FAQs

HomeAbroad offers financing options for eligible primary residences, second homes, and investment properties.

The requirements for a primary residence or second-home mortgage may differ from those for an investment-property DSCR loan. Depending on the program, owner-occupied and second-home borrowers may need to provide income, employment, credit, visa, or residency-related documentation.

Our team reviews your intended property use and financial profile before recommending an appropriate program.

No. HomeAbroad offers mortgage options for eligible foreign nationals and non-US residents.

You do not necessarily need US citizenship, permanent residency, or a US credit history. Requirements depend on the loan program, property type, intended occupancy, available assets, visa status, and other underwriting factors.

No. Purchasing or owning US real estate does not automatically provide a visa, immigration status, work authorization, or permanent residency.

Some separate immigration programs may involve qualifying investments, but simply purchasing a house or rental property does not make someone eligible for US residency.

HomeAbroad provides real estate and mortgage assistance, not immigration advice. Buyers seeking immigration guidance should consult a qualified US immigration attorney. USCIS separately administers investor-related immigration programs and their eligibility requirements.

Depending on the loan program, eligible properties may include:

– Single-family homes

– Condominiums

– Townhomes

– Two- to four-unit residential properties

– Long-term rental properties

– Eligible short-term or vacation rentals

– Other program-approved investment properties

Property eligibility depends on the loan program, appraisal, condition, occupancy, homeowners association requirements, location, and underwriting review.

Many transactions target a closing period of approximately 30 to 45 days after a complete application and signed purchase contract are received.

The actual timeline depends on factors such as:

1. Loan program

2. Property type

3.  Appraisal scheduling

4. Title and insurance requirements

5. Document completeness

6. Asset verification

7. Purchase-contract deadlines

8. Underwriting conditions

9. Remote signing requirements

A 30- to 45-day period is an estimate, not a guaranteed closing time. Your mortgage team will provide a more transaction-specific timeline after reviewing the file.

Yes. HomeAbroad connects international buyers with experienced Certified International Property Specialist (CIPS) real estate agents who understand the unique needs of foreign nationals purchasing property in the US.

You may also choose to work with your own real estate agent, provided they can support the transaction and coordinate with the mortgage and closing teams.

Not necessarily. Many international buyers complete much of the process remotely through virtual property tours, electronic document submission, digital communication, and remote signing.

Whether the entire closing can be completed remotely depends on the lender, title or escrow company, state law, property location, notarization requirements, and the buyer’s country of residence.

In some transactions, original documents, a power of attorney, an apostille, consular notarization, or another approved signing method may be required.

Yes. HomeAbroad assists buyers who may be purchasing US real estate for the first time.

Our team can help you understand:

– Available mortgage programs

– Property search considerations

– Down payment and closing-cost requirements

– Asset documentation

– Purchase contracts

– Appraisals and inspections

– Underwriting

– Closing procedures

– Post-closing considerations

Specific legal, tax, immigration, and investment decisions should be reviewed with the appropriate licensed professionals.

Depending on the program, HomeAbroad may provide financing for eligible:

– Single-family rental homes

– Condominiums

– Townhomes

– Two- to four-unit rental properties

– Long-term rentals

– Short-term or vacation rentals

– Fix-and-flip properties

– Other approved investment-property types

Not every property qualifies for every mortgage program. Eligibility may depend on the property’s condition, rental use, appraisal, homeowners association, location, occupancy restrictions, and projected or existing rental income.

Potentially. Qualified investors may be able to finance multiple properties or gradually build a US rental-property portfolio.

Approval depends on the applicable loan program and factors such as:

– Available assets

– Down payment

– Closing costs

– Required reserves

– Existing financed properties

– Total mortgage exposure

– Property cash flow

– Borrowing entity

– Underwriting requirements

Each property and loan application must be evaluated individually.

Short-term rental rules vary significantly by city, county, state, homeowners association, condominium association, and property type.

Before purchasing, buyers should verify:

– Zoning rules

– Short-term rental permits

– Licensing requirements

– Occupancy limits

– Rental-period restrictions

– Local taxes

– Homeowners association restrictions

– Condominium warrantability

– Insurance availability

– Loan-program eligibility

Approval for mortgage financing does not confirm that short-term rentals are legally permitted at the property. Buyers should independently verify the intended rental use with the appropriate local authorities and professionals.

