So, you’re not a U.S. citizen, but you’re dreaming of owning your first home in America? You’re not alone—and yes, it’s totally possible.
Whether you’re a foreign investor, expat, international worker, or someone who just loves the idea of living stateside, getting a mortgage in the United States as a foreigner in 2025 is achievable—with the right steps and information.
Let’s break it down.
🌎 Can Foreigners Really Buy Homes in the U.S.?
Yes. 100%. The U.S. does not restrict foreigners from buying real estate. You don’t need a green card or U.S. citizenship to purchase property. But buying and financing are two different things.
The tricky part is getting a mortgage—especially without U.S. credit history, a Social Security Number (SSN), or local income.
💡 Key Terms You Should Know
Before diving in, get familiar with these mortgage-related terms in the U.S.:
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Down Payment: The upfront cash you pay (usually 20–30% for foreigners).
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LTV (Loan-to-Value): The loan amount vs. property value. Foreigners may be limited to 65–75% LTV.
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DSCR Loan: Based on rental income—not personal income.
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ITIN: An Individual Taxpayer Identification Number—useful if you don’t have an SSN.
📝 Step 1: Determine Your Residency Status
Your residency status affects the type of loan you can apply for:
Status | Mortgage Access |
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U.S. Citizen | Full access |
Green Card Holder (Permanent Resident) | Full access |
Visa Holder (Non-Permanent Resident – e.g., H-1B, L-1, etc.) | Most loan options available |
Foreign National (No SSN or visa) | Specialized foreign national loans |
If you hold a valid visa, you can often apply for conventional loans. If you’re a non-resident foreign national, you’ll likely use international mortgage programs or private lenders.
🏦 Step 2: Choose the Right Type of Lender
You have two main options in 2025:
✅ 1. U.S. Banks and Credit Unions
Great if you have:
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A visa or green card
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U.S. income or bank accounts
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U.S. credit score or ITIN
Some banks that work with foreign borrowers:
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HSBC USA
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Bank of America
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TD Bank
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Wells Fargo (some programs for international clients)
✅ 2. Foreign National Mortgage Lenders
Perfect if you have:
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No SSN or U.S. credit history
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Non-U.S. income
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High down payment (30–50%)
Examples of lenders offering foreign national mortgages:
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LendingOne
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AmeriNational
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FirstBank Florida
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Global Mortgage Group
💰 Step 3: Get Your Finances in Order
Even without U.S. credit, you can still qualify by showing strong international finances.
What most lenders ask for:
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Passport and visa (or ITIN if you have one)
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Proof of income from your home country (bank statements, tax returns)
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International credit report or bank reference letter
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Asset documentation (savings, investments)
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U.S. or foreign bank account
Down Payment:
Most lenders require at least 30% down for foreign nationals. Some may go lower if you have an established U.S. presence.
🧠 Step 4: Understand the Types of Loans Available
✅ 1. Foreign National Loans
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No SSN or U.S. credit required
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Up to 70% financing (30% down payment)
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Usually offered by private lenders
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Interest rates may be higher (6%–9%)
✅ 2. Conventional Loans (with SSN/ITIN)
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Require good credit score (usually 680+)
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5%–20% down
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Lower interest rates
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Need U.S. job or income verification
✅ 3. FHA Loans (for certain visa holders)
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As low as 3.5% down
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Requires SSN and legal residency
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Lower income thresholds
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Best for first-time homebuyers with a U.S. job
📈 Step 5: Get Pre-Qualified or Pre-Approved
If you’re serious about buying, a pre-approval letter gives you power.
It shows sellers you:
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Are financially serious
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Can actually close the deal
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Know your purchasing limits
What you’ll need:
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2+ years of income documentation
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Proof of employment or self-employment
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Bank statements
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Proof of assets for down payment
🏠 Step 6: Start the Home Search
Now comes the fun part—house hunting!
Use U.S. real estate platforms:
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Zillow
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Realtor.com
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Redfin
Or hire a local buyer’s agent. They understand the process and can guide you through:
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Making offers
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Inspections
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Legal paperwork
⚖️ Step 7: Understand Legal and Tax Obligations
Buying property in the U.S. comes with certain legal rules—even for non-residents.
🧾 You may need to:
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File U.S. tax returns on rental income (if renting it out)
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Pay property taxes (usually 1%–2% of home value per year)
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Work with a U.S. attorney for contracts and title work
Tip: Consult an international tax advisor to avoid double taxation.
🔒 Step 8: Prepare for Closing
Closing usually takes 30–60 days. You’ll need to:
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Wire funds for down payment and closing costs
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Review all legal documents (have a lawyer if needed)
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Sign the mortgage contract and deed
Estimated Closing Costs for Foreign Buyers:
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Loan origination fee: 1%–2%
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Title insurance: $500–$1,500
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Attorney fees: $500–$2,000
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Prepaid taxes and insurance
🚀 Quick Tips for Success in 2025
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Have a U.S.-based co-signer or joint applicant if possible
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Open a U.S. bank account early to show financial ties
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Get an ITIN if you’re not eligible for an SSN
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Choose stable real estate markets with long-term value
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Be ready to show proof of funds and legal source of income
📊 Best U.S. Cities for Foreign First-Time Buyers in 2025
City | Why It’s Great |
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Orlando, FL | Strong rental market + foreign buyer-friendly |
Austin, TX | Tech jobs + growing value |
Phoenix, AZ | Affordable homes + easy process |
Miami, FL | Lots of foreigner-friendly lenders |
Charlotte, NC | Growing economy + lower costs |
🧠 FAQs About Foreigners Getting U.S. Home Loans
❓ Can I buy a home in the U.S. with no visa or SSN?
Yes, but you’ll likely need to go through a foreign national loan program, which requires a higher down payment and more documentation.
❓ Can I get a mortgage with income from outside the U.S.?
Yes, many lenders accept foreign income, especially if it’s well-documented and comes from stable sources.
❓ Is it better to buy in cash as a foreigner?
Cash simplifies things—but if you want to leverage your investment or keep liquidity, mortgages can still work well with proper planning.
🏁 Final Thoughts
Buying your first home in the U.S. as a foreigner in 2025 might seem complicated, but it’s more doable than ever. With specialized loans, international lending programs, and the right support, you can own a piece of America—even without a green card or U.S. credit history.
Do your research, partner with the right professionals, and go step by step. Your dream of American homeownership is closer than you think.