The process and procedure for obtaining a mortgage loan as a U.S. expat or a foreign national in the United States can vary depending on the loan program. However, there are a few general steps that are typically followed when applying for a mortgage loan with America Mortgages:
Determine your budget and the type of mortgage that you are interested in
This will help you narrow down your options and provide an understanding of monthly payments and the down payment required.
Compare rates, terms, and benefits of each loan program
America Mortgages’ loan officers are all experts working with foreign national and overseas expat clients – that is all we do! Once you let us know of your requirements, we will suggest a program that best suits your needs, based on our database of 150 U.S lender programs. However, there are a lot of options, such as tenure of the loan, down payment, qualifying standards, etc., that need to be discussed and understood. As the leading experts in this range of mortgage financing, our team can guide you through what can be a confusing array of options.
Get Pre-qualified for a mortgage
The most important step in getting a U.S. mortgage loan is getting a pre-approval letter from America Mortgages. This letter states that you have been pre-approved for a mortgage. It is a straightforward process and is easier than applying for a mortgage in most other countries. It’s a straightforward and easy process and likely easier than applying for a mortgage in most other countries. This involves completing the U.S. loan application, credit report from your home country, and financials showing you have the down payment available. Pre-qualification is vital when you put an offer in on a property. It will be required in every transaction, so it’s better to get it done before you start “shopping.”
Documents needed to apply for a U.S. mortgage
1. Loan application completed
2. Passport
3. Bank statements or financials showing down payment (purchase only)
4. Credit report from your home country or country of residence (U.S. credit not required)
5. If you are choosing to provide personal income, you will need to provide either an income letter or tax returns (no income loans are available)
Loan programs available
U.S. Expat & Foreign National – Second home. This is a property you will personally use and not rent out.
U.S. Expat & Foreign National – Investment property. This a pure investment property that will be rented either long-term or short-term.
Complete a mortgage application
The loan program you choose will depend on how the mortgage application will be completed and what supporting documents will be provided. With America Mortgages, foreign nationals and U.S. expats do not need U.S. credit to qualify for a U.S. mortgage. If you have credit in your home country or the country you are currently living in, that will be sufficient. In the event you don’t have any credit history, we have loan options for this as well.
Receive and review your loan approval
America Mortgages will review your application and supporting information and submit it to the pre-determined lender. If you are approved, America Mortgages will provide you with a mortgage commitment, which outlines the terms and conditions of the loan for you to make a decision. Currently, our approval rate is 97%!
Order the appraisal report for the property
America Mortgages will assist in ordering an official appraisal for the property. This is done by a third-party appraisal management company approved by the lender. The normal cost is $600-$1,000, depending on the property size, location, and complexity.
Clearing underwriter conditions
In general, the loan programs we feature are very straightforward and require minimal documentation from the borrower. However, the underwriter might request for further documentation or explanation for one or two items.
Clear to close “almost home”
Once your loan officer provides you with a “clear to close”, it means all items have been signed off by the underwriter, and the loan is being moved to loan documents/funding status.
Sign the mortgage documents and complete the closing process
Once all the necessary steps have been completed, you will be able to close on the mortgage loan and purchase the home. We have a variety of ways to sign your mortgage closing documents;
1. Sign at a U.S. Embassy or U.S. consulate near you
2. It may be possible to sign at a local notary and receive an Apostille if the country you’re in is a part of The Hague Convention
3. It may be possible to sign over a video call with the escrow agency
4. Limited Power of Attorney – Specific only for this transaction, it may be possible to appoint a trusted advisor in the U.S. to sign the closing documents on your behalf
Fly to the U.S. You are not required to sign in the state or city where the escrow is located. We can arrange a mobile notary to meet you almost anywhere in the U.S. to sign
Our team of mortgage professionals are located around the world with one focus – providing exceptional service and the best loan programs to our clients globally. Some of the ways that America Mortgages can help foreign nationals and U.S. expats include:
1. Offering a variety of mortgage loan options, including conventional, non-QM investor, and jumbo loans
2. Assisting you with the mortgage application process, including gathering and reviewing the necessary documentation
3. Providing personalised guidance and support to help you find the best mortgage loan for your situation
4. Working with you to understand your financial goals and help you achieve homeownership
5. Providing ongoing support and assistance throughout the mortgage process, from application to closing
What’s the unique thing that America Mortgages does that banks can’t? You can actually qualify for a U.S. mortgage with the following:
- No U.S. credit needed
- No personal income required
- No W2 required (U.S. Expat)
- Qualifying based on rental income
- High-Net-Worth Loan programs that do not require any AUM
- Self-employed loan programs
By working with America Mortgages, you can access a range of mortgage loan options that are suited to you and receive expert guidance and support throughout the mortgage process. Foreign nationals can get up to 75% financing, and U.S. expats can get up to 80% financing in all 50 states. This can help you make informed decisions about your mortgage options, increase your chances of obtaining a loan that meets your needs, and enables you to achieve your real estate investment goals.
Schedule a call with us at calendly.com/u-s-mortgages today!
For more details, visit us at www.americamortgages.com or email us at [email protected]
Looking for international mortgage loans globally, including the U.K., Australia, Canada, France, Portugal, Spain, Singapore, Hong Kong, Japan, Thailand, Philippines, Dubai, and many other locations? Visit our parent company Global Mortgage Group (GMG), at www.gmg.asia