HomeAbroad can help eligible property owners explore refinancing options and may connect owners with real estate professionals when they are preparing to sell.

Refinancing eligibility depends on factors such as:

– Current property value

– Available equity

– Rental income

– Loan-to-value ratio

– Property performance

– Market interest rates

– Loan seasoning

– Borrower and property eligibility

Refinancing may reduce a rate, change loan terms, or provide access to equity, but savings and approval are not guaranteed. A future sale price or investment profit also cannot be guaranteed.

Depending on borrower and property eligibility, available mortgage options may include:

– DSCR loans

– Full Documentation loans

– Fix-and-Flip loans

– Bridge loans

The right program depends on the intended property use, property type, rental income, down payment, assets, credit profile, visa or residency status, and investment strategy.

A Debt Service Coverage Ratio (DSCR) loan is an investment property mortgage that qualifies borrowers based primarily on the property’s rental income instead of their personal income.

The property’s DSCR compares its qualifying rental income with its monthly housing expenses, including principal, interest, property taxes, insurance, and, if applicable, homeowners association (HOA) dues.

For more details refer to our comprehensive guide on DSCR Loans.

Depending on the selected program, key features may include:

– No US credit history required

– No international credit report required for most foreign national DSCR loans

– No home-country credit tradelines required for most foreign national DSCR loans

– No personal income documentation required for most foreign national DSCR loans

– No employment verification required for most foreign national DSCR loans

– Home-country bank statements accepted for asset verification, subject to program requirements

– Financing for investment properties, primary residences, and second homes

– Multiple mortgage-program options

– Remote processing and eligible remote-closing options

– Support from professionals experienced with international transactions

Requirements vary by loan program. Documentation that is not required for a DSCR loan may still be required for a Full Documentation, primary-residence, second-home, or other mortgage program.

Down payments may start at approximately 20% for certain eligible foreign national mortgage programs. The actual requirement depends on:

– Loan program

– Property type

– Intended occupancy

– Loan amount

– Loan-to-value ratio

– DSCR

– Available reserves

– Borrower profile

– Property location

– Underwriting requirements

A US credit history is not required for many programs. For most foreign national DSCR loans, borrowers generally do not need an international credit report or proof of home-country credit tradelines.

Certain programs may require additional credit documentation or a larger down payment.

Mortgage rates and costs for foreign national programs may differ from those available through conventional US resident mortgage programs.

Pricing is affected by several factors, including:

– Loan program

– Property type

– Loan amount

– Down payment

– Loan-to-value ratio

– DSCR

– Interest-rate structure

– Prepayment terms

– Required reserves

– Market conditions

– Borrower and property eligibility

Foreign national status is only one part of the overall risk and pricing assessment. HomeAbroad provides a loan estimate and explains the applicable rate, lender charges, third-party closing costs, and other transaction expenses before closing.

Potentially. Foreign national borrowers may be able to refinance when they meet the applicable eligibility and seasoning requirements.

Refinancing may be considered when:

– Market interest rates change

– The property gains equity

– Rental income improves

– The owner wants to change loan terms

– The owner wants to access eligible property equity

Approval and financial benefit are not guaranteed. Borrowers should compare the proposed interest rate, monthly payment, closing costs, prepayment penalty, remaining loan term, and expected property-holding period before refinancing.

The mortgage process for eligible foreign nationals typically takes 30 to 45 days after HomeAbroad receives a complete application, signed purchase agreement, and all required documentation.

The timeline can vary based on factors such as the property type, loan program, appraisal, title review, international fund transfers, and how quickly the required documentation is provided. Final approval is subject to underwriting and satisfaction of all program requirements.

For most foreign national DSCR purchase transactions, borrowers generally need:

– A valid passport

– A visa, if available

– A signed purchase contract

– Bank statements or other acceptable documentation showing sufficient assets for the down payment and closing costs

Funds may be documented through an eligible bank account in the borrower’s home country, subject to asset-verification, sourcing, currency-conversion, and transfer requirements.

