they built their careers here. Kirk Chivas and Ken Turkington have been working together in the Michigan mortgage market since 1997. Before founding First Commerce Financial in 2007, they helped build Pioneer Mortgage into Michigan's second largest mortgage lender — recognized on the Inc. 500 list in both 1999 and 2002. Michigan is where this story started, and it remains one of our most active markets today.
As an independent mortgage broker, we shop dozens of wholesale lenders to find you the lowest rate available — with complete transparency and zero junk fees from day one. Kirk currently splits his time between New Hudson, Michigan and Jacksonville, Florida. Ken lives in Gilbert, Arizona. Together they bring 60+ combined years of mortgage experience and a genuine commitment to doing right by every client they serve.
Get Pre-Approved — It's FreeFirst Commerce Financial was founded in Michigan by Kirk Chivas and Ken Turkington in 2007 — but their Michigan mortgage roots go back a decade earlier. In 1997, Kirk and Ken began working together at Pioneer Mortgage in Novi, helping build it into one of the most recognized mortgage companies in the state. That history is not just a talking point — it means established relationships, deep market knowledge, and a team that has navigated every Michigan market cycle since the late 1990s.
Kirk Chivas — Co-Founder, First Commerce Financial
Ken and I started working together at Pioneer Mortgage in Novi in 1997. We helped build that company into Michigan's second largest mortgage lender — Inc. 500 recognized in 1999 and 2002. When we founded First Commerce Financial in 2007, we took everything we had learned about building a client-first mortgage business and built something better. No junk fees. Wholesale rates. And a genuine commitment to treating people the way we would want to be treated.
I currently split my time between New Hudson, Michigan and Jacksonville, Florida — but Michigan is where my roots are. I know Oakland County, Livingston County, Wayne County, and the surrounding communities from nearly three decades of active lending. When you call us for a Michigan mortgage, you are talking to people who have been doing this here since before most mortgage websites existed.
Ken Turkington co-founded First Commerce Financial with Kirk after their shared history at Pioneer Mortgage. Ken now lives in Gilbert, Arizona and leads our Southwest operations — but he built his mortgage career in Michigan and remains deeply connected to our Michigan client base. Together Kirk and Ken have seen every market condition Michigan has thrown at the mortgage business — and they have navigated every one of them.
Michigan Communities We Serve
We are licensed throughout Michigan and actively serve buyers and homeowners across the state. Our deepest market knowledge is concentrated in Southeast Michigan — Oakland, Livingston, Washtenaw, and Wayne Counties — where Kirk has been lending since 1997.
🏛 Novi
Where Kirk and Ken started their careers together at Pioneer Mortgage in 1997. One of Oakland County's most active markets — strong demand, competitive prices, and buyers who need a fast, credible pre-approval to compete.
Where It All Started🏛 South Lyon & New Hudson
Kirk's current Michigan home base. South Lyon and New Hudson offer excellent value in Livingston County — newer construction, strong schools, and a community feel that continues to attract buyers from across the metro.
Kirk's Home🏛 Northville
One of Metro Detroit's most desirable communities — historic downtown, top-ranked schools, and a buyer profile that spans first-time buyers to luxury move-up. Consistently competitive and fast-moving.
Oakland & Wayne County🏛 Plymouth & Plymouth Township
One of Metro Detroit's most consistently competitive markets — downtown Kellogg Park, Plymouth-Canton schools, and homes that sell in 10–22 days. Kirk and Ken have been financing Plymouth homes since 1997. Fast pre-approvals are essential here.
Wayne County🏛 Milford
A charming Oakland County village with a walkable downtown, top-rated schools, and strong demand from buyers seeking a quieter alternative to Novi or Northville with the same quality of life. One of our most consistently active Michigan markets.
Oakland County🏛 Wixom, Walled Lake & Wolverine Lake
Three distinct Oakland County communities sharing the Walled Lake school district — from Wixom's value and lake access to Wolverine Lake's exclusive all-lake community. A broad buyer profile at a range of price points.
Oakland County🏛 Brighton
Livingston County's anchor city — growing fast, excellent value relative to Oakland County, and a community with strong appeal for families and move-up buyers relocating from the Detroit metro.
