No Social Security number? You can still own a home.

If you file taxes with an ITIN, you may be able to buy a home using it. We guide hard-working families through the process step by step, in Spanish, with the respect and patience you deserve.

Family relaxing together on the front porch of their home

Who this is for

How to apply for an ITIN loan

  1. Start the conversation in Spanish

    We sit down with you, in your language, to understand your income and your goals — no judgment, no rush.

  2. Gather your documents

    We explain exactly what to collect: your ITIN, tax returns, proof of income, and identification. We'll tell you what works for self-employed and cash income.

  3. Match you to an ITIN program

    We compare lenders that offer ITIN loans and show you the down payment, rate, and payment so you can decide with clear numbers. If a 15–20% down payment is out of reach, this is also where we look at the Earned Equity Program — the path most of our ITIN families actually use, because it can get you in with as little as 3.5% down.

  4. Close and get your keys

    We stay with you through underwriting and signing, explaining every page along the way.

Your ITIN is enough

You can qualify using your Individual Taxpayer Identification Number — no Social Security number required.

Flexible income documentation

We work with options for self-employed and cash-income borrowers, not just traditional W-2 paychecks.

Handled entirely in Spanish

From the first call to closing, you can do everything in Spanish with someone who treats you with respect.

A real path to ownership

If you've been turned away before, we'll give you a straight answer about what's possible for your family.

Today’s sample rates

Common questions

Can I really buy a home with an ITIN?

Yes. There are loan programs designed for borrowers who file taxes with an ITIN instead of a Social Security number. We work with lenders that offer them and will walk you through what you need to qualify.

How much do I need for a down payment with an ITIN loan?

ITIN programs usually ask for a larger down payment than standard loans — often in the range of 10% to 20% — because they're specialized. But that's not the whole story: the Earned Equity Program can get ITIN buyers in with as little as 3.5% down, and it's the path most of our ITIN families end up using. We'll give you the exact figure for the program that fits you.

What documents do I need?

Generally your ITIN, recent tax returns, proof of income, and identification. If you're self-employed or paid in cash, we'll explain the additional ways to document your earnings.

Do you handle the whole process in Spanish?

Yes. You can do everything — every call, every document, every explanation — in Spanish. Serving families in the language they're most comfortable in is at the heart of what we do.

What property types can I buy with an ITIN loan?

ITIN loans are usually for a primary residence — single-family homes, condos, and townhomes are the most common. Some lenders also allow a second home or a small rental. Because each ITIN program sets its own property rules, we confirm what your lender will approve for the specific home before you get too far in.

Do I need legal immigration status to qualify for an ITIN loan?

ITIN loan programs look mainly at your ability to repay — your income, your credit, and your down payment. Requirements vary by lender, and some may ask for specific identification or residency documents. We go over exactly what your lender asks for so you know where you stand from the start.

What if I don't have much credit history?

That's common, and it doesn't automatically stop you. Some ITIN programs accept alternative credit — things like rent, utility, or insurance payments — to show you pay on time. We review what you have and explain how to strengthen it if you need to.

Is an ITIN loan a non-QM loan?

Yes — ITIN loans belong to the non-QM family ("non-qualified mortgage"). That label doesn't mean risky or unregulated; it just means the loan doesn't follow Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac's standard rulebook, which requires a Social Security number. The lender still verifies your income, your credit history, and your ability to repay — the guidelines simply accept an ITIN instead.

What if I can't save 15–20% for the down payment?

Ask about the Earned Equity Program — it's how most of the ITIN families we work with actually buy. A government housing agency purchases the home with an FHA loan, so you can get in with as little as 3.5% down, and you move in under a homeownership agreement with a buyout price set up front. Any appreciation after that is 100% yours — there's no shared-appreciation split. It's a different structure than a direct ITIN mortgage, so we walk you through both and let the numbers decide. Approval depends on full underwriting and current guidelines.

What do I need to buy or refinance a home with an ITIN?

You can apply for a mortgage through programs that accept an ITIN to identify the taxpayer. Having an ITIN does not guarantee approval: the lender reviews income, debts, payment history, funds and the property. Home Central Financial compares options in California; requirements and availability depend on the program.

Gather your ITIN assignment letter, lender-accepted identification, tax returns, income documentation and bank statements. A lender may also request rent or mortgage payment history and the source of your down payment. Programs do not all accept the same documents or require the same number of years.

The down payment is not your entire cash requirement. Illustrative example, not a universal minimum: on a $500,000 home, 20% down would be $100,000, leaving a $400,000 base loan. Closing costs, prepaids and reserves may be additional. Request a written comparison before deciding how much cash you need.

To refinance with an ITIN, also gather your mortgage statement, balance, current payment, estimated home value and goal. A rate-and-term refinance changes loan terms; a cash-out refinance increases debt to release funds, subject to equity limits and approval. Having enough equity does not replace the income review.

An ITIN mortgage program is not a standard FHA mortgage. An Earned Equity purchase option uses a separate lease-to-own structure: review the contract, who owns the home and when title transfers. Do not confuse that structure with directly receiving an FHA mortgage using only an ITIN.

ITIN purchase and refinance: what to compare
Your questionWhat to review
Can I buy without a traditional credit history?Ask which alternative payment history the program accepts. Having no score does not mean approval without reviewing payments, income or debts.
Can I use bank statements if I am self-employed?It depends on the program. Deposits are not automatically qualifying income: the lender may deduct expenses and exclude transfers between accounts.
How much equity can I withdraw by refinancing?Net cash equals the new loan minus the payoff, costs and other deductions. Illustrative example: $300,000 − $250,000 − $8,000 = $42,000, only if the full loan qualifies.
Does a lower payment always mean savings?No. Extending the term can lower the payment while increasing total interest. Compare costs, the remaining term, the new term and time to recover expenses.