FOREIGN NATIONAL · TEXAS
Foreign National Loans in Texas
Foreign national mortgage programs help non-U.S. citizens—and many non-permanent residents—finance Texas real estate when standard retail loans are not a fit.
International buyers, relocating executives, and global investors often face friction: limited U.S. credit, foreign income, or entity ownership structures. Foreign national programs available through Expo Lending are built for cross-border files—typically with higher down-payment expectations and specialized documentation. Guidelines vary, subject to underwriting.
Aiden Fahimi, Broker | Mortgage Advisor (NMLS #1943973) · Expo Lending LLC · NMLS #2619446
Who Foreign National Loans Are For
- Non-U.S. citizens purchasing or refinancing residential property in Texas
- Buyers with foreign income or assets who need programs that accept international documentation
- Borrowers with limited or no U.S. credit history
- Investors acquiring Texas second homes or investment properties when the program allows
- Clients comparing foreign national vs. ITIN paths based on tax and residency status
Expo Lending is Texas-based and coordinates foreign national residential financing across the state. For investor DSCR needs beyond Texas, see our nationwide DSCR page. Commercial financing is available in all 50 states.
How Foreign National Underwriting Works
These programs emphasize identity verification, lawful ability to purchase, source of down payment, and—when required—foreign credit or income references. U.S. credit may be thin; larger equity and reserves often compensate. Income can be documented with foreign tax returns, employer letters, bank statements, or other program-accepted evidence, sometimes with translated and apostilled documents.
Down payment & reserves
Foreign national menus frequently require more equity than typical conforming loans. Exact LTV and reserve rules depend on occupancy, credit profile, and the program—we will not invent a number on this page.
Typical process
- Structure call — Citizenship/residency, property use, and where income/assets sit.
- Document map — Translations, banking letters, and sourcing funds from abroad.
- Pre-approval — Clear conditions so your Texas Realtor can write strong offers.
- Underwriting & close — International wires, title, and timing planned carefully.
Common Requirements
- Passport and any visas/immigration docs the program requires
- Down payment and reserves from well-documented, legitimate sources
- Property and occupancy types allowed by the foreign national program
- Credit review via U.S. and/or foreign references as applicable
- OFAC and identity checks standard to cross-border lending
Programs, pricing, and availability change. All approvals are subject to underwriting.
Documents You’ll Likely Need
- Passport and secondary ID; immigration status docs when requested
- Foreign income proofs and/or asset statements (translated if required)
- Letters from foreign banks for sourcing large transfers
- Purchase contract; entity documents if buying in an LLC when allowed
- U.S. bank account setup for closing when the program requires it
Why Use a Texas Broker
- Cross-border fluency — Files routed to programs that accept foreign nationals.
- Texas market coverage — Statewide purchases, not one metro only.
- Investor continuity — Same relationship for DSCR nationwide and commercial in all 50 states.
- Practical timelines — Wire and translation steps planned before contract deadlines.
Wiring Funds & Timing
International wires can take longer than domestic transfers and may need intermediary banks. Start sourcing letters and transfer plans before you go under contract whenever possible. Title companies in Texas are used to foreign buyers, but they still need clear instructions and compliant identification.
Second Homes vs. Investments
Some foreign national borrowers want a Texas pied-à-terre; others want rentals. Occupancy drives documentation and equity expectations. For pure investment scaling, compare DSCR loans available in all 50 states. For larger commercial assets, see commercial real estate loans, also nationwide.
Expo Lending is Texas-based and coordinates residential foreign national files statewide while keeping the same advisor relationship for investor products beyond Texas.
Foreign National Loan FAQs
Can a non-U.S. citizen buy a home in Texas with a mortgage?
Yes—foreign national mortgage programs available through Expo Lending are designed for qualifying non-U.S. citizens. Eligibility, down payment, and documentation requirements differ from standard conforming loans and are subject to underwriting.
Do I need U.S. credit history?
Not always. Some programs work with limited U.S. credit when equity, reserves, and foreign references are strong. Others prefer established U.S. tradelines.
Can foreign income be used to qualify?
Many foreign national programs accept foreign income with proper documentation and, when required, translations. Exact rules vary by program.
Is a larger down payment required?
Often yes compared with typical conventional loans, but the precise LTV depends on the program, occupancy, and profile. We quote scenarios—not webpage guarantees.
Foreign national vs. ITIN—which do I need?
If you have an ITIN and U.S. tax filings, an ITIN program may fit. If you are a non-resident without that footprint, foreign national menus are usually the better lane. Expo Lending helps you choose.
Do you only finance Houston properties for foreign buyers?
No. Expo Lending is Texas-based and serves foreign national residential financing across Texas.
Mon–Fri 9 AM–6 PM Central · International document coordination welcome
Equal Housing Opportunity. Expo Lending LLC, NMLS #2619446. Aiden Fahimi, Broker | Mortgage Advisor, NMLS #1943973. 1000 Main St, Suite 2300 PMB 1161, Houston, TX 77002. Office (877) 732-4464 · Direct/Text (713) 885-3944. Programs, guidelines, and availability vary and are subject to underwriting approval. This is not a commitment to lend. NMLS Consumer Access: nmlsconsumeraccess.org.
