# Can an Immigrant purchase a home?

- Link: https://www.lumlawgroup.com/real-estate-for-immigrants/
- Published: 2018-08-31T13:05:46-07:00
- Author: Albert J Lum

Home ownership is an integral part of the American Dream, which we are encouraged
to work hard towards.  Home ownership is a great source of pride in the U.S., and
a huge source of gratitude for immigrants.  Striving towards home ownership can 
be considered a way of life for Americans born and raised in the United States.

## Immigrants Can Buy A Home In The US

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[Image Credit](https://money.usnews.com/money/personal-finance/articles/2014/11/04/buying-real-estate-as-an-immigrant-to-the-us)

There is good news for immigrants that want to own a home, too. It has long been
said that America is the land of opportunity. Any realtor can tell you from experience
that you do not have to be a U.S. citizen to buy a home in the States. With some
hard work and with the right resources, the opportunity of home ownership awaits
everyone. Immigrants can obtain homes in the US just like anyone else. There are
millions of undocumented immigrants who already own homes in the United States. 
One obvious way to purchase a home as an immigrant would be to buy the house all
in cash, without taking out a mortgage. Then, with the equity of their first home
purchase, one can work up to a bigger, better home in the future.

If one does not have the cash to buy a home outright, there are mortgage programs
that are set up to help an undocumented immigrant qualify for a home mortgage. Immigrants
who do not qualify for social security numbers must apply for an [Individual Tax Payer Identification Number](https://www.irs.gov/individuals/international-taxpayers/general-itin-information)(
ITIN) through the Internal Revenue Service (IRS).  Some financial institutions can
offer a mortgage to ITIN holders.

## Green Card Holders Can Buy A Home In The US

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[Image Credit](https://elevatemortgagegroup.com/purchase)

A green card holder is a legal permanent resident (LPR) of the United States, so
they can purchase a home just like a U.S. citizen. They can apply for a traditional
mortgage through a bank or credit union. Of course, they will be required to meet
the down payment requirements and of all of the documentation that would be expected
from all applicants. Like all mortgage applicants, everyone is required to qualify
financially and must present proof of income, proof of residency, etc. to qualify.

Due to the time it takes to obtain a mortgage, it is strongly suggested to begin
the process of applying for a mortgage before beginning to look for a home. Residential
real estate is a fast-moving industry and many home sellers and realtors prefer 
to work with pre-qualified buyers only. Fortunately, immigrants can buy homes in
the US just like anyone else.

If you, or someone you know, is interested in purchasing a home in the U.S. and 
have questions, feel free to contact [Curtis Lum Team](http://www.curtislumteam.com/)
for real estate. 

If you have additional questions regarding what immigrants can and cannot do in 
the United States, do [contact our office](https://lumlawgroup.com/Staging/contact-us/).