No junk fees. Wholesale rates. And a team with 60+ combined years of mortgage experience serving one of the most dynamic real estate markets in the country. Texas — and the Dallas-Fort Worth Metroplex and Houston metro in particular — has been one of America's fastest-growing markets for over a decade. Millions of buyers have relocated here from California, Illinois, New York, and beyond, drawn by no state income tax, no transfer tax, strong job growth, and a quality of life that is hard to match at any price point outside Texas.
As an independent mortgage broker licensed in Texas, First Commerce Financial shops dozens of wholesale lenders to find you the lowest rate available — with complete transparency and zero junk fees from day one. From Southlake's Carroll ISD luxury corridor to Sugar Land's Fort Bend County master-planned communities to Fort Bliss VA loans in El Paso — we know the Texas market and we are ready to move at its speed.
Get Pre-Approved — It's FreeKirk 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.
Texas is a market we entered because buyers kept asking us to. Michigan buyers relocating to Frisco and McKinney. Arizona buyers comparing the DFW market to the Phoenix market. California and Illinois buyers looking at Southlake for Carroll ISD. Houston Energy Corridor professionals asking about Sugar Land and Fort Bend County. The conversations kept coming — and it became clear that Texas deserved our full attention and a genuine presence across both the DFW and Houston metros.
What makes the Texas market particularly interesting right now is that the recalibration from the pandemic-era peak has created real opportunities for prepared buyers across multiple submarkets. For buyers who are pre-approved and ready to move, this is one of the best entry points Texas has offered in several years.
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 Texas client base. Together Kirk and Ken bring 60+ combined years of mortgage experience to every Texas transaction.
Find a Mortgage Broker Near You in Texas
Searching for a mortgage broker near you in Texas? First Commerce Financial is licensed throughout the state and serves buyers in every major Texas market — from the DFW Metroplex to the Houston metro, Austin, San Antonio, El Paso, and everywhere in between. As an independent wholesale broker we are not tied to a single lender's rate sheet — we shop 20+ lenders to find your best rate regardless of where in Texas you are buying.
We handle everything virtually — same-day pre-approvals, Zoom walkthroughs of your loan options, and closing from wherever is convenient. You talk directly to Ken or Kirk. Not a call center. The co-founders — every time.
The Texas Market in 2026 — What Buyers Need to Know
The DFW Metroplex has recalibrated meaningfully from its 2021–2022 peak. Home prices across the broader Dallas metro are down 3–6% year over year depending on the submarket. Inventory has grown significantly, days on market have increased, and sellers are far more negotiable than they were during the competitive years. For prepared buyers — those who are pre-approved and understand their budget — this is a meaningfully better entry point than anything available in the past four years.
The Houston metro tells a similar story across most submarkets. Sugar Land and Fort Bend County have stabilized with prices essentially flat year over year — down a fraction of a percent — while Katy and The Woodlands continue to see steady demand from Energy Corridor and Medical Center professionals. Across both metros, the buyers who win are the ones who arrive pre-approved, understand the full carrying cost picture including property taxes, and move decisively when the right property comes available.
Texas Property Taxes — The Most Important Number in Your Budget
Texas has no state income tax — a genuine financial advantage that draws buyers from across the country. But Texas property taxes are among the highest in the nation, typically running 1.5%–2.5% of assessed value annually. On a $500,000 home in Collin County, that is $7,500–$12,500 per year. In Fort Bend County where Sugar Land is located, expect $9,000–$13,000+ on a $480K home. In Katy, MUD taxes can push effective rates to 2.5%–3.2%. In Southlake, property taxes on a $1.3M home can reach $25,000–$35,000 annually. The no-state-income-tax advantage is real, but it is partially offset by higher property taxes. We build the correct county and district figures into every pre-approval.
No Texas Transfer Tax — A Cost Advantage Worth Noting
Unlike most states, Texas has no state real estate transfer tax. This is a meaningful cost savings for both buyers and sellers — in Florida, for example, sellers pay a documentary stamp tax on every transaction. In Michigan, both state and county transfer taxes apply. In Texas, neither exists. Combined with no state income tax and our zero junk fee commitment, closing costs in Texas are among the most favorable of any major growth market in the country.
Texas Markets We Serve
We are licensed throughout Texas and serve buyers and homeowners statewide. Our deepest market knowledge is concentrated in the North Dallas corridor and the Houston southwest metro — with dedicated coverage across every major Texas market.
⭐ Frisco, McKinney & Prosper
Three of the fastest-growing cities in America. Frisco median home value around $688,000 — driven by top schools, The Star, PGA headquarters, and massive corporate presence. McKinney at $505,000 offers meaningful value with the same quality of life.
Most Active DFW Market⭐ Denton, Aubrey & Little Elm
The northern frontier of DFW growth — offering value relative to Frisco and McKinney while remaining well-connected to the North Texas employment corridor. Denton is home to UNT and TWU, creating a diverse buyer profile including professionals, faculty, and families.
Value Corridor⭐ Dallas / Fort Worth
The established core of the DFW Metroplex — from the urban neighborhoods of Dallas to Fort Worth's cultural district and surrounding suburbs. Allen, Irving, Grapevine, and the full mid-cities corridor. Strong conventional and jumbo loan activity throughout.
