For global buyers looking to invest in U.S. real estate, securing financing can be one of the most challenging hurdles. Traditionally, mortgage lenders require U.S.-based income, U.S. credit history, and extensive domestic documentation that many international buyers simply don’t have in spite of being more than capable of managing the mortgage. Fortunately, Non-Qualified Mortgage (Non-QM) loans offer a flexible, accessible solution.
Non-QM loans are quickly becoming a go-to option for international investors, expatriates, and foreign nationals who want to diversify their portfolios or purchase homes in the U.S. Here’s why these might be the right solution, and how we can partner with you to reach your goals.
Why Traditional Financing Doesn’t Work for Global Buyers
The mortgage system in the U.S. is primarily designed for buyers with:
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U.S. tax returns
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Consistent W-2 income
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Established U.S. credit history
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Domestic assets
That doesn’t mean you have to fit all of that criteria, but it does mean you’ll have some added challenges if you don’t. For global buyers, especially those earning income abroad or holding assets in foreign banks, these requirements create a high barrier to entry. Even wealthy international buyers with significant assets sometimes struggle to qualify using traditional underwriting guidelines.
How Non-QM Loans Help Global Buyers
If you are ready to take advantage of real estate opportunities in the U.S. but don’t have a way to qualify for traditional, government-backed loans, a non-QM loan can be the solution. Here’s how they can solve your problems.
Accepting International Assets and Income
Our underwriters can work with foreign income sources, international tax documents, and foreign asset verification as part of the qualification process. Whether your primary income comes from a business overseas, rental properties abroad, or a foreign salary, a non-QM loan can accommodate these income streams.
No U.S. Credit History Required
Some of our non-QM loan programs do not require a U.S. credit score. Instead, we can review international credit reports, proof of assets, or rely on a more asset-based underwriting process. This makes it possible for global buyers to invest in U.S. real estate without first spending years building U.S. credit.
Flexible Documentation
Coming up with the right documentation is one of the biggest hurdles for global buyers, and a non-QM loan provides an alternative. Instead of the typical list of documents to verify income, we can look at:
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Bank statements from foreign banks
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Profit and loss statements from international businesses
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Rental income verification from overseas properties
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Asset depletion strategies to qualify based on liquid wealth
This flexibility opens the door for buyers with complex or non-traditional financial profiles.
Financing for Investment Properties and Vacation Homes
Non-QM loans are particularly useful for foreign investors buying U.S. rental properties, vacation homes, or second homes. We talk to many global buyers who are interested in purchasing real estate in popular markets like Florida, New York, California, Texas, and Colorado for both personal use and rental income. A non-QM loan is our go-to solution.
Efficiency and Customization
Non-QM loans often have faster turnaround times and more personalized loan terms, which can be critical in competitive markets. Our loan structures can include interest-only periods, higher loan limits, and flexible down payments, depending on the details of your scenario. These loans are tailored to work for you, rather than the other way around.
Our mortgage expert Jackie Barikhan says, “Non-QM loans have become a powerful tool for global buyers who want to access the U.S. real estate market but don’t meet traditional mortgage guidelines. Whether you’re purchasing an investment property, a vacation home, or diversifying your portfolio, non-QM financing offers a pathway that makes international investing more attainable.”
Are you ready to learn more about applying for a non-QM loan? Contact us any time with your questions or to get started.