Buying a Home in the US as a Foreign National
Many relocating executives arrive without a US credit history. Buying is still possible — here is how the process works.
Beatrice Yunck, Real Estate Consultant, Queen Bea Realty Group
Wisconsin license 98118-94 · Illinois license 475.210497 · 4 years in the area
Speaks: English, Po polsku, Deutsch, Español
Can you buy a house on an L-1 or H-1B visa?
Foreign nationals on L-1 visas can buy US homes; some lenders offer “newcomer” mortgages that use home-country credit reports instead of a US credit score.
Source: HomeAbroad (lender marketing)
How buying a home in the US differs
Buyer’s agents, earnest money, home inspections and the closing process may work differently from what you know at home.
- Get pre-approved. Lenders often ask buyers without a US credit history for a larger down payment.
- Choose an agent and start your search.
- Make an offer with earnest money, which is held in escrow.
- Inspection and contingencies.
- Title search and title insurance.
- In Illinois, an attorney reviews the contract; in Wisconsin, agents use state-approved forms.
- Closing: funds are usually sent by wire. Always confirm wiring instructions by phone — wire fraud is common.
- After closing: the lottery and gaming credit (Wisconsin) or the homeowner exemption (Illinois) on your property tax.
When a foreign person later sells US property, the buyer generally must withhold tax under FIRPTA.
Source: IRS — FIRPTA withholding
Talk to a relocation agent
Tell us about your move and we'll send options that fit your timeline and budget.
Prefer to talk? Call Beatrice or book a 30-minute call.
Includes: Lender introduction
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