DFW Core⭐ Plano
One of DFW's most established corporate relocation markets — JPMorgan Chase, Toyota North America, and now AT&T's incoming $1.3B Legacy Drive headquarters. Median home prices $490K–$543K with strong demand from corporate professionals and Plano ISD families.
AT&T HQ Coming 2028⭐ Southlake & Carroll ISD
DFW's premier luxury market — anchored by Carroll ISD, ranked #1 in the Dallas-Fort Worth area and #3 in all of Texas. Median sale prices around $1.3M–$1.4M attract corporate relocation executives and equity-rich buyers from California, Illinois, and the Pacific Northwest.
Carroll ISD #1 DFW⭐ Arlington
The geographic midpoint of DFW — home to AT&T Stadium, Globe Life Field, and the University of Texas at Arlington. Median prices around $320K make Arlington one of the most affordable DFW submarkets. Strong VA loan and investment property activity near the Entertainment District.
DFW Midpoint⭐ Austin & Central Texas
Austin's tech-driven growth has pushed median prices well above conforming loan limits in many neighborhoods — jumbo financing is increasingly common. We have strong wholesale jumbo lender relationships and handle Austin area transactions regularly.
Jumbo Market⭐ Houston & The Woodlands
The Woodlands remains one of the most desirable master-planned communities in the country — and one of our most active Houston-area markets. Strong schools, extensive amenities, and a buyer profile that spans first-time buyers to luxury move-up.
Master-Planned⭐ Sugar Land & Fort Bend County
One of Houston's most exceptional suburbs — Fort Bend ISD, a $140,511 median household income nearly double the national average, and master-planned communities including First Colony, Telfair, Riverstone, and New Territory. Median home prices around $480K.
Fort Bend County⭐ Katy
The school district story of the Houston metro — Katy ISD has been ranked #1 in the Houston area for five consecutive years. Cinco Ranch, Elyson, Cross Creek Ranch, and 200+ master-planned subdivisions anchor a market that draws families from across the country. Median home prices around $350K.
Katy ISD #1 Houston⭐ San Antonio
Texas's second-largest city and one of its most affordable major markets — median prices around $285K and a large military presence near Joint Base San Antonio making VA loans a significant part of the market. Strong first-time buyer and military relocation activity.
Military & Affordable⭐ Waco
The I-35 midpoint between Dallas and Austin — a growing market driven by Baylor University, strong rental demand, and median home prices around $255K that attract both first-time buyers and investors. One of the most affordable markets in Central Texas.
Central Texas Value⭐ El Paso
One of the best VA loan markets in Texas — Fort Bliss is one of the largest Army installations in the country and drives enormous VA loan activity. Median prices around $251K mean VA's zero-down benefit covers virtually the entire market.
VA Loan SpecialistsWhy Texas Buyers Choose First Commerce Financial
We Move at Texas Speed
In markets like Frisco and McKinney, well-priced homes go under contract within days. In Southlake, Carroll ISD properties attract multiple offers even in a softer market. In Sugar Land, Energy Corridor professionals move quickly on the right Fort Bend County property. Our pre-approvals — including jumbo pre-approvals for Southlake and Sugar Land luxury buyers — are backed by real underwriting review, which means your offer carries real weight with sellers and listing agents.
Wholesale Rates — Not One Bank's Rate
As an independent mortgage broker, we are not tied to one lender's rate sheet. We compare dozens of wholesale lenders to find the best rate and terms for your specific situation. On a $1.3M Southlake jumbo, a 0.25% rate difference saves over $80,000 over the life of the loan. On a $480,000 Sugar Land home, even a small rate advantage compounds significantly over 30 years.
We Know the Texas Cost Picture
Property taxes, HOA fees, MUD taxes, and insurance costs in Texas vary significantly by county, school district, and community. We build the full carrying cost picture into every Texas pre-approval — not just principal and interest. Fort Bend County MUD taxes in Sugar Land, Tarrant County rates in Southlake, Collin County rates in Frisco — we use the right number for your specific community every time.
Zero Junk Fees
No processing fees. No administrative fees. No surprise charges at closing. What we quote on day one is what you pay at closing — the way we have operated since 2007.
Texas Mortgage Programs
Conventional Loans
The most common choice for Texas buyers with solid credit. Competitive wholesale rates across all price points — from first-time buyer homes in Waco and El Paso to move-up properties in Frisco, McKinney, Plano, Sugar Land, and Katy.
Jumbo Loans
For Southlake, Austin, North Dallas luxury, Sugar Land golf course estates, and properties above conventional loan limits. We work with multiple wholesale jumbo lenders and compete strongly on rates in the $800K–$3M+ range throughout Texas.
VA Loans
Texas has one of the largest veteran populations in the country — with major installations at Fort Bliss in El Paso and Joint Base San Antonio. Zero down payment, no PMI, competitive rates. We handle COE and close VA loans throughout Texas regularly.
