Can You Buy a House in the US While Living in Mexico?

Imagine you're sitting in your home in Guadalajara, scrolling through Zillow, looking at houses in Texas or Florida and thinking — could I actually do this? Maybe you have family in the US, money saved up, or you're just looking for a solid investment. Whatever the reason, the question is real: can someone living in Mexico actually buy property in the United States?

The short answer is yes. And it's more common than most people think.

I want to walk you through exactly how this works — the loan options, the requirements, the numbers — so you can stop guessing and start planning.

Can Non-US Residents Get a Mortgage in the United States?

Yes, foreign nationals can absolutely get a home loan in the US. You don't need to be a citizen or even have a visa. There are specific loan programs designed exactly for buyers who live outside the country.

The most common path for someone buying from Mexico is called a Foreign National loan. These are portfolio loans — meaning private lenders hold them, not Fannie Mae or Freddie Mac — and they're built for international buyers.

Here's what typically makes you eligible:

• You live and work outside the US
• You have a valid passport (Mexican passport works fine)
• You can show income and assets — bank statements, tax returns, or business financials
• You have a US bank account or are willing to open one

What Kind of Down Payment Are We Talking About?

This is usually where people pause. Foreign National loans require more skin in the game than a typical US resident loan. Most lenders will ask for 30% down, sometimes 25% if your financial profile is strong.

Let me put real numbers on that. If you're looking at a $300,000 home in Florida — which is realistic in many markets — you'd need around $90,000 as a down payment. Your loan would be $210,000, and at current rates (let's say around 8% for this type of loan), your monthly payment would be roughly $1,540 — just principal and interest, before taxes and insurance.

That's not cheap, but for a real property asset in the US? For many of my clients, that's a solid move.

Do You Need a US Credit Score or a Social Security Number?

No. That's one of the biggest myths that stops people from even asking. Foreign National loans don't require a US credit history or a Social Security number. Lenders instead look at your financial picture overall — your savings, your income, your assets, your international credit if available.

Some lenders will ask for a credit report from Mexico (from Buró de Crédito), but not all. The key thing is showing you have the financial capacity to carry the loan.

What Property Types Can You Buy?

You can buy a wide range of properties as a foreign national:

• Single-family homes (great for personal use or long-term rental)
• Condos (popular in Florida and Texas — often lower maintenance)
• Multi-family homes (2–4 units, which can generate rental income to offset your costs)
• Investment properties (if your goal is ROI, this is a common strategy)

The property needs to be in the US, and most lenders prefer it to be in a major or mid-size market — think Miami, Houston, Orlando, Dallas, Phoenix. Rural properties can be harder to finance through these programs.

What Documents Will You Need?

Getting organized early saves a lot of time. Here's what most Foreign National lenders will want:

• Valid passport (and visa if applicable)
• Last 12–24 months of bank statements (personal or business)
• Proof of income — pay stubs, tax returns, or a letter from your employer
• Two years of tax returns from Mexico if self-employed
• Reference letter from your bank in Mexico
• Proof of down payment funds

Next Steps: You're Closer Than You Think

Buying a house in the US from Mexico is absolutely possible — it just requires the right loan type and a lender who actually works with international buyers. The down payment is higher than a traditional mortgage, and the rate reflects the added risk for the lender, but the opportunity is real.

If you've been sitting on this idea, now's the time to find out specifically what you qualify for. Every situation is different — your income, your savings, the city you're targeting — and I'd rather give you a straight answer based on your actual numbers than a generic one.

Reach out to me directly. No pressure, no sales pitch — just a real conversation about whether this makes sense for you.