Can non-citizens buy? Mortgages on a visa, down payments, credit, the steps from pre-approval to closing, and costs beyond the price.
Many newcomers want to stop renting. You do not need to be a citizen or a green card holder to buy a home in the US. The hard part is the mortgage (a home loan).
Are you ready?
Stable income and a plan to stay several years. Buying and selling cost a lot; owning for a short time often loses money.
US credit history: lenders look at your credit score. Many want to see some history first.
Down payment: the part of the price you pay yourself. It can be as low as a few percent for some loans, but 20% avoids monthly PMI (private mortgage insurance) on a regular loan.
Closing costs: fees and taxes paid at the end, often several percent of the price.
Savings left over after buying, for repairs.
Mortgages and your status
Green card holders can get the same loan types as citizens.
Visa holders (H-1B, L-1 and others) can often get conventional loans. Lenders usually ask for a valid visa and work permission, and may look at how long it remains valid.
Since May 25, 2025, FHA loans (government-insured loans with low down payments) are no longer available to non-permanent residents. Only citizens and permanent residents qualify.
Some lenders offer loans to people with an ITIN instead of an SSN, often at higher rates.
The steps
1
Check your credit report and score. See Free credit reports, freezes and fraud alerts.
2
Get pre-approved by a lender: they check your income and credit and say how much you can borrow. Compare at least three lenders.
3
Choose a real estate agent (the buyer's agent). Read the written agreement about how they are paid.
4
Make an offer. Include contingencies: conditions, like a good inspection or getting the loan, that let you cancel.
5
Get a home inspection by an independent inspector.
6
The lender orders an appraisal (an estimate of the home's value).
7
Closing: you sign the papers, pay the down payment and closing costs, and get the keys.
Costs after you buy
Monthly mortgage payment, property tax, homeowners insurance, and possibly HOA fees.
Repairs: roof, water heater, heating and cooling. Many people set aside about 1% of the home's value each year.
Free help
HUD-approved housing counselors offer free or low-cost advice to first-time buyers. Find one at hud.gov.
Common mistakes
Wiring the down payment after an email with "new bank details". Always call the closing company at a number you already know. This is a very common scam.
Buying the most expensive home the lender approves.
Skipping the inspection to make an offer look stronger.