Livingston County🏛 Fowlerville, Howell & Webberville
Livingston County's value corridor — growing communities with affordable price points, new construction activity, and strong appeal for first-time buyers and families priced out of Oakland County markets.
Livingston County🏛 Commerce Township
One of Oakland County's most family-friendly communities — lake access, newer construction, and strong school options. A consistently active market with broad appeal across buyer profiles.
Oakland County🏛 Royal Oak
One of Metro Detroit's most vibrant urban communities — walkable, diverse, and attracting significant demand from young professionals and first-time buyers. A fast-moving market that rewards prepared buyers.
Oakland County🏛 Farmington Hills
A well-established Oakland County community with broad appeal — strong schools, diverse price points, and consistent demand from families, move-up buyers, and buyers relocating to the Detroit metro.
Oakland County🏛 All of Michigan
Ann Arbor, Canton, Troy, Birmingham, Grand Rapids, Traverse City, northern Michigan lake properties — we are licensed throughout the state and serve buyers everywhere.
StatewideWhat Michigan Buyers Need to Know
Michigan Transfer Tax — What Sellers Pay
Michigan sellers pay a state transfer tax of $3.75 per $500 of sale price, plus county transfer taxes. As a buyer, this is a seller cost — but it affects negotiation dynamics and seller net proceeds, which can influence your offers and concession requests. We factor the full transaction cost picture into our guidance for every Michigan buyer and seller we work with.
Michigan Lake Properties — A Specialized Market
Michigan has more than 11,000 inland lakes and some of the most sought-after waterfront properties in the Midwest. Lake homes and vacation properties have specific financing considerations — second home vs. investment property designation, insurance requirements, septic and well issues, and seasonal access. We finance Michigan lake properties regularly and know how to navigate the unique requirements of this market.
USDA Loans in Michigan — Zero Down Payment
Many Michigan communities outside the Detroit, Grand Rapids, Lansing, and Ann Arbor metro cores qualify for USDA rural development financing — which offers zero down payment for eligible buyers. Even some communities relatively close to the major metros qualify — including parts of Livingston County like Fowlerville, Howell, and Webberville. We check USDA eligibility for every Michigan buyer we work with — many qualify and do not know it.
Michigan Mortgage Programs
Conventional Loans
The most common choice for Michigan buyers with solid credit. Competitive wholesale rates across all price points — from entry-level Metro Detroit to luxury Oakland County.
FHA Loans
3.5% down for first-time buyers and those with credit scores as low as 580. Popular across Michigan's diverse price ranges — particularly in Wayne County and surrounding communities.
VA Loans
Zero down payment for eligible veterans and active military. Michigan has a significant veteran community and we close VA loans throughout the state regularly. We handle the COE process for you.
USDA Loans
Zero down payment for eligible buyers in qualifying Michigan communities — including parts of Livingston County and communities outside the major metro areas. We check USDA eligibility for every buyer.
Jumbo Loans
For higher-priced properties in Oakland County, Birmingham, Bloomfield Hills, Ann Arbor, and premium lake properties above conventional loan limits. We compete strongly on jumbo rates.
Second Home & Investment
Michigan lake homes, up north cabins, and investment properties. Michigan has some of the best cash flow rental markets in the country — Detroit metro investment property numbers are among the strongest nationally.
Why Michigan Buyers Choose First Commerce Financial
Nearly 30 Years in the Michigan Mortgage Market
Kirk and Ken started working together in the Michigan mortgage market in 1997. They helped build Pioneer Mortgage into Michigan's second largest mortgage lender before founding First Commerce Financial in 2007. No competitor can match that combination of tenure, local knowledge, and established lender relationships in this specific market.
175+ Five-Star Reviews in Michigan
Our Michigan Google Business Profile has accumulated over 175 five-star reviews from Michigan buyers and homeowners. That track record did not happen by accident — it is the result of nearly three decades of putting clients first, charging zero junk fees, and delivering exactly what we promise.
