Lender List: Top U.S. Mortgage Lenders for International Property Investors

FREE DOWNLOAD: 10 Costly Mistakes Foreigners Make Buying U.S. Real Estate

For international investors, buying U.S. property to get consistent cash flow is a smart move. To do this well, picking the right mortgage lender is very important. Foreign buyers often face special problems getting a loan. This means specialist lenders are a must-have partner for your investing.

This guide is for you, the global property investor. We’ll show you what makes the best U.S. mortgage lenders for foreign nationals. We’ll also cover key things to think about when you choose. Plus, we’ll give examples of top lenders who work with people like you. Our goal is to help you pick a lender. This will make your path to successful U.S. property investment much easier.

Investment Properties: Browse U.S. Investment Properties Tailored for Non-Resident Investors

Key Things to Know: Picking a U.S. Mortgage Lender for Foreign Nationals

• Special Lenders are Key: Most U.S. banks don’t offer foreign national loans. You need lenders who focus on these loans.

• Look for Experience: Choose lenders who have worked with many international clients. They should know about your special money situation.

• Many Loan Options: The best lenders offer different kinds of loans. These include Traditional Foreign National, DSCR, and ITIN loans. They should have a loan that fits your needs.

• Flexible Rules: Good lenders can use credit reports from your home country. They can also check foreign income. Or they can use the property’s income to approve a loan (like with DSCR).

• Clear Talk: Pick a lender who explains things clearly. They should offer help in different languages. The loan process should also be easy.

• Check Reviews: See what other international investors say about the lender. Look at their reputation and how they treat customers.

• Compare Offers: Always compare loan offers from different special lenders. This helps you get the best rates and terms for your consistent cash flow goals.

Related: Your Essential Guide to Foreign National Mortgages for Non-Residents

Section 1: Why Special Lenders are a Must for International Investors

Getting a U.S. mortgage can be hard for international investors. This is true if you don’t have a U.S. credit history, a Social Security Number (SSN), or U.S. income. Most regular U.S. banks mainly lend to U.S. citizens. Their normal loans are often too hard or not possible for foreign buyers.

This is why special mortgage lenders are so important. These lenders have created specific loans and rules just for you. They can:

• Handle Different Financial Backgrounds: They understand and can check foreign income. They also work with money you keep in other countries. They can also use your international credit history.

• Work with Your Visa Status: They have ways to help non-U.S. citizens. This includes those without permanent residency or a U.S. work visa.

• Deal with Complex Documents: They know how to handle translated papers. They also know about Apostille needs and other international legal steps.

• Offer Special Loans: They provide loans like DSCR loans. These are perfect for international investors who want properties that make money.

Working with a lender who understands international money deals can make the process much smoother. It can also help you get better loan terms for your U.S. property investment.

Related: Everything You Need to Know About U.S. Mortgage Rates for Non-Residents

Section 2: How to Pick the Best Foreign National Mortgage Lender

For international investors, the “best” lender isn’t just about the lowest rate. It’s about finding a partner who can handle the tough parts of foreign national financing. Think about these key points:

• Experience with Foreign Nationals:

• • Good History: Look for lenders who have a long history of helping non-U.S. citizens get loans. They should have many successful loans closed. Companies that clearly say “Foreign National Mortgage” or “International Investor Loans” are a good place to start.

• Knows International Paperwork: They should be fine with foreign tax returns and bank statements from other countries. They should also understand international credit reports.

• Support in Your Language: A lender with a team that speaks many languages can make talking easier. This is helpful for clients overseas.

• Many Loan Programs Offered:

• • DSCR Loans: For most international investors focused on consistent cash flow, DSCR loans are very important. The best lenders will have strong DSCR programs. These loans check if the property’s income can cover its costs. They often do not need you to show your personal income or U.S. credit.

• • Traditional Foreign National Loans: If you have foreign income you can prove, look for lenders with these programs. Check their competitive LTVs (Loan-to-Value).

• • ITIN Loans: If you have an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) and U.S. income, make sure they have ITIN-specific loans.

• • Other Loans: Some lenders might also offer Bank Statement Loans or Asset-Based Loans. These give other ways to get a loan.

