International Buyer's Guide to Relocating to Doral, FL (2026)

By Elizabeth Costa - Top Real Estate Agent in Doral, Florida | The Keyes Company
15+ years of experience · 300+ closed transactions · Bilingual: English & Spanish

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A meaningful share of my relocation clients are buying their first U.S. property - moving to Doral from abroad, splitting time between countries, or relocating permanently and navigating the American mortgage and closing process for the first time. The paperwork and terminology can be genuinely confusing if you've never bought property in the U.S. before, and most general homebuying content assumes a U.S. credit history and Social Security number that you may not have yet.

I'm Elizabeth Costa, a Realtor with The Keyes Company based in Doral. I work with international and bilingual clients throughout the buying process, in English or Spanish, and this guide walks through the financing, documentation, and process differences you should know before you start house-hunting.

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Financing Options for International Buyers

If you don't have U.S. credit history or a Social Security number, a standard conventional mortgage usually isn't available to you, but that doesn't mean you can't finance a purchase. Several lenders offer "foreign national" loan programs specifically designed for international buyers. These programs generally differ from standard U.S. mortgages in a few ways:

• Larger down payment: Typically 25–40% of the purchase price, compared to as little as 3–20% for U.S. resident buyers
• Different income documentation: Foreign income, bank statements, and asset verification often substitute for a U.S. tax return or pay stub
• No U.S. credit score required: Underwriting is generally based on assets, income documentation, and the property itself rather than a FICO score
• Higher interest rates: Foreign national loans often carry a modestly higher rate than a conventional mortgage, reflecting the additional underwriting risk

I don't recommend a specific lender, your bank or a mortgage broker who specializes in foreign national loans can walk you through current rates and requirements, which change regularly. What I can do is help you understand what documentation to start gathering before you make an offer, so financing doesn't become the bottleneck.

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Do You Need a Social Security Number or ITIN?

You do not need a Social Security Number to purchase property in the U.S. Many international buyers instead use an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN), issued by the IRS, which is sufficient for most purchase, title, and tax-reporting purposes. If you don't already have an ITIN and plan to generate rental income from the property, it's worth applying early in your process, since IRS processing times can affect your closing timeline.

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Documentation to Prepare Before You Start

International buyers generally move faster through underwriting when they arrive with this documentation already organized:

1. Valid passport and visa documentation (if applicable to your status)

2. Proof of funds: bank statements showing the source of your down payment and closing funds

3. Income documentation from your home country, translated if not in English

4. A U.S. bank account, if you don't already have one, for closing funds and ongoing property expenses

5. ITIN application, if you don't yet have one and plan to generate rental income

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Wire Transfers and Currency Considerations

Moving funds internationally for a real estate closing involves wire transfers, and timing matters. Banks typically require advance notice for large international wires, and currency exchange rates can shift the final dollar amount you're working with if you're converting from another currency close to your closing date. Building a buffer into your timeline- and confirming wire instructions directly with your title company by phone, never solely by email, to avoid wire fraud- protects you from both timing and security issues at closing.

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Why Bilingual Representation Matters

Buying property in a country where you're navigating contracts, disclosures, and closing documents in a non-native language adds real risk if anything gets lost in translation. Having an agent who can walk you through purchase agreements, inspection reports, and closing disclosures in your preferred language — English or Spanish — means you're making decisions based on full understanding, not a rough summary.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Can a foreign national buy property in Doral, FL without a Social Security Number?

Yes. A Social Security Number is not required to purchase property in the U.S. Most international buyers use an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) instead, particularly if they plan to generate rental income.

How much down payment does a foreign national need to buy a home in Florida?

Foreign national loan programs typically require a down payment of 25% to 40% of the purchase price, which is meaningfully higher than the down payment required for a standard U.S. resident mortgage.

Can I buy a home in Doral without U.S. credit history?

Yes. Foreign national loan programs generally underwrite based on income documentation, verified assets, and the property itself rather than a U.S. credit score.

What should I watch out for with international wire transfers at closing?

Always confirm wire instructions directly with your title company by phone before sending funds - never rely solely on email - since wire fraud targeting real estate closings is a known risk. Also build in extra time for currency conversion and bank processing.

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Elizabeth Costa, Realtor — FL Lic. #3234205 Top Real Estate Agent in Doral, Florida | The Keyes Company ☎ (786) 949-3971 ✉ elizabethcosta@keyes.com 📅 Schedule a private consultation 15+ years · 300+ closed transactions · Bilingual EN/ES Office: 4191 NW 107th Ave, Doral, FL 33178 Serving Doral, Miami, Coral Gables, and Pinecrest