Anyone, regardless of citizenship, can buy and own property in the United States!

How to Buy a Home in the U.S. as a Non-U.S. Citizen

Buying a home in the U.S. as a non-U.S. citizen can seem a bit overwhelming at first, but don’t worry—it’s absolutely possible. The short answer is yes, you can buy property in the U.S., and it’s especially straightforward if you’re paying in cash. However, if you need financing, the process can get a bit trickier. Let’s break down what you need to know.

Buying a House as a Non-U.S. Citizen

Anyone, regardless of citizenship, can buy and own property in the United States. There are no restrictions preventing foreign nationals from purchasing a home. In fact, many people from other countries buy vacation homes or investment properties here—everything from multi-unit apartments to single-family homes and even commercial properties like shopping centers.

So, whether you’re looking for a new home in the U.S. or considering an investment, there are plenty of options available to you.

Getting a Mortgage as a Non-U.S. Citizen

If you’re paying cash for the property, the process is straightforward. However, if you need a mortgage, things can get a bit more complicated. Your ability to secure a mortgage largely depends on your residency status.

Foreign Nationals: If you don’t plan to move to the U.S., you may qualify only for a foreign national loan, which typically requires a higher down payment, comes with higher interest rates, and necessitates an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN).

Permanent Residents: If you have a green card, a valid work visa, or have been granted asylum, you can qualify for a mortgage. Lenders will want to verify your legal residency, and it may be a bit tougher for non-U.S. residents to secure financing.

You might also wonder about FHA loans. Yes, you can apply for an FHA loan as long as you can prove your permanent residency, but the home must be your primary residence—not a vacation or second home.

Most U.S. lenders will check your U.S. credit history to determine your mortgage eligibility. If you don’t have an extensive U.S. credit history, it may be harder for lenders to assess your creditworthiness, which could lead to higher interest rates or difficulties in finding a willing lender.

Selling Your U.S.-Based Home as a Non-U.S. Citizen

If you eventually decide to sell your property, it’s important to know the rules. The IRS requires that buyers of property from non-U.S. citizens withhold 15% of the gross sale price to ensure taxes are paid. If this amount isn’t withheld, the buyer could be liable for additional taxes. The specifics are detailed in the IRS FIRPTA publication.

Working with a trustworthy real estate agent who respects your comfort level and guides you wisely through the process is crucial. It’s important to have someone on your side who prioritizes your best interests. Reach out to me today and we can explore this process together!

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As an experienced real estate agent serving the far north suburbs of Houston, Texas, I specialize in helping clients sell their homes, downsize, or find larger homes to accommodate their growing needs. I provide tailored services in the Spring TX, The Woodlands TX, Conroe TX, Montgomery TX, Magnolia TX, Tomball TX, and Cypress TX areas. Services I provide: Real Estate Agent for Sellers, Home Selling Services, Downsizing Specialist, Buy a Bigger Home, Real Estate Listings, Property for Sale, Real Estate Services, First-Time Homebuyer Assistance, Luxury Home Realtor, Investment Properties Spring TX, Relocation Services The Woodlands TX, New Construction Homes Conroe TX. Service Areas: Spring TX Real Estate, The Woodlands TX Homes for Sale, Conroe TX Properties, Montgomery TX Real Estate Agent, Magnolia TX Realtor, Tomball TX Homes, Cypress TX Real Estate Listings, The Woodlands TX, Alden Bridge, Panther Creek Real Estate, Harper’s Landing Listings. Community and Lifestyle: Family-Friendly Neighborhoods Magnolia TX, Best Schools in Montgomery TX, Gated Communities Tomball TX, Waterfront Homes Cypress TX, Active Adult Communities The Woodlands TX. I also work with the following: Sellers, Downsizers, and Buyers Looking for Bigger Homes, Sell Your Home Spring TX, Downsizing Expert, Upgrade to a Bigger Home Conroe TX, Montgomery TX Home Seller, Magnolia TX Real Estate for Downsizers, Tomball TX Larger Homes, Buy a Bigger House Cypress TX, Gleannloch Farms Realtor, Creekside Park Homes for Sale.