US mortgage financing
US mortgages for Latin American buyers
Yes, you can buy in Florida with financing even if you are not a resident, have no Social Security number and no US credit history. I'll tell you which option fits your case and walk you to closing.
The most expensive mistake is picking the wrong type of credit
Most Latin American buyers arrive convinced there are only two options: pay all cash or take an expensive private loan. Neither is usually the best answer. There is a deep mortgage market, with amortizing 15 and 30-year loans, designed specifically for foreign nationals and for people living in the US on a visa.
I work in both worlds: traditional mortgage credit, with a fixed long-term payment, and short-term private credit for projects. That lets me tell you honestly which one fits, because I don't depend on selling you just one.
Mortgage or private credit: which one fits
They are different products for different moments. This is the comparison almost nobody makes to your face.
| Mortgage or private credit: which one fits | Traditional mortgageTo buy and hold | Private creditTo operate and exit |
|---|---|---|
| Term | 15 to 30 years | 6 to 24 months |
| Amortization | Fixed principal + interest payment | Interest only, principal at maturity |
| Rate | Lower, fixed long term | Higher, it is speed capital |
| Max financing | Up to 70-75% as a foreign national | Up to 90% of project cost |
| Time to close | 30 to 60 days | 1 to 3 weeks |
| Documentation | Full and verified | Minimal, asset focused |
| Ideal for | Primary home, second home, long-term rental | Fix & flip, construction, urgent opportunities |
In many cases the right play combines both: you enter with private credit to close fast and refinance into a 30-year mortgage once the property is ready.
Which program fits you
Your immigration status and the intended use of the property define the terms.
Non-resident
Foreign national
You live in your home country and want to buy in Florida. No Social Security number or US credit needed: your standing is documented from your country of origin.
25-30% down · 15 to 30 years
H-1B, L-1, E-2, O-1, TN, Green Card
Visa holder or resident
If you live in the US on a valid visa, you access essentially the same terms as a citizen, with far lower down payments.
From 3.5-5% down · 30 years
Jumbo
High-value purchases
For properties above the conforming limit, common in Miami, Brickell, Aventura and Sunny Isles. Requires more reserves and closer analysis.
30-40% down · 15 to 30 years
Refinance and cash-out
You already own
You bought in cash or carry an expensive loan. You can pull liquidity back out or improve your terms without selling.
Up to 70% of value · 15 to 30 years
What documentation you need as a foreign national
Less than you think. This is the base of a foreign national file.
- Valid passportPrimary identity document for the entire process.
- US visaA valid tourist visa is generally enough, depending on your nationality.
- Bank statementsRecent months showing financial standing and source of funds.
- Bank reference letterIssued by your bank at home, confirming your relationship and history.
- Accountant letterIncome certification signed by your accountant.
No Social Security number, no US credit score and no US tax returns are required.
How the process works, step by step
From first conversation to keys, with guidance in your language at every stage.
- 1
Define the program
We review your immigration status, the property use and your down payment capacity to see what you qualify for.
- 2
Pre-qualification
With the base documents you get a letter that lets you make a serious offer to a seller.
- 3
Offer and contract
Letter in hand, you negotiate knowing exactly how much you can finance.
- 4
Processing and appraisal
The appraisal is ordered, documents are verified and the file is structured for the lender.
- 5
Closing
Signing at the title company, wire transfer and deed in your name or your LLC's.
Frequently asked questions
Can I buy in the US without being a resident?
Yes. There is no restriction on a foreign national buying US property, or financing it. What changes versus a resident are the terms: more down payment, a somewhat higher rate and underwriting based on documents from your country.
Do I need a Social Security number or US credit?
Not for foreign national programs. Underwriting relies on documented standing in your home country and on the property itself. If you live in the US on a visa and already have an SSN, you access far better programs.
How much down payment do I need?
As a non-resident foreign national, typically 25% to 30% of the price, and it can rise depending on property type. With a work visa or residency it can drop dramatically. On top of that, Florida closing costs run around 5% of the price.
Should I buy in my name or through an LLC?
It depends on use. For investment, an LLC organizes the tax side and adds asset protection, and there are programs designed to lend to the LLC. Primary homes are usually bought personally. Decide this with an accountant before making an offer, not after.
How long does the whole process take?
A traditional mortgage typically closes in 30 to 60 days from contract. If the timeline is tighter, closing with private credit and refinancing afterwards is a valid alternative.
How do I transfer funds for closing?
Funds must arrive by wire to the title company with a traceable source. This is one of the steps that most often stalls Latin American buyers and it should be planned from day one, not the week of closing.
About these numbers
Results are illustrative estimates based on Florida market averages. They are not a credit offer, a pre-approval or a lending commitment. Final terms depend on the lender, the applicant's profile and the property.
Tell me your case and I'll tell you what's possible
No commitment. If your case doesn't qualify today, I'll tell you what's missing so it does.