Foreigners with significant capital (20% – 30% of purchase price) shouldn’t have trouble purchasing real estate in the United States. If you are in that situation, I would recommend working with a real estate agent that focuses on investors and to check in with your immigration lawyer.
While more complicated, some non permanent residents are able to purchase a home, to live in, with low down payment options. These mortgages, such as FHA, are backed by the federal government as a way incentivize home ownership for the good of the American economy overall.
Here are some sources to check out, do your own research and know that things do change. (I have no affiliation with these authors, I simply like their explanations).:
https://www.stilt.com/blog/2019/09/opt-mortgage-loan/
It is important to have, and check in with, an immigration lawyer. Depending on your situation, you may or may not want to do something that could look like immigrant intent. Also some real estate activities are subject to work authorization rules.
The number one thing lenders care about is stability in knowing the mortgage will get paid; so for example, somebody on H-1b (long term work visa, waitlist for Green Card) or with an EAD (working papers) awaiting marriage interview, is going to have an easier time, while somebody on a tourist visa will probobly have to put the 20-30% as an investor.
Credit Score Tip: If you do not have much credit history, you can see if the person you are partnering with is able to add you as an authorized user to some of their cards. They don’t have to actually hand you the cards and most issuers will report the account history on your credit report. More about Credit Card Authorized User: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1YQY2VxLvTk Speak with a non profit that helps people with financial planning. This takes time so the sooner, the better.
I also know that some H-1b visa holders worry about what would happen if they lost their job after buying their home, (H-1b visa holders must find a job within a certain, small window of time or leave the US). My advice would be to speak with their real estate agent and/or a local property management company, to make sure the house could “cash flow” (rents greater than expenses), if the owners were to move out. Then the house becomes an investment worth holding onto.
Commentary on Affidavit of Support (form I-684): As part of the application for permeant residence, most immigrants must have a sponsor, typically the spouse/family member petitioning for them, show the government that they make enough money so that the immigrant won’t be reliant on certain public benefits. https://www.uscis.gov/i-864 When the petitioner’s income doesn’t meet the chart, assets can be taken into consideration, including the equity of real estate. Utilizing strategies, like the BRRRR method, require a lot less work than a (full-time) job, and are a great way to meet the I-684 requirments. Know that there are ways to invest in real estate without having the money yourself.
If you are a non-permanent resident, inside the USA, have a stable source of income and you are interested in joining me on House Hack 2021, I welcome you to reach out to me.
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