You Don’t Need a Social Security Number to Buy a Home in Florida
If you have an ITIN number and pay your taxes, you may qualify for a mortgage — even without a Social Security number, a green card, or U.S. citizenship. I’ve helped buyers just like you get to the closing table.
- Valid ITIN (W-7 or ITIN card)
- Passport or government-issued ID
- 12–24 months bank statements or tax returns
- Proof of income or employment
- 15–25% down payment
- 2 years U.S. residence history
What Is an ITIN Mortgage?
An ITIN mortgage — also called an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number loan — is a home loan designed for people who don’t have a Social Security number but do have an ITIN and file U.S. taxes. These are non-QM (non-qualified mortgage) products offered by specialized lenders, not traditional banks.
The answer most people don’t know they can get.
If you’ve been told you can’t buy a home because you don’t have a Social Security number — you were given incomplete information. ITIN mortgage programs exist specifically for non-citizens who contribute to the U.S. economy and pay taxes. You may already qualify. The question is finding a lender who knows these programs and can access them for you.
As a licensed Florida Mortgage Broker with NMLS #1933745, I work with non-QM lenders who offer ITIN loan programs across the state. I’ve guided buyers from all over the world through this process — from Central America, South America, the Caribbean, Europe, and beyond. Immigration status does not determine your ability to own property in Florida.
Who Qualifies for an ITIN Mortgage in Florida?
ITIN loans are not one-size-fits-all. Here are the buyer profiles I work with most often:
Non-Permanent Resident Aliens
Living and working in the U.S. on a valid visa (H-1B, H-2A, TN, O-1, etc.) with an ITIN and U.S. tax filing history.
Long-Term U.S. Residents Without SSN
Individuals who have lived and worked in the U.S. for years, file taxes with an ITIN, and are ready to build equity instead of paying rent.
Self-Employed ITIN Filers
Business owners and contractors who file U.S. taxes under an ITIN and can document income through bank statements or tax returns.
Mixed-Status Families
Families where one spouse has a Social Security number and one has an ITIN — or where the primary borrower uses an ITIN. Both scenarios can work.
How an ITIN Mortgage Works — Step by Step
Confirm Your ITIN and Tax Filing History
Your ITIN must be valid and you must have a history of filing U.S. taxes using that number — typically at least 1–2 years of returns. This is what establishes your financial identity in the U.S. in the absence of a Social Security number. If you’re not sure about your status, I can help you figure out where you stand before we go any further.
Gather Your Income Documentation
Most ITIN loans are bank statement programs or alternative doc loans — meaning they qualify you based on what’s actually in your account, not just what your tax return says. Lenders typically want 12–24 months of personal or business bank statements. Some programs also accept tax returns filed with your ITIN, employment letters, or CPA-prepared profit and loss statements.
Get Pre-Qualified With an ITIN-Specialist Lender
This is not a loan you walk into a big bank and ask for — traditional lenders don’t offer ITIN programs. You need a mortgage broker who has access to non-QM lenders with active ITIN products. As your broker, I shop multiple lenders and match you with the program that fits your income, your down payment, and your property goals.
Find the Right Property
Once you’re pre-qualified, you know exactly what price range you’re working in. As both your Mortgage Broker and your KW Realtor, I can guide your home search alongside your financing — so the properties you’re looking at are already matched to what you can qualify for. No wasted time, no heartbreak offers on homes you can’t finance.
Underwriting, Appraisal & Close
ITIN loans follow a similar process to conventional loans through underwriting — the lender reviews your file, orders an appraisal, and issues a clear to close. The timeline is typically 30–45 days from accepted offer to closing. I stay with you through every step and keep you informed so there are no surprises.
ITIN Mortgage Requirements in Florida
Typical requirements — specific programs may vary. Contact Stacy for a personalized assessment.
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Valid ITIN | W-7 or ITIN card issued by the IRS | Required |
| Tax Filing History | 1–2 years of U.S. tax returns filed with ITIN | Required |
| Government ID | Valid passport, consular ID, or foreign driver’s license | Required |
| Income Documentation | 12–24 months bank statements or tax returns | Required |
| Down Payment | Typically 15–25% of purchase price | Required |
| U.S. Residence History | 2 years preferred; some programs flexible | Flexible |
| Credit History | U.S. credit preferred; alternative credit accepted | Flexible |
| Social Security Number | Not required — ITIN replaces SSN for these programs | Not Needed |
| U.S. Citizenship / Green Card | Not required for ITIN mortgage programs | Not Needed |
ITIN Loan vs. Foreign National Mortgage
These are two different products for two different buyers. Here’s how to know which one fits you.
ITIN Mortgage
- Lives/works in the U.S.
- Files U.S. taxes with ITIN
- Has U.S. bank account & history
- No SSN required
- Purchasing primary residence or investment
- Does not reside outside the U.S.
Foreign National Mortgage
- Lives outