How to get mortgage for overseas property as an American
Learn all about different ways to get an overseas property mortgage as an American and gain unique insights to prepare yourself for the whole process.
It's often hard for American expats to get mortgage financing for US properties while living abroad.
Whether you're teaching, working at an international company, or traveling the world, America Mortgages is a company that bridges this gap with specialized mortgage loans for both US citizens living overseas and foreign nationals who want to invest in US real estate.
So, how do you get an international mortgage? Here's everything you need to know.
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An international mortgage allows buyers to finance property in one country while living or earning income in another.
US expats typically face several major obstacles when applying for traditional US mortgages.
Most domestic lenders ask for US-based income and a local credit history. Many won't accept foreign pay stubs or bank statements, so it can be nearly impossible for US expats to qualify.
This is where international mortgages come in. They allow US expats to access financing, but international lenders often have higher interest rates and stricter requirements than domestic banks.
For example, a US software engineer working in Singapore earning SGD could use an international mortgage to buy a house in Florida, despite having no current US-based income.
America Mortgages focuses on both US expats living abroad and foreign nationals who want to buy real estate in the US. They've been in business since 2019, and they offer financing in all 50 states.¹
Yes, US expats can get a mortgage for an overseas property from America Mortgages.
The company exclusively serves clients living or working outside the US, and they advertise a 97% approval rate for mortgage applications. They partner with 150 US lenders for more options and better pricing.¹
America Mortgages designed their programs specifically for US expats and foreign nationals, so they speak to the unique challenges of buying US property while living abroad.
Here's what you can expect.¹²³
Overseas income and credit acceptance: The company accepts foreign income sources and international credit histories, which is a common hurdle that US expats run into when trying to qualify for a US mortgage
High loan-to-value ratio: Borrowers can access up to 80% loan-to-value for purchases, refinancing, and equity release, which is pretty good for an international mortgage
Flexible term options: You can choose from multiple loan terms including 15-year fixed, 30-year fixed, 5-year ARM, and 7-year ARM rates. All loans can be amortized over 30 years regardless of age, and Interest-Servicing Only (Interest-Only) payments are available
Wide loan range: Loan amounts start at 150,000 USD and go up to 5,000,000 USD
No US documentation required: America Mortgages doesn't require US credit history, W2 forms, or personal income verification for US expats
Alternative qualification options: You can qualify based on rental income alone, and there are also High-Net-Worth Loan programs available (without Assets Under Management requirements)
Self-employed programs: There are dedicated loan programs for self-employed US expats and foreign nationals if you own a business
Overall, America Mortgages offers pretty strong advantages to American expats who typically don't have many options when it comes to financing US real estate.
💡 Learn more about buying property abroad as an American in our full guide. |
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America Mortgages encourage potential borrowers to schedule a consultation to discuss their options.
That said, the company advertises a 97% approval rate, claiming that it's because their only focus is clients living outside the US. This includes both US expats and foreign nationals.
Note that if you currently live in the US, you likely won't qualify for their international mortgage programs.
Now that we covered some of the basics, the only question left is: how to send money to pay for your property overseas?
Wise offers you a quick, secure and transparent way to send money abroad. You get the mid-market exchange rate for your payments and see how much it’s charged for the transfer before sending the money from your bank.
With the Wise Account you can also hold 40+ currencies, spend money in 150+ countries, and receive like a local in 9 different currencies.
Please see Terms of Use for your region or visit Wise Fees & Pricing for the most up to date pricing and fee information
America Mortgages encourages all prospective borrowers to get in touch with them by scheduling a consultation with a mortgage specialist.
Here's what you can expect from the process.³
Calculate how much you can afford for monthly payments and the down payment.
America Mortgages offers both second-home mortgages (for properties you'll use personally) and investment property mortgages (for rental properties).
🌎 Thinking about where to buy international property? Start with these best countries to buy property abroad. |
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America Mortgages will match you with suitable programs from their network of 150 US lenders.
Their loan officers specialize in working with overseas clients and will explain your options for loan terms, down payments, and qualification requirements.
You'll need a pre-approval letter before making any offers on properties.
This process requires you to complete a US loan application, get a credit report from your current country of residence, and show proof of an available down payment.
To apply for an American mortgage, you'll typically need:
- Completed loan application
- Valid passport
- Bank statements showing down payment funds
- Credit report from your country of residence
- Income documentation
You don't need a US credit score or US-based income.
The specific application process depends on your chosen loan program. The America Mortgages team will walk you through everything you need to know to qualify for financing.
America Mortgages submits your application to the selected lender. If approved, you'll receive a mortgage commitment outlining your loan terms and conditions.
An independent company will appraise the property. This typically costs 600 to 1,000 USD, depending on the property's size and location.
The underwriter may request additional documentation.
America Mortgages programs generally require minimal paperwork, but at this stage, you may need to produce a few extra documents depending on your individual situation.
It's time to close on the mortgage and buy your property!
There are a few ways for you to sign your mortgage documents: |
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Overall, it's a pretty straightforward process compared to traditional US lenders.
Getting an America US expat mortgage can be a great way to get around the strict restrictions of US lenders and become a property owner.
That said, there are still a few important things to consider.
Larger down payment: International mortgages typically require at least 20% down payment, which is higher than many domestic US mortgages
Exchange rate fluctuations: Your mortgage payments will be in USD, but your income may be in another currency, such as EUR or GBP. Exchange rates can negatively affect how much of your salary goes toward monthly payments
Higher interest rates: International mortgages typically have higher interest rates than domestic US mortgages
You may also need to spend time and money on getting your documents translated and notarized if you're not living in an English-speaking country.
America Mortgages can be a good solution for US expats who want to buy property back home while living abroad.
The company has a high approval rate of 97% and specialized programs that recognize the challenges of getting international property financing.
If you need a fast and simple solution to move money across borders, try Wise for no unfair markups or fees.
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