Can I Buy a House if I'm not an American Citizen?

Non-citizens can, of course buy real estate in the U.S., if they pay cash.

If they wish to finance the purchase, they will need U.S. employment. 

You can also purchase cash and not have to come to this country to close. US Embassys are considered US soil and you need a US notary to close so that is one way to do it.

Non-citizens can, of course by real estate in the U.S., if they pay cash.

If they wish to finance the purchase, they will need U.S. employment. 

The color of money, green, can overcome many home purchase obstacles, including whether or not someone is a United States citizen.

Of course, the lending rules to which you are speaking are for US lenders.  Canadians, for example, can borrow from a Canadian lender without being subject to these issues.  There are, however, fewer mortgage products to choose from that apply to US properties, and buyers can typically expect to see down payment requirements in the 20-30% range.  Other considerations include having representation in both countries, both for real estate and legal, and taking care of property management issues.

I've been asked this question a few times, so thank you for answering it. 

Thanks!

We sell lots of properties to folks not US citizens. Just closed on a 25 acre farm with new home to two ladies from Paris France. Video did the job and have yet to meet them in person. Same with Ireland seller who we found an English buyer for another home.

A call from Australia came in for another place they saw there with video that travels oh so well. Lots of Canadian buyers for properties like lake cottages where I live two miles from the border. Local loans make with the collateral on this side of the border. You do not have to be an American citizen to get bank loan on property in our area. We are all at least 25% Canadian on this side and our families travel back and forth. Only a line on a map. Have had folks ask is it dangerous being that close to Canada? Dangerous? Heck no.

In San Antonio there have been quite a few Mexican nationals with lots of cash.

They may also need to be mindful of FIRPTA which many do fall under, but if they don't that's great!

Yes, I've sold to foreigners and it wasn't a problem at all.  A good lender helps clear the way.

Great post!  Thank you. It is especially applicable to my market in San Marino and South Pasadena as many non-citizens are purchasing here for schools or investment purposes. Thanks again!

I believe FIRPTA applies when they are selling and involves tax withholding's as they are not necessarily required to file taxes here but certainly doesn't prohibit them from buying property.

Also I don't believe our armed services prohibit foreigner from serving, so foreign citizens may still be able to qualify for VA loans. I am not absolutely sure of this but it seems logical, if they can serve they would earn the benefits too. My son served in the Marines with two people who were not citizens, one was a citizen of Kenya the other was a Mexican citizen while both were active military.

Property ownership is part of the American Dream. 

While doing my CIPS training I learned many places around the world don't even allow their own citizens to own property, as we do here. Property is held in trust or what amounts to very long leases or property ownership is prohibited unless you are part of a very elite group who has historically owned and you inherit it. In still other places, you can buy the property but there is always the risk that the government will decide they need it and take it without any compensation for your troubles. I know of instances of this in Venezuela, for one.

Freedoms in the U.S. usually apply to most everyone.

Great info because I've never had this question but I'm sure at some point, I will.

I assisted a couple who moved from Canada to New Hampshire.  I had a great loan originator who cleared a pathway to home ownership.  There were a lot of things that had to be done in order for the loan to close.

Have sold well over 500 properties to non US citizens. There are certainly some hoops to jump thru but is no harder then any other sales.

Allan, good question - and yes, I have helped many buy a home who are not American Citizens.

In Hawaii local lenders here will do portfolio loans to non US residents. US employment is not necessary, but income verification still is.

This IS a good question - I'm sure some people will find it very helpful! Thanks for sharing!

Thanks, Allan! I too have lots' of out-of-country buyers. It's up the THEM to determine their buying status - with the help and resourses I have to GUIDE them on their quest!