For most foreign national DSCR loans, borrowers generally do not need:

– An international credit report

– Proof of credit tradelines from their home country

– Proof of personal income from their home country

– Home-country tax returns

– Employment verification

Depending on the transaction, borrowers may also need to provide entity documents, reserve documentation, gift-fund documentation, insurance information, or other property and closing documents.

Requirements differ for Full Documentation loans, primary residences, second homes, Fix-and-Flip loans, Bridge loans, and other programs.

HomeAbroad can connect you with professionals based on factors such as:

– Property location

– Intended property use

– Investment strategy

– Preferred language

– Property type

– State licensing requirements

– Professional availability

Mortgage professionals must be appropriately licensed or authorized for the applicable transaction and property location.

You may work with your own real estate agent or other professionals. However, they must be able to coordinate with the lender, title or escrow company, and other parties involved in the transaction.

Your HomeAbroad team will provide updates throughout the property search and mortgage process.

Updates may include:

– Application status

– Outstanding documents

– Appraisal progress

– Underwriting conditions

– Loan-program changes

– Closing requirements

– Property-search developments

– Important contract deadlines

The method and frequency of updates may vary depending on the transaction and systems used. You can also contact your assigned team members when you need clarification about the current status.

No, foreign nationals can complete their closing remotely without traveling to the US.

The available signing method depends on factors such as the property’s location, title company requirements, applicable laws, and the details of your transaction. Depending on the situation, you may be able to use electronic signatures, remote online notarization, or sign documents with a local notary or at a US consulate.

The HomeAbroad team will guide you through each step of the signing process based on your specific transaction.

After closing, HomeAbroad may assist with or coordinate support related to:

– Property management

– Insurance

– Refinancing

– Future property purchases

– Real estate professional connections

– Portfolio financing

– General mortgage questions

Property management, legal, accounting, immigration, tax, insurance, and investment-advisory services may be provided by independent third parties and are subject to separate terms and professional responsibilities.

The Foreign Investment in Real Property Tax Act, or FIRPTA, establishes tax and withholding requirements when a foreign person disposes of certain US real property interests.

In many transactions, the buyer or another withholding agent must withhold 15% of the amount realized by the foreign seller. The amount realized is generally broader than the seller’s taxable profit.

FIRPTA withholding is not necessarily the seller’s final tax liability. A seller may be able to claim a credit or refund when filing the applicable US tax return. Exceptions and reduced-withholding procedures may also apply in eligible situations.

For more details, refer to our comprehensive guide on FIRPTA rules for foreign investors.

An LLC may be appropriate for some real estate investors, but it is not automatically the best ownership structure for every buyer.

The decision may affect:

– Personal liability exposure

– Mortgage eligibility

– Title ownership

– Federal and state taxation

– Tax filing obligations

– Estate planning

– Banking

– Insurance

– Property management

– Future transfers or sales

An LLC does not eliminate every form of liability or guarantee tax savings. Foreign buyers should consult qualified legal and tax professionals before selecting an ownership structure.

US tax treaties may reduce tax rates, provide exemptions for certain types of income, determine which country has primary taxing rights, or provide mechanisms for addressing double taxation.

A tax treaty does not necessarily mean that income is taxed in only one country. Treaty benefits vary by country, residency status, ownership structure, and type of income. Some benefits may require specific forms, tax filings, or eligibility conditions.

Foreign property owners should consult tax professionals in both the US and their country of residence.

Rental income from US real property is generally subject to US tax and reporting requirements.

Under the general federal rule, certain rental income received by a nonresident alien may be subject to a 30% tax on gross income unless a lower treaty rate applies.

An eligible foreign owner may elect to treat rental income as effectively connected with a US trade or business. When that election applies, qualifying expenses may generally be deducted, and net taxable income is taxed at applicable graduated rates.

Potential deductible expenses may include qualifying:

– Mortgage interest

– Property taxes

– Insurance

– Repairs

– Property management fees

– Operating expenses

– Depreciation

The correct treatment depends on the owner, property, entity, elections, and tax filings. Foreign owners should work with a tax professional familiar with nonresident rental-property taxation.