For international buyers and non-U.S. residents looking to purchase real estate in the United States—especially in high-barrier markets like New York City—navigating the mortgage process can be complex. From F1 visa holders to green card applicants, loan eligibility, documentation, and terms vary widely.
This FAQ addresses the most common questions about loan types, qualification criteria, required documents, interest rate locking, refinancing, and the use of overseas assets or income, offering practical guidance for students, entrepreneurs, and overseas investors seeking to finance U.S. properties.
⚠️ All loan-related information provided here does not constitute legal advice or guarantees. For professional guidance, please consult a licensed mortgage advisor or financial expert
Students holding F1 visa can qualify for loans; however, a 40% down payment is required. Besides, the passport must not be expired, and the funds must be held in a bank account within the United States.
There isn’t a significant difference; having U.S. citizenship doesn’t provide any particular advantages. If the client possesses a green card, an A visa, a C visa, or various types of work visas, they can enjoy all the same conditions as a U.S. citizen
Here are the most common types of loans: fixed-rate loans, variable-rate loans, conventional loans, home equity loans, bridge loans, residential loans, commercial loans, construction loans, renovation loans, and more.
Bank application fees, appraisal fees, property title fees, and taxes.
Proof of identity, income verification, assets, and debts.
Loans are typically divided into 15-year and 30-year terms. A 15-year loan typically comes with a fixed interest rate for the entire 15-year period, resulting in higher monthly payments but a higher proportion of monthly principal repayment. On the other hand, a 30-year loan can have both fixed and adjustable interest rates. The adjustable-rate option allows clients to lock in rates for periods such as 3,5, 10, or 20 years, providing slightly lower monthly payments and greater flexibility in choosing loan terms.
Banks require the applicant’s credit records, proof of assets, and other documents for review. Appraisers, property agencies, and other entities provide relevant reports to facilitate the examination. The time required varies depending on different circumstances.
To some extent, it can be beneficial; however, consistently making timely mortgage payments is the best way to accumulate a good credit score.
For most banks, overseas assets can only serve as proof of assets and cannot be used as direct collateral for a loan. Any documents related to overseas real estate assets require a bilingual appraisal report for the property in question, conducted in both English and the local language, along with notarization of any Chinese documents at the U.S. consulate. As for overseas income, banks can only consider income earned overseas that has appeared on tax returns filed in the U.S. for the past two years. For foreign national loan programs, it is not mandatory to provide proof of domestic income. Acre also offers a variety of options for its clients.
Some banks offer the option to lock in the interest rate at the beginning of the application process, while others require loan approval before allowing rate locks. There’s no inherent advantage or disadvantage; it depends on the specific circumstances at the time. Everyone’s situation is different. For more detailed information, you can consult with us for personalized advice.
There are currently no known cases of overseas banks directly providing loans for property purchases in the United States. However, some overseas banks, such as HSBC and Bank of China, operate legitimate banking services in the United States.
Refinancing involves two primary aspects: relocking existing interest rates and using the property as collateral to borrow cash. The specific process is similar to applying for a mortgage when buying a property. Depending on the bank and state regulations, in many cases, you may not need to pay the mortgage recording tax to the government again.
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