No junk fees. Wholesale rates. And a founder who's putting his own money into this market — Kirk Chivas is under contract on a new-build home in St. Augustine right now, with a scheduled closing in September 2027. This isn't a market we're guessing about from a spreadsheet. Kirk is going through the new-construction financing process in St. Augustine at the same time you might be.
St. Augustine — the nation's oldest city — blends centuries of history with some of Northeast Florida's most sought-after coastal and golf communities. Whether you're buying in the historic downtown, along the beach, or in a new-build community like Kirk's, First Commerce Financial brings wholesale rates and a zero junk fee commitment to every St. Augustine transaction.
Get Pre-Approved — It's FreeKirk Chivas — co-founder of First Commerce Financial — is currently under contract on a new-build home in St. Augustine, with closing scheduled for September 2027. While the build progresses, Kirk continues splitting time between an apartment in Jacksonville and Michigan, giving him a genuinely current, on-the-ground view of what buyers moving into this area are navigating — from builder financing to the realities of the local market.
Kirk co-founded First Commerce Financial with Ken Turkington in 2007. Together they bring 60+ years of combined mortgage experience — and a genuine commitment to zero junk fees and complete transparency that has defined how they operate since day one.
The St. Augustine Market in 2026
St. Augustine's housing market has cooled modestly from its post-pandemic peak, giving buyers meaningfully more breathing room than just a couple of years ago. Inventory has expanded, days on market have lengthened, and the aggressive multiple-offer environment of 2021–2022 has eased considerably — while the city's fundamental appeal, its history, its beaches, its top-rated St. Johns County schools, and its proximity to Jacksonville, remains fully intact.
New construction is a significant and active part of this market. Builder communities throughout St. Augustine and surrounding St. Johns County continue to bring new inventory online, and buyers navigating a new-build purchase — like Kirk currently is — face a financing process with its own timeline, draw schedules, and rate-lock considerations that differ meaningfully from a resale purchase.
Buying New Construction? Kirk Is Living This Right Now
New-build financing works differently than a resale purchase — extended closing timelines, builder rate lock structures, and construction milestones all factor in. Kirk is personally navigating this exact process in St. Augustine with a September 2027 closing, which means our team has a genuinely current, firsthand read on what builders in this market are asking of buyers and lenders alike.
St. Augustine Neighborhoods & Communities We Serve
🏛 Historic Downtown
Centuries-old streets, Spanish colonial architecture, and walkable charm define St. Augustine's historic core. A mix of restored historic homes, condos, and townhomes attracts buyers drawn to the city's unmatched character and downtown lifestyle.
🏖 St. Augustine Beach & Anastasia Island
Coastal living with direct beach access — St. Augustine Beach carries a meaningful price premium over downtown, running well above $580,000 median. Popular with both primary residence buyers and second-home buyers drawn to the Atlantic coastline.
⛳ World Golf Village
A master-planned community centered around championship golf and the World Golf Hall of Fame. Strong appeal for buyers seeking resort-style amenities, well-established HOA infrastructure, and a mix of single-family homes at a range of price points.
🏜 Vilano Beach
A quieter, more laid-back beach community just across the Usina Bridge from downtown — offering coastal living with easy access to historic St. Augustine without the tourist density of the main beach strip.
🏗 New Construction Communities
St. Johns County has some of the most active new-construction activity in Northeast Florida. Kirk is personally financing a new-build purchase in St. Augustine right now — we understand builder financing, rate locks, and draw schedules from direct, current experience.
📍 St. Johns County
St. Augustine sits within St. Johns County — consistently ranked among Florida's top-performing school districts, a major driver of family demand throughout the broader area, from downtown to the surrounding suburban communities.
Loan Programs for St. Augustine Buyers
New Construction Loans
Financing a new build involves builder rate locks, draw schedules, and extended closing timelines that differ from a resale purchase. Kirk is navigating this exact process personally right now — a genuine advantage for buyers building in St. Augustine.
Conventional Loans
The most common choice for St. Augustine buyers with solid credit, across price points from historic downtown condos to World Golf Village single-family homes.
Jumbo Loans
For beachfront and premium St. Augustine Beach and Anastasia Island properties above the 2026 conforming loan limit of $806,500. We access competitive jumbo pricing from multiple wholesale lenders.
VA Loans
Northeast Florida has a strong veteran and military community given the proximity to NAS Jacksonville and Naval Station Mayport. Zero down, no PMI, competitive rates for eligible veterans and active-duty buyers.
Second Home Mortgages
St. Augustine's beaches and historic charm make it a popular second-home destination. We finance second homes with competitive wholesale rates for buyers who plan to use the property seasonally.
Refinance
Rate-and-term or cash-out refinancing for existing St. Augustine homeowners. Join our Rate Watch System and we will notify you personally the moment refinancing makes financial sense for your specific loan.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does First Commerce Financial actually have a presence in St. Augustine?
Co-founder Kirk Chivas is personally under contract on a new-build home in St. Augustine, with a closing scheduled for September 2027. While the build is underway, Kirk continues splitting time between an apartment in Jacksonville and Michigan — giving our team a genuinely current, firsthand view of the local market and new-construction financing process, not just a licensed service area on paper.
What is the median home price in St. Augustine?
St. Augustine proper is running roughly $415,000 to $465,000 in median sale price as of 2026, depending on the specific data source and time frame. St. Augustine Beach carries a meaningful premium, with median home values above $580,000. Prices vary significantly by neighborhood — historic downtown, World Golf Village, and beachfront communities each carry their own distinct pricing.
How is financing a new-construction home different from a resale purchase?
New construction typically involves a longer closing timeline tied to the builder's construction schedule, a builder-offered rate lock (which may or may not be the best available rate), and sometimes draw-schedule considerations depending on the loan type. Kirk is personally going through this process right now with his own St. Augustine purchase, which means we can walk you through exactly what to expect — including whether it makes sense to use the builder's preferred lender or shop wholesale rates independently.
What is the conforming loan limit for St. Augustine in 2026?
St. Johns County follows the standard 2026 conforming loan limit of $806,500. Most St. Augustine purchases fall within this limit, though premium beachfront and Anastasia Island properties can exceed it, requiring jumbo financing.
Do you serve buyers relocating to St. Augustine from out of state?
Yes — relocation buyers are a significant part of our Florida business. Florida's lack of state income tax, combined with St. Augustine's history, beaches, and top-rated St. Johns County schools, continues to draw buyers from across the country. We can pre-approve you remotely and coordinate with your St. Augustine real estate agent from wherever you're starting.
Looking for a Florida mortgage broker who serves the whole state?
First Commerce Financial is licensed throughout Florida. Kirk Chivas splits time between Jacksonville and Michigan, and is personally under contract on a new build in St. Augustine — real, current experience in this exact market, not just a license on file.
Florida Mortgage Broker — See All Markets We Serve →Ready to Buy in St. Augustine?
Talk directly with Kirk — someone actively going through the new-construction process in St. Augustine himself. Straight answers about what you qualify for and what your mortgage will actually cost. No pressure, no obligation.
Get Your Free Pre-Approval TodayOr call or text Kirk directly at (248) 207-2404
First Commerce Financial | Licensed Florida Mortgage Broker | NMLS #137512 | Serving St. Augustine, St. Johns County, and all of Florida