Wholesale Rates and Zero Junk Fees
As an independent broker, we shop dozens of wholesale lenders to find the lowest rate available for your specific situation. No processing fees, no administrative fees, no surprises at closing. What we quote is what you pay — the way we have operated since 2007.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long have Kirk and Ken been working in Michigan?
Kirk and Ken began working together in the Michigan mortgage market in 1997 at Pioneer Mortgage in Novi — which they helped build into Michigan's second largest mortgage lender, recognized on the Inc. 500 list in 1999 and 2002. They founded First Commerce Financial in 2007. Kirk currently splits his time between New Hudson, Michigan and Jacksonville, Florida. Nearly three decades of continuous Michigan mortgage experience between them.
Can I get a USDA loan in Michigan?
Yes — many Michigan communities outside the major metro cores qualify for USDA rural development financing, which offers zero down payment for eligible buyers. This includes parts of Livingston County — Fowlerville, Howell, Webberville, and surrounding communities — as well as many areas outside the Detroit, Grand Rapids, Lansing, and Ann Arbor metro areas. We check USDA eligibility for every Michigan buyer we work with — it is one of the most overlooked zero-down programs available.
I am buying a lake home in Northern Michigan — can you help?
Absolutely — lake home and vacation property financing is something we handle regularly. Michigan waterfront properties have unique financing considerations including second home vs. investment property designation, specific insurance requirements, septic and well documentation, and seasonal access questions. We know how to navigate all of them. Call or text Kirk at (248) 207-2404 before you make an offer on any Michigan lake property.
What credit score do I need to buy a home in Michigan?
It depends on the loan type. Conventional loans typically require 620+. FHA loans can qualify with scores as low as 580. VA loans are flexible — the VA does not set a minimum score and we work with multiple VA wholesale lenders. We pull your credit early in the process and give you a clear picture of your options before you ever make an offer.
How quickly can you get me pre-approved in Michigan?
In most cases, same day or next business day. In competitive Michigan markets like Novi, Northville, Plymouth, Milford, Royal Oak, and Brighton — where well-priced homes can move within days — having a strong pre-approval letter in hand before you start looking is essential. We deliver fast, credible pre-approvals that sellers and agents take seriously.
What areas of Michigan do you serve?
We are licensed throughout Michigan and serve buyers and homeowners statewide. Our deepest market knowledge is in Southeast Michigan — Oakland, Livingston, Washtenaw, and Wayne Counties. This includes Novi, Northville, Plymouth, Plymouth Township, South Lyon, New Hudson, Milford, Wixom, Walled Lake, Wolverine Lake, Commerce Township, Brighton, Fowlerville, Howell, Webberville, Royal Oak, Farmington Hills, and surrounding communities. We also serve Ann Arbor, Canton, Troy, Birmingham, Grand Rapids, Traverse City, Northern Michigan lake properties, and the entire state.
Wondering why an independent broker beats a mortgage banker?
Most Michigan buyers have talked to a mortgage banker at some point — and most have heard the line about lending their own money for better rates. That is not how it works. Mortgage bankers work from one consolidated rate sheet with a margin added on top, and they are not required by law to disclose their compensation on your Loan Estimate. We are. We laid out the full comparison so you can see exactly what is going on under the hood.
Mortgage Broker vs. Mortgage Banker — Who Is Transparent? →Ready to Buy or Refinance in Michigan?
Talk with Kirk or Ken — two people who have been working in the Michigan mortgage market since 1997, know every community we serve from firsthand experience, and have never charged a junk fee in their careers. Straight answers, wholesale rates, and a pre-approval you can count on. No pressure, no obligation.
Start Your Free Pre-Approval📞 Call or Text Ken Directly — (248) 459-5511 | Kirk — (248) 207-2404
First Commerce Financial | Licensed Michigan Mortgage Broker | NMLS #137512 | Serving Novi, South Lyon, New Hudson, Northville, Plymouth, Plymouth Township, Milford, Wixom, Walled Lake, Wolverine Lake, Brighton, Fowlerville, Howell, Webberville, Commerce Township, Royal Oak, Farmington Hills, and all of Michigan
Free Mortgage Calculators & Tools
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