Michigan is where First Commerce Financial began — and it’s a market Kirk Chivas and Ken Turkington know better than anyone. Before founding First Commerce Financial in 2007, Kirk and Ken helped build Pioneer Mortgage into Michigan’s 2nd largest mortgage lender, recognized on the Inc. 500 list in both 1999 and 2002. That foundation gives our Michigan clients something no other broker can offer: decades of deep, firsthand experience in this specific market.
As an independent mortgage broker, we shop dozens of wholesale lenders to find you the lowest rate available — with no junk fees and complete transparency on costs from day one.
Why Choose an Independent Mortgage Broker in Michigan?
Wholesale Rates You Won’t Find at a Bank
We’re not tied to one lender’s products or rate sheet. We compare multiple wholesale lenders to find the best rate for your specific situation — consistently beating what retail banks offer their customers.
No Junk Fees — Full Transparency
You’ll know exactly what your loan costs from the first conversation. No processing fees, no administrative fees, no surprise charges at closing. What we quote is what you pay.
Rooted in Michigan
Kirk and Ken didn’t just work in Michigan — they helped shape its mortgage industry. That history means established lender relationships, deep market knowledge, and a team that genuinely understands Michigan buyers and Michigan communities.
Michigan Mortgage Programs We Offer
- Conventional fixed-rate mortgages — the most popular choice for Michigan homebuyers
- FHA loans — great for first-time buyers across Michigan’s diverse price ranges
- VA loans — for Michigan’s veteran and active military community
- Jumbo loans — for higher-priced properties in Oakland County and Ann Arbor
- USDA loans — available in many of Michigan’s suburban and rural communities
- Second home mortgages — for Michigan lake properties and vacation homes
- Investment property loans — Michigan has some of the best cash flow markets in the country
- Refinances — rate-and-term and cash-out
Michigan Cities We Serve
We’re licensed throughout Michigan and lend in every market across the state. We have particular depth in:
Detroit & Metro Detroit
The Metro Detroit market encompasses one of the most diverse housing landscapes in the country — from entry-level homes to luxury properties — across a wide range of communities and price points. We work with first-time buyers, move-up buyers, and investors throughout the metro area.
Novi & Oakland County
Oakland County consistently ranks among the most affluent counties in the Midwest. Novi, Troy, Birmingham, Rochester Hills, and surrounding communities attract strong buyer demand and often require competitive pre-approvals and fast execution. We deliver both. We have particular depth in the Novi market — learn more about our Novi mortgage services. Serving South Lyon, Lyon Township, and New Hudson — learn more about our South Lyon mortgage services.
Ann Arbor
Home to the University of Michigan, Ann Arbor has a dynamic housing market with strong demand from professionals, faculty, and first-time buyers. The market is competitive and moves quickly — pre-approval speed matters here.
Plymouth & Wayne County
Plymouth, Canton, Northville, and surrounding Wayne County communities offer a mix of suburban appeal and relative affordability compared to Oakland County. Strong demand from families and move-up buyers makes this one of our most active markets.
What Michigan Buyers Should Know
- Michigan sellers pay a state transfer tax of $3.75 per $500 of sale price, plus county transfer taxes — we factor this into your cost estimates upfront
- Michigan has some of the most affordable investment property markets in the country — Detroit metro cash flow numbers are among the best nationally
- USDA eligible areas exist throughout Michigan outside the major metro cores, including many suburban communities
- Michigan lake properties are popular second home purchases — we finance these regularly and understand the unique considerations
- Property taxes in Michigan vary significantly by township and school district — we’ll help you understand the full carrying cost of any property
Frequently Asked Questions — Michigan Mortgage
Are you originally from Michigan?
Yes — First Commerce Financial was founded in Michigan by Kirk Chivas and Ken Turkington, who first worked together at Pioneer Mortgage in Novi in 1997. Michigan is where our roots are, and we still serve it as one of our primary markets.
Can I get a USDA loan in Michigan?
Yes — many Michigan communities outside the Detroit, Grand Rapids, Lansing, and Ann Arbor metro areas qualify for USDA financing. Even some communities relatively close to the major metros qualify. We’ll check any address instantly.
I’m buying a lake home in Northern Michigan — can you help?
Absolutely. Second home and vacation property financing is something we handle regularly. Lake homes, up north cabins, and seasonal properties all have unique financing considerations and we know how to navigate them.
What credit score do I need?
Conventional loans typically require 620+, FHA starts at 580, and VA is flexible. We’ll pull your credit early and give you a clear picture of your options.
How do I get started?
Call us or start your pre-approval online. We’ll have an answer for you fast — usually same day or next business day.
Let’s Get You Home in Michigan
From Metro Detroit to Ann Arbor to the Upper Peninsula — if you’re buying or refinancing in Michigan, we know this market and we’re ready to help.
📞 Call us at (248) 459-5511
✅ Or get pre-approved online today.
Licensed Michigan Mortgage Broker | NMLS #137512
Serving Detroit, Novi, Oakland County, Ann Arbor, Plymouth, Wayne County, and all of Michigan.
