Foreign National Home Buying in the U.S.

Moving to the U.S.? Here’s how buying and financing a home can work.

Whether you are purchasing an investment property first, buying a second home while living abroad, or using overseas income or assets to qualify, our team can guide you through the U.S. mortgage and closing process step by step.

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Typical Down Payment Often starts around 25% down, depending on the loan program and borrower profile.
Typical Closing Time Many purchases can close in about 14 to 30 days once documents and title are ready.
Escrow Deposit Usually around 1% of the purchase price (credited back at closing), but it is negotiable in the contract.

What We Help With

Buying in the United States is different from many other countries. We help make the process clear.

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Foreign National Loan Guidance
We help match your scenario to the right type of mortgage.
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Agent + Lender Coordination
Your real estate agent and lender work together through closing.
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Title + Insurance + Closing Support
We coordinate with title and help keep insurance and documents on track.
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Relocation-Friendly Experience
We can connect you with agents who have personally moved to the U.S. from abroad.
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Loan Options

Which foreign national mortgage option fits your situation?

Different programs work differently depending on whether the property is an investment, a second home, or whether you want to qualify using income or assets from outside the U.S.

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Foreign National DSCR Investment Loan

A DSCR loan is one of the most common options for foreign buyers purchasing U.S. property. Instead of using personal income, the lender qualifies the loan based on the expected rental income the property can generate. This means U.S. income, U.S. tax returns, and U.S. credit history are generally not required. These loans tend to start at 30% down. Because the property is being qualified as an investment, the borrower will sign an affidavit at closing stating the property will not be occupied as a primary residence.

This is a popular option for borrowers who want to purchase a short-term rental, come and go as needed, stay in the property while they are business shopping for their visa, and also create income from the short-term rental when they are not using it.

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Foreign National Second Home Loan

A second home loan may be available for buyers who want to purchase a home in the United States for personal use or eventual primary use while still living in another country. These programs often start at 25% down. You do not have to own another home in another country to qualify, but we do need income from your home country to support the loan.

Qualification is typically based on overseas employment and income, with documentation such as employment letters, income history, and employer verification. Depending on the borrower, these loans can offer better terms than an investment DSCR loan.

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Asset-Based Mortgage

An asset-based loan allows some borrowers to qualify using liquid savings, investments, or other accessible assets instead of traditional employment income. This can be a strong option for international buyers with substantial reserves who want to show financial strength without relying strictly on salary documentation.

At a Glance

What to expect financially

25%+ Minimum down payment often starts here depending on the program.
~1% Earnest money / escrow deposit is often around 1% of the purchase price (credited back at closing).
14–30 Days is a common closing range once the file and title are ready.
4%–6% Closing costs are often estimated in this range of the purchase price, plus your down payment.
Closing costs vary by property, county, loan type, taxes, insurance, negotiated seller credits, and title charges. Final numbers are estimated first and then finalized closer to closing.
How the U.S. Process Works

Step-by-step from offer to closing

1

Choose your financing path

We review your scenario and determine whether a DSCR investment loan, second home mortgage, or asset-based mortgage is the best fit.

2

Get connected with the right real estate agent

If you are not already working with an agent, we can connect you with one. We also have agents who have personally relocated to the U.S. from another country, which can make the process feel much easier to understand.

3

Submit an offer and negotiate terms

When you make an offer on a home, you can negotiate much more than just the price. This can include the closing date, inspection period, seller-paid closing costs, and items that stay with the property such as appliances or pool equipment. Your agent will help you structure that offer.

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Deposit earnest money into escrow

Once you go under contract, you typically place a good-faith deposit into escrow. This is often around 1% of the purchase price, although it is negotiable. That deposit is credited toward the total amount due at closing.

5

Complete inspections and due diligence

Home inspections are usually not required by the lender, but they are strongly recommended, even on new construction. This is your chance to better understand the condition of the property before closing.

6

Work through insurance, title, and final lender conditions

The lender helps coordinate with the title company and ensures the file is ready to close. Home insurance is chosen by you, although we can recommend companies if needed. Once the lender and title company are both ready, final figures are balanced and closing is scheduled.

How buying in America is different

  • In the U.S., buyers typically work closely with a real estate agent, lender, and title company through the full transaction.
  • The title company handles the money, title work, documents, and disbursement of funds at closing.
  • The title company is often selected by the seller, although that can be negotiated in the contract.
  • The lender and title company work directly together near closing to finalize fees and prepare the closing package.
  • Closing costs and down payment are usually wired to title before closing, and title distributes the funds accordingly.

Compared with a British purchase

  • Many buyers from the UK expect solicitors to manage much of the legal side. In the U.S., the transaction more commonly flows through the title company, lender, and agents.
  • American real estate agents remain heavily involved through negotiations, inspections, timelines, and closing coordination.
  • There is usually more contract negotiation around practical items such as appliances, pool equipment, repair periods, seller credits, and timing.
  • Escrow deposits are standard and are held during the transaction as part of the contract.
Closing Costs Explained

What your money covers at closing

Before closing, you will receive estimates. Final figures are completed closer to closing after the lender and title company balance everything together.

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Funds Due at Closing

Your total due at closing generally includes your down payment, your remaining closing costs, and any prepaid items not already covered by credits or deposits. Your earnest money deposit is deducted from the amount due.

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Common Closing Fees

Closing fees can include property taxes, homeowners insurance, title fees, mortgage-related fees, recording charges, documentary stamps on the mortgage, deed-related transfer taxes, and real estate commission where applicable.

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Negotiable Costs

Some closing costs can be negotiated in the contract. In some cases, buyers ask the seller to contribute toward closing costs, and this becomes part of the overall offer strategy.

Need an agent and lender who understand relocation?

If you are moving to the U.S. and do not already have a real estate agent, we can connect you with one. We also have agents who have personally gone through the same process of moving from another country, which can be incredibly helpful during your search and purchase.

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Florida Homes & Loans Inc.
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728 West Ave PMB 4017, Cocoa FL 32927

+1(407) 242-7758

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