Business Details
19 Years
experience
Your Trusted Mortgage Partner for Low-Rate Home Loans
Founded in 2007 by co-founders Kirk Chivas and Ken Turkington, our company leverages 50+ years of combined mortgage industry experience to deliver transparent financing solutions. We specialize in helping clients achieve homeownership through personalized strategies, including low-down-payment options, competitive rate locks, and streamlined pre-approval processes. Our team's track record includes scaling Pioneer Mortgage to Michigan's second-largest lender status and growing Sallie Mae's mortgage division into a multi-billion-dollar entity. We maintain licensing in Arizona, Florida, Michigan, and Texas, adhering to strict compliance standards while eliminating hidden fees.Our approach combines decades of market insight with client-centric service, offering FHA, VA, jumbo, and conventional loan programs tailored to first-time buyers and seasoned investors alike. We emphasize financial education through training resources and maintain partnerships with real estate professionals to simplify the homebuying journey. Our underwriting team provides clear documentation requirements and soft credit inquiries to minimize client stress during the approval process.
Services
Mortgage Loans
FHA Loans
VA Loans
Jumbo Loans
Refinance Options
First-Time Homebuyer Programs
USDA Loans
Fixed Rate Mortgages
Investment Property Loans
Debt Consolidation Refinancing
Details
- Year established: 2007
Highlights and features
- We offer 50+ years of combined mortgage industry experience.
- Our process eliminates junk fees and hidden charges.
- We provide personalized pre-approval with soft credit inquiries.
- We offer diverse loan programs for all buyer profiles.
- Our team includes NMLS-licensed mortgage broker owners.
What people say
Transparent process
Expert guidance
Successful home purchases
No junk fees
Personalized service
Services
Mortgage Loans
We provide comprehensive mortgage loan solutions tailored to individual financial situations. Our services include rate locking, pre-approval processing, and customized payment plans. With access to multiple loan programs, we help clients navigate conventional, government-backed, and specialty financing options while maintaining full fee transparency throughout the process.
FHA Loans
Our FHA loan program enables homebuyers with lower credit scores to purchase property with 3.5% down payments. We guide clients through the specialized documentation requirements and debt-to-income ratio considerations while ensuring compliance with federal housing administration standards and avoiding private mortgage insurance requirements.
VA Loans
We specialize in zero-down VA loans for military members and veterans. Our process includes navigating the VA appraisal requirements, explaining funding fee exemptions, and facilitating streamline refinancing options while coordinating with the Department of Veterans Affairs to meet habitability standards for purchased properties.
Jumbo Loans
Our jumbo loan program caters to high-end property purchases exceeding $647,200. We offer both fixed and adjustable rate options with flexible underwriting standards, helping clients secure financing for luxury homes while maintaining competitive pricing on larger loan amounts.
Refinance Options
We provide mortgage refinancing solutions to lower payments, reduce loan terms, or consolidate debt. Our services include rate-and-term refinancing, cash-out options, and specialized programs for existing VA loan holders seeking streamline refinancing with reduced documentation requirements.
People
Kirk Chivas
Mortgage Broker/Owner
With 25+ years of mortgage industry experience, Kirk co-founded First Commerce Financial after scaling Pioneer Mortgage to Michigan's second-largest lender status. He specializes in strategic loan structuring and maintains NMLS license #160828.
Ken Turkington
Mortgage Broker/Owner
Ken brings 25+ years of mortgage expertise, having co-founded First Commerce Financial following successful tenures at Pioneer Mortgage and Sallie Mae. He focuses on client education and maintains NMLS license #137873.
Questions
What mortgage options are available for first-time homebuyers?
We offer FHA loans with 3.5% down, VA loans with zero down for veterans, USDA rural development loans, and conventional programs with low down payment options tailored for first-time buyers.
Do I need a home selected before applying for a mortgage?
No, we recommend getting pre-approved first to understand your budget and strengthen purchase offers. We only need basic financial information for initial pre-approval.
What documentation is required for mortgage approval?
We typically need two years of tax returns, recent pay stubs, bank statements, and employment verification. Our underwriting team will specify exact requirements after your initial consultation.
Can I refinance my existing mortgage?
Yes, we offer rate-and-term refinancing to lower payments or shorten loan terms, plus cash-out options for debt consolidation. VA loan holders qualify for specialized streamline refinancing programs.
Are there benefits to owning a home versus renting?
Homeownership builds equity through mortgage payments, offers tax deductions for interest and property taxes, and allows property customization while serving as a long-term appreciating asset.
How do jumbo loans differ from conventional mortgages?
Jumbo loans finance properties exceeding $647,200 with specialized underwriting. We offer competitive rates and flexible terms for high-value properties that don't meet conventional loan limits.
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