No junk fees. Wholesale rates. And a team that has called this community home for over 30 years — through two construction booms, two market crashes, and thousands of closed loans.
South Lyon, Lyon Township, and New Hudson are one interconnected community. If you are buying a new construction home from Pulte, Lombardo, Toll Brothers, Singh, or Robertson Brothers — or purchasing an existing home anywhere in this market — you deserve a mortgage broker who actually knows this area. Not one who just added your city name to a template page.
Get Pre-Approved — It's FreeFirst Commerce Financial co-founders Ken Turkington and Kirk Chivas have a combined history in this specific community that goes back to 1992 — before the first construction boom, before Lyon Township became one of the hottest markets in Southeast Michigan, and before most of the subdivisions that define the area today even existed. They did not discover South Lyon through a Google search. They lived here.
Ken Turkington lived in the city of South Lyon from approximately 1992 to 1995 — when it was still a quiet small town, long before the wave of development that would transform Lyon Township into one of the most sought-after communities in Oakland County. Ken watched this market evolve from a residential neighborhood perspective before becoming a mortgage professional.
Kirk Chivas lived in Lyon Township with a South Lyon mailing address from 2003 to 2017 — right through the heart of the first major construction boom. He watched the fields between Pontiac Trail and 11 Mile transform into the neighborhoods people are competing for today. Kirk still lives in Lyon Township now, with a New Hudson mailing address, and remains an active resident of this community.
Between them, they have over 30 years of firsthand knowledge of South Lyon, Lyon Township, and New Hudson as residents — combined with decades of mortgage experience serving buyers throughout this exact market. No competitor can say anything close to that.
South Lyon, Lyon Township & New Hudson — One Community
If you are new to this area, the geography can be confusing. Here is how it actually works: the City of South Lyon is a small incorporated city at the heart of the community. Lyon Township surrounds it and is where most of the new construction and growth has happened — but the majority of Lyon Township carries a South Lyon mailing address and is served by South Lyon Community Schools. New Hudson is a small unincorporated community in Lyon Township with its own zip code (48165) but no city government of its own.
For practical purposes — schools, community identity, and market dynamics — South Lyon, Lyon Township, and New Hudson are one market. Kirk has lived this firsthand: his address changed from South Lyon to New Hudson when he moved within Lyon Township, but the community around him stayed the same.
When we talk about the South Lyon mortgage market, we mean all of it — the city, the township, and New Hudson together.
The New Construction Boom — And Why It Matters for Your Mortgage
Lyon Township has been through two major construction booms. The first started in the late 1990s, when the cornfields along Pontiac Trail and Ten Mile Road began turning into subdivisions. Kirk watched that transformation happen from his own neighborhood. The second boom is happening right now in the 2020s, with major national and regional builders all active simultaneously in this market.
Active builders and communities in South Lyon and Lyon Township right now include:
Pulte Homes
One of the most active builders in the market. Currently selling at Meadows of Lyon in Lyon Township after Woodlands of Lyon sold out.
Active community: Meadows of Lyon, Fieldstone
Lombardo Homes
Multiple active communities in the area ranging from estate lots to maintenance-free condos. One of the most prolific builders in this corridor.
Active communities: Sterling Trail, The Estates at Hutsfield, Crystal Creek South, Heights at Elkow Farms, Orchard Crossing
Toll Brothers
Luxury new construction in South Lyon. Lyon Preserve offers ranch and two-story designs in a wooded enclave near downtown South Lyon.
Active community: Lyon Preserve
Singh Homes
Local luxury builder with deep Oakland County roots. Charleston Park offers walkable access to downtown South Lyon — one of the more unique locations in the market.
Active community: Charleston Park
Robertson Brothers
Specializes in ranch-style and condo communities. Hudson Townes brings a lower-maintenance option to the New Hudson / Lyon Township corridor.
Active community: Hudson Townes, Preserve at Davis Creek
Other Active Builders
M/I Homes (Oak Ridge), Quality Homes (Kensington Place in New Hudson), and custom builders are also active throughout the township.
Price ranges: mid $300Ks to $800K+
New Construction Mortgages Are Different — And We Know How They Work
Buying a new construction home from a builder like Pulte or Toll Brothers is not the same as buying an existing home. Builders have their own preferred lenders and will offer incentives to use them — but those incentives often come with higher rates or fees baked in. You have the right to use any lender you choose.
We help new construction buyers navigate builder contracts, extended rate lock periods (sometimes 6–12 months for a build), construction timelines, and the final closing process. We have done this many times in this specific market and we know what to watch for. If you are signing a contract with any of the builders above, talk to us before you commit to their in-house lender.
Why South Lyon Homebuyers Choose First Commerce Financial
We Know This Market as Residents — Not Just Lenders
Kirk lives here now. Ken lived here for years. We know the difference between a South Lyon city address and a Lyon Township address with a South Lyon zip code. We know the school district boundaries, the tax differences between the city and township, and which subdivisions are in which municipality. That local knowledge shows up in every transaction we do here.
Wholesale Rates — Not Builder Lender Markups
As an independent mortgage broker, we shop dozens of wholesale lenders to find you the lowest rate available. Builder lenders set their rates to maximize the builder's profit. We set our rates to maximize your savings. In a market where new construction prices are starting in the mid $400Ks and running well past $800K, even a small rate difference adds up to tens of thousands of dollars over the life of your loan.