FHA Loans
3.5% down for first-time buyers and those with credit scores as low as 580. Popular across Texas's more accessible price tiers — Waco, El Paso, San Antonio, Arlington, and entry-level communities throughout DFW and Houston.
USDA Loans
Texas is a large state and significant portions qualify for USDA rural development financing — including many suburban communities outside the major metro cores. We check eligibility for every buyer.
Investment & DSCR
Texas's rental markets are strong throughout DFW, Austin, Houston, Katy, Sugar Land, and near the Entertainment District in Arlington. DSCR loans qualify based on property rental income rather than personal income — ideal for investors scaling a Texas portfolio.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is it a good time to buy in Texas in 2026?
For prepared buyers, yes. The DFW market has recalibrated significantly from its 2021–2022 peak — prices are down 3–6% year over year in many submarkets, inventory is up, and sellers are more negotiable than at any point in the past four years. The Houston metro including Sugar Land and Fort Bend County has stabilized with prices essentially flat — meaning strong communities are holding value while buyer conditions have improved. Texas's fundamental demand drivers — no state income tax, no transfer tax, strong job growth, and continued in-migration — remain intact across both metros.
Are property taxes really that high in Texas?
Yes — Texas property taxes are among the highest in the country, typically running 1.5%–2.5% of assessed value annually depending on the county and school district. On a $500,000 home in Collin County, that is $7,500–$12,500 per year. In Fort Bend County where Sugar Land is located, expect $9,000–$13,000+ on a $480K home. In Katy, MUD taxes can push effective rates to 2.5%–3.2%. In Southlake, property taxes on a $1.3M home can reach $25,000–$35,000 annually. We build the correct county and district figures into every pre-approval.
I am relocating to Texas from out of state — can you help?
Absolutely — Texas attracts buyers from across the country and relocation purchases are a significant part of our business. We can get you pre-approved before you arrive, walk you through Texas's specific carrying costs, and be ready to move the moment you find the right property. We are particularly experienced with corporate relocation buyers moving to Southlake for Carroll ISD, Plano for major corporate campuses, Sugar Land for the Energy Corridor and Fort Bend ISD, and Katy for the Energy Corridor and Katy ISD.
What areas of Texas do you serve?
We are licensed throughout Texas and serve buyers and homeowners statewide. Our most active markets are the North Dallas corridor — Frisco, McKinney, Prosper, Denton, Aubrey, Little Elm, Plano, Southlake — plus Dallas/Fort Worth, Arlington, Austin, and the Houston southwest metro including Sugar Land, Fort Bend County, Katy, and The Woodlands. We also serve San Antonio, Waco, and El Paso. Every market we serve has a dedicated city page with local market data, neighborhood breakdowns, and the loan programs most active in that specific area.
Do you handle VA loans in Texas?
Yes — VA loans are one of our specialties in Texas. Fort Bliss in El Paso is one of the largest Army installations in the country, and Joint Base San Antonio drives significant VA loan activity in South Texas. We also handle VA jumbo loans for eligible veterans purchasing in Southlake and other luxury DFW markets. We handle the Certificate of Eligibility process completely and close VA loans across Texas regularly.
What is the difference between Sugar Land and Katy for Houston area buyers?
Both are excellent master-planned Houston suburbs with top-rated schools, strong community amenities, and significant buyer demand — but they appeal to somewhat different profiles. Katy is anchored by Katy ISD and the Energy Corridor's western edge, with median prices around $350K and a large percentage of new construction. Sugar Land is anchored by Fort Bend ISD, is more established, has a significantly higher median income base, and runs $480K median. We finance both and can help you think through the comparison with real numbers.
Wondering why an independent broker beats a mortgage banker in Texas?
Texas attracts buyers from all over the country — and mortgage bankers follow that same demand. Most will tell you they lend their own money so they have 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. In a market where property taxes are already among the highest in the country — and where Southlake jumbo buyers are financing $1M+ and Sugar Land buyers need accurate Fort Bend County MUD tax estimates — getting the absolute best rate and fee package is not a nice-to-have. It is essential.
Mortgage Broker vs. Mortgage Banker — Who Is Transparent? →Ready to Buy or Refinance in Texas?
Talk with Kirk or Ken — 60+ combined years of mortgage experience, wholesale rates, and zero junk fees. Whether you are buying in Frisco, relocating to McKinney, purchasing in Southlake for Carroll ISD, settling into Sugar Land's First Colony or Telfair, buying near Fort Bliss in El Paso, investing near AT&T Stadium in Arlington, settling into a Katy master-planned community, or relocating to Plano for a new corporate role — straight answers about what you qualify for and what your mortgage will actually cost. No pressure, no obligation.
Start Your Free Pre-ApprovalOr call or text us directly at (248) 459-5511
First Commerce Financial | Licensed Texas Mortgage Broker | NMLS #137512 | Serving Frisco, McKinney, Prosper, Denton, Dallas, Fort Worth, Plano, Southlake, Arlington, Austin, Houston, The Woodlands, Sugar Land, Fort Bend County, Katy, San Antonio, Waco, El Paso, and all of Texas
Free Mortgage Calculators & Tools
Use these free tools to run your numbers before you talk to a lender — no signup required.