• Clear Information and Good Communication:

• • Clear Rules: A good lender will clearly list all needed documents. They will also tell you the timeline and costs from the start.

1. • Quick to Respond: Getting a loan can be complex. Choose a lender whose team replies fast. They should be there to answer your questions.

1. • Easy Online Tools: Lenders who offer online tools for applying and sending documents can make things simpler. This is very good for clients overseas.

• Good Rates and Terms:

• • Foreign national loan rates are usually higher. But you can still find good deals within this special market. Compare interest rates, fees, and penalties from different lenders.

• • LTVs: Look for good Loan-to-Value (LTV) ratios. These should match the down payment you want to make. Some lenders offer up to 70-75% LTV for purchases.

• Good Name and Reviews:

• • Look up online reviews, stories from past clients, and awards. What other international investors say can be very helpful.

1. • Industry articles and expert views can also point out good lenders in this field.

Related: U.S. Mortgages for UK Residents: Everything You Need to Know

Section 3: Top U.S. Mortgage Lenders for Foreign Nationals (Examples)

“Best” can mean different things for different investors. But some lenders are often named for their skill and what they offer to international investors. Always do your own check and compare offers. Rates and terms can change often.

Here are examples of types of lenders and some active companies. These are known for focusing on foreign national and special (non-QM) loans:

A. Lenders Just for Foreign National Mortgages:

These companies often focus mainly on foreign national loans. They offer very specific programs.

• America Mortgages: They were among the first to offer mortgage services for foreign nationals. They have a high approval rate for U.S. loans for foreign investors. They accept international credit reports. They offer loan terms from 5 to 30 years and loan amounts up to $5 million.

• Milo Credit: They focus on international real estate investors. Milo has new loan programs. They make applying online easy. They aim to close loans within 30 days. They work with second homes and investment properties.

Get Pre-Approved: Schedule a call with one of our U.S. real estate investment experts and start exploring your U.S. property investment today

B. Special Lenders (Non-QM) with Strong Foreign National Programs (often with DSCR Focus):

Many lenders who specialize in Non-Qualified Mortgages (Non-QM) have good programs for foreign nationals. This often includes DSCR loans.

• Griffin Funding: They offer many non-QM loans. This includes DSCR loans (loans up to $5 million, and down payments as low as 20% on DSCR) and ITIN loans. Their rates are competitive for foreign nationals. They stress that you don’t need personal income checks for DSCR loans.

• Angel Oak Mortgage Solutions (or Angeloakms.com): They are known for their Investor Cash Flow (DSCR) loans. These loans are for real estate investors. They don’t need income or job information. They also have foreign national mortgage programs for properties you don’t live in.

• New Silver: This is a direct lender for real estate investors. New Silver offers DSCR loans with flexible terms. They have no minimum DSCR needed, which makes them easy to get.

• Easy Street Capital: They say they are a top DSCR lender. They have funded many DSCR loans. They are known for being flexible and good for investors. This includes those investing in short-term rentals.

• Truss Financial Group: They offer DSCR mortgages. This includes “no ratio” loans for special cases where rent might not fully cover the loan payment. This shows their flexibility.

Related: Essential Guide to DSCR Loans for Foreign Nationals and Non-Residents

C. Big Banks with International Teams (for certain buyers):

Some larger banks with strong global connections may have programs. These are often for wealthy people or those who already bank with them.

• HSBC Bank USA: They offer U.S. mortgages for foreign nationals. They note that international buyers with the right papers do not need a U.S. credit history to apply. They have big mortgage loans (jumbo loans) for properties over $5 million.

D. Lenders for ITIN Loans:

These lenders focus on those who use an ITIN.

• Waterstone Mortgage: They offer an ITIN loan program. This is for people who live in the U.S. and file taxes with an ITIN. You can get loans for your main home, a second home, or investment properties. Your U.S. credit score can be as low as 660.

• First Bank (LocalFirstBank.com): They offer ITIN loans for non-U.S. citizens who have moved here legally and have an ITIN. They can consider non-traditional credit history. You might need to take a homebuying course.

Important Note: This list is not complete. Including a lender does not mean we support or recommend them. Interest rates, loan terms, and what you need to qualify change all the time. Real estate investors must do their own careful checking. Compare many loan offers. Talk to a skilled mortgage expert. This will help you find the best loan for your investment goals and money situation.