Zero Junk Fees
No processing fees, no administrative fees, no surprise charges at closing. What we quote is what you pay. In the South Lyon market, where closing costs on a $600K new construction home can be substantial, complete fee transparency matters.
Background in Title and Real Estate — Not Just Mortgages
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 your transaction — including the parts that trip up new construction buyers who have never been through a builder closing before.
Mortgage Programs for South Lyon & Lyon Township Buyers
Conventional Loans
The most common choice for South Lyon and Lyon Township buyers. Most new construction here is priced for conventional financing with strong rates for qualified buyers.
Jumbo Loans
With new construction pricing frequently exceeding conventional loan limits, jumbo financing is common in this market. We have the lender relationships to compete on jumbo rates.
Extended Rate Locks
New construction builds can take 6–12 months. We work with lenders that offer extended rate lock programs so your rate is protected through the entire build timeline.
FHA Loans
For buyers purchasing in the lower end of the South Lyon market, FHA offers 3.5% down options with flexible qualification standards.
VA Loans
Zero down payment loans for eligible veterans and active-duty military. South Lyon has a strong community of veterans and we close VA loans here regularly.
Refinance
Rate-and-term or cash-out refinances for existing South Lyon and Lyon Township homeowners. We shop wholesale lenders to find your best option.
What South Lyon & Lyon Township Buyers Should Know
City vs. Township taxes are different. The City of South Lyon and Lyon Township have different tax rates. Most new construction is in the township, which generally has lower millage rates — but you need to verify the exact tax assessment on your specific lot before you sign a purchase agreement. We factor full carrying costs into every pre-approval.
South Lyon Community Schools serves almost all of the market. The vast majority of new construction in both the city and township falls within the South Lyon Community Schools district — one of the strongest school districts in Oakland County and a key driver of demand in this market. Always verify school assignment for your specific address before signing a contract.
Builder incentives are not always what they seem. When a builder offers $10,000 in closing cost credits to use their preferred lender, run the numbers carefully. A higher interest rate over 30 years can easily cost more than the upfront incentive. We will give you an honest comparison before you decide.
The market moves fast. New construction communities in Lyon Township are selling quickly. Having a pre-approval in hand before you tour a model home gives you the ability to sign a purchase agreement on the spot if you find the right home. We can typically turn around a pre-approval same day.
We serve the full surrounding area. If you are buying anywhere in the Kensington Valley corridor — Green Oak Township, Hamburg Township, Brighton, Milford, Commerce Township, Wixom, or New Hudson — we can help. This is the market we have worked in for our entire careers.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I have to use the builder's preferred lender?
No. You always have the right to choose your own lender. Builders may offer incentives to use their preferred lender — closing cost credits, upgraded finishes, or rate buydowns — but these incentives are negotiable and the underlying rate and fee structure of the builder's lender may not be competitive. We encourage you to get a comparison quote from us before you commit. We have helped many South Lyon and Lyon Township buyers make this decision with full information.
How does a rate lock work on a new construction home?
When you buy a new construction home, there is typically a gap of several months between signing your purchase agreement and closing — sometimes as long as a year for a full custom build. A standard 30 or 60 day rate lock will not cover that timeline. We work with lenders that offer extended rate lock programs (up to 12 months) specifically designed for new construction buyers, so your rate is protected from the day you sign through the day you close.
What is the difference between South Lyon, Lyon Township, and New Hudson?
The City of South Lyon is a small incorporated city. Lyon Township is the much larger surrounding township — most new construction is here, but many addresses carry a South Lyon zip code (48178). New Hudson is an unincorporated community within Lyon Township with its own zip code (48165). All three areas are served by South Lyon Community Schools and function as one interconnected community. Kirk lives in Lyon Township with a New Hudson address — he navigates this distinction every day.
How long have you been in this market?
Ken lived in the City of South Lyon from approximately 1992 to 1995. Kirk has lived in Lyon Township continuously since 2003 — first with a South Lyon mailing address, now with a New Hudson mailing address. Between them, they have over 30 years of combined residency in this community, plus decades of mortgage experience serving buyers throughout the South Lyon, Lyon Township, and New Hudson market.
Can you help with a new construction purchase at Pulte, Lombardo, Toll Brothers, Singh, or Robertson Brothers?
Absolutely — this is one of our specialties in this market. We work with buyers purchasing in all of the active communities in South Lyon and Lyon Township. We understand builder timelines, extended rate locks, builder contracts, and the specific closing processes these builders use. Talk to us before you sign a purchase agreement and we will make sure you are going into the transaction with full information.
What areas near South Lyon do you serve?
All of them. We lend throughout the Kensington Valley corridor and all of Southeast Michigan — Brighton, Green Oak Township, Hamburg Township, Milford, Commerce Township, Wixom, Novi, Northville, Plymouth, and beyond. If you are buying or refinancing anywhere in Michigan, we can help.
Ready to Buy in South Lyon or Lyon Township?
Talk directly with Ken or Kirk — two people who have actually lived in this community for decades. Straight answers about what you qualify for, how to handle a builder's preferred lender pitch, 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 South Lyon, Lyon Township, New Hudson, and all of Southeast Michigan
