Mortgage Loan

HOW TO GET A MORTGAGE LOAN AS A FOREIGNER?

There are multiple adjustable rate mortgage programs designed for foreign buyers and investors in Florida. These loans can be paid over 30 years and generally have a fixed rate for several years, depending on the program that best suits the buyer. One of the programs most used by foreigners is the fixed rate for the first 5 years of the loan, which is then converted to an adjustable variable annual rate. Some of these loans can be canceled before the stipulated time, paying the principal of the loan without any type of pre-payment penalty.

Minimum conditions to qualify for a mortgage loan:

To qualify you would need a series of documents that must be provided depending on the institution in which the loan will be presented.

Banks typically require the following information:

  • Verify that the client has at least two years of employment.
  • A certified letter from your accountant or attorney regarding your source of income.
  • Provide at least 2 or 3 bank and credit references (can be from any country).
  • Demonstrate that funds for down payment and closing costs have been deposited in U.S. Accounts Funds for “reserves” can be verified in personal accounts in your country.
  • A copy of your passport.
  • Receipt of a service such as electricity or water, to verify your country of residence.

Some important facts:

  • Usually, a minimum of 30% down payment is required and it increases according to the type of property that is acquired.
  • Most banks start financing foreign individuals from a purchase amount of approximately US$200,000.
  • Interest rates for foreign loans range from 5.125% to 7%
  • In some cases, interest could reach up to 10% if you opt for a private loan.
  • In addition to the initial, they must take into account the closing costs: between 5% to 8% of value of the property.
  • In the US there is no age discrimination to grant mortgage loans.
  • If you would like to make extraordinary payments on your mortgage, it will not reduce your monthly payment, but it will reduce the term of your loan.

What would it be my monthly payment responsibilities?

Most American mortgages are payable each month and your local bank can arrange to make the payment through them directly. Property taxes and insurance premiums are collected monthly by the lender and paid by the lender annually.

Generally, your bank will deduct monthly:

  • Mortgage
  • Insurance (flood, casualty, hurricanes
  • Third party insurance (optional)
  • Property taxes

If there is an association or condominium board, you will be responsible for paying the monthly maintenance cost directly.

What is the process to apply for a mortgage loan as a US resident?

The first step in acquiring a property with a mortgage loan is pre-qualification. There are several government-approved programs for those looking to obtain a loan, such as FHA, Conventional, and VA. FHA, or first-time homebuyer, loans have the advantage of only requiring a 3.5% down payment and a credit score of at least 580, but the disadvantage is that only single-family homes and most townhomes with Lot/Description description qualify. block. Conventional loans require a 5% down payment and a credit score of at least 620. VA loans for war veterans do not have initial payment requirements, they only need to show the Certificate of Eligibility and the DD214 or discharge document from military service.

The basic requirements to qualify for a loan are:

  • Personal identification (driver’s license)
  • Social Security number
  • Last 2 bank statements and last 2 years of completed personal tax returns
  • For employees who receive a fixed salary, they must present the W2 of the last two years and the pay stubs of the last two months.
  • For independent workers or business owners, they must present the 1099 of the last two years and the tax returns of the company of the last two years.
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Some important facts:

  • Interest rates for local loans start from 5.75 %
  • The closing costs involved in financing range from 5% to 6% of the value of the property.
  • After filing for bankruptcy, the waiting period is 2 years for FHA and VA loans and 4 years for Conventionals.

What to do before applying for a loan?

  1. Get your credit report BEFORE applying for the loan so you have time to fix mistakes or problems in the history
  2. Be clear about how much you can put down (including closing costs)
  3. Look for the best interest rate BUT consider the other terms of the loan.
  4. Compare quotes.
  5. Request a “good faith estimate”

What NOT to do before applying for a loan?

  1. Make “larger” purchases through credit
  2. Do not move important money from the accounts.
  3. Request any type of loan (car, boat, credit cards, etc.)
  4. Change your primary place of residence
  5. Open or close bank accounts

What would my monthly payment responsibilities be?

Most American mortgages are payable each month and your local bank can arrange to make the payment through them directly. Property taxes and insurance premiums are collected monthly by the lender and paid by the lender annually.

Generally, your bank will deduct monthly:

  • Mortgage
  • Insurance (flood, casualty, hurricanes)
  • Third party insurance (optional)
  • Property taxes

For your part, if there is an association or condominium board, you will be responsible for paying the monthly maintenance cost directly.

* Approval is subject to the financing and credit policy of the financial institution.

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