Finance for foreign nationals - Australian

[Daniel Green]

Hi all, How does someone who isnt a US citizen get access to finance here? I am currently visiting in the US checking out a couple of cities for purchasing property as an investment. Ive met with three brokers here so far who dont have access to products for foreign nationals. Background is that I’m from Australia, and have two partners and are looking to establish a portfolio of properties. We don’t have visas or any US credit history. We all have jobs with income > $100k US pa. Anyone who has some leads or suggestions on how to solve this issue would be appreciated! Thanks, Daniel

[Sandrine Petrou]

Hi Daniel,

It depends which states and what type of investment... commercial, residential, vaca rental....you want to invest as a foreign national. Every states have theirs regulations. In California, San Diego where I reside,  residential lenders require the investor to put 30% as down payment and to finance the balance. The main reason behind it is requested to put down a greater amount  at closing from foreign national is to make up for the lack of credit history....

As far as partners go, I will look into the service of a real estate attorney to help you structure an entity (LLC, s Corp...) to protect each other assets.

Hope this help!

[Javier Lombera]

A few years ago I was looking to open an account from and online bank. While I was looking for info on the HSBC website I cross  with this:

“International borrowers with qualifying documentation do not need U.S. credit history to apply for an HSBC mortgage. We will order your international credit report for your application.” 

I didn’t open the account or have used them but maybe they can help you.

https://www.us.hsbc.com/home-loans/products/intern...

[Cassie Villela]

I'm an agent in San Antonio, Texas. I've helped non-citizens find investment properties and finance them through a Foreign Nationals Program. It was difficult to find a lender willing to do it though, and the terms are pretty rough (5 yr balloon, high interest rate). It's generally been easier to get non-citizens loans for an owner-occupied home (there are programs for that), and I've had a client that just moves every couple of years and keeps the old homes as buy and holds. Message me if you want the name of the lender I found who was willing to do these loans...it was not easy to find one, even in San Antonio!