Speak to an Expert: Schedule a call with one of our U.S. real estate investment experts and start exploring your U.S. property investment today

Section 4: The Application Process: What to Expect

The exact steps can change based on the lender and loan type. But international investors can expect these general steps when getting a U.S. mortgage:

• Pre-Qualification/Pre-Approval: This first step checks if you can get a loan. It gives you an idea of how much you can borrow. Be ready to give basic money details and ID.

• Gathering Documents: This is often the biggest step for foreign nationals. You will need to carefully collect:
  
  • A valid Passport and U.S. Visa (if you have one).
  • Proof of foreign income and job (like letters from work, pay stubs, foreign tax returns).
  • Bank statements (from your country and the U.S., if you have both). These should show money for your down payment, closing costs, and savings (usually enough for 6-12 months of mortgage payments).
  • International credit report or letters from your foreign bank about your credit.
  • The signed paper to buy the property.
  • Translated documents (often need to be officially translated).

• Loan Application: Send in your official loan application with all your papers.

• Underwriting: The lender reviews your application and property details to check the risk. This is where DSCR loans are great, as they mostly look at the property’s income.

• Appraisal and Title: An expert will check the property’s value. A title check will also be done to confirm ownership.

• Closing: Once approved, you will sign the loan papers. Then, the property ownership will move to you. Some lenders let you close remotely or online. This can be handy for international investors. (Source: Milo Credit, August 2023).

Tips for an Easier Process:

• Be Ready: Have all your documents ready, translated, and neat.
• Talk Often: Reply quickly when the lender asks for information.
• Work with an Expert: The right special lender will guide you easily through each step.

Conclusion: Partnering for Profit in U.S. Real Estate

Getting a U.S. mortgage as a foreign national needs a focused plan. Picking the right lender is a very important choice. Understand what foreign national, DSCR, and ITIN loans need. Carefully check lenders based on their experience, what they offer, how clear they are, and their reputation. This way, international investors can get the loan they need. This will help them find great U.S. property investment chances.

The secret to getting consistent cash flow and long-term success is a smart partnership. Learn all you can, compare your choices, and pick a lender who understands your investment goals.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) on U.S. Mortgage Lenders for Foreign Nationals

Here are common questions international investors ask about picking the best U.S. mortgage lenders for foreign national loans.

Q: Why do international investors need special mortgage lenders in the U.S.?

A: International investors often need special lenders. This is because normal U.S. banks usually don’t have loan plans for people who don’t live in the U.S. This is true especially if you don’t have a U.S. credit history, SSN, or U.S. income. Special lenders have loans and rules made just for foreign nationals.

Q: What are the most important things to look for when picking a foreign national mortgage lender?

A: Key things to look for include: the lender’s experience with foreign nationals, the types of loans they offer (like DSCR, ITIN), how flexible their rules are (like taking international credit), clear communication, good rates and terms, and a strong name based on reviews.

Q: Do these special lenders need a U.S. credit score?

A: It depends on the lender and loan type. Some lenders may take international credit reports or other ways to check your credit. DSCR loans, especially, don’t usually need a U.S. personal credit score. They mainly check the property’s rental income.

Q: What is a DSCR loan, and why do international investors like it?

A: A DSCR (Debt Service Coverage Ratio) loan is for rental properties. To get it, the property’s expected rent must be enough to cover its loan payments. International investors like it because it often means they don’t need to show personal foreign income or U.S. credit.

Q: Are ITIN loans for non-residents? What do they usually need?

A: Yes, ITIN loans are for non-U.S. citizens who have an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN). They typically need proof of U.S. income. They might also look at your U.S. credit history or other credit proofs.

Q: What kinds of papers should international investors get ready for these loans?

A: Get ready with your valid passport, U.S. visa (if you have one), proof of foreign income and job (often translated), bank statements (foreign and U.S.), international credit reports or references, and the signed paper to buy the property.

Q: Should I compare offers from many foreign national lenders?

A: Yes, definitely. It’s very important to compare loan offers (like rates, fees, and terms) from several special foreign national lenders. This helps you get the best and most suitable loan for your U.S. property investment goals.