Foreign National Loans for Second Homes
Foreign national mortgages let non-US residents purchase a second home or vacation property in the United States. No US credit history, no US tax returns, no Social Security Number — just a passport, visa or visa-waiver evidence, foreign credit reference, and verifiable reserves.
Highlights
- •No US credit, no SSN, no US tax returns
- •Passport + visa/visa-waiver documentation
- •Foreign credit reference letters (3 typical) or foreign bureau report
- •20–30% down payment
- •Reserves seasoned in a US account 30–60 days before close
Who it's for
Non-US residents purchasing vacation homes in resort markets (Florida, Arizona, California, Hawaii), foreign investors buying personal-use property they will not rent out, and dual citizens spending part of the year stateside.
Frequently asked questions
Can a foreign national buy a primary residence?
Most foreign national programs are designed for second-home use. A few programs allow primary residence if the borrower can document US presence — typically with a valid long-term visa.
What's the minimum down payment?
20–25% on second-home purchase, 30%+ for purely investor-style cash-out. Programs vary.
How are reserves verified?
Funds are wired to a US bank account 30–60 days before closing and seasoned. A 30-day statement on the US account is typically acceptable.
Are mortgage rates higher for foreign nationals?
Yes, typically 0.5–1.5% above a comparable US-citizen second-home rate. The premium reflects the offshore credit and asset profile.
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Related programs
ITIN Mortgages for Borrowers Without an SSN
ITIN mortgages allow borrowers without a Social Security Number to qualify for a primary residence loan using an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number.
Asset-Qualifying Mortgages (Asset Depletion)
Asset-qualifying (asset depletion) mortgages let high-net-worth borrowers qualify using liquid assets in lieu of income. Ideal for retirees and investors.
Today's mortgage rates
Conventional
5.875%
5.911% APR
FHA
5.250%
5.278% APR
VA
5.250%
5.275% APR
Conv: 80% LTV, 780 FICO. FHA: 96.5% LTV, 680 FICO. VA: 100% LTV, 680 FICO. 30-yr fixed. Your rate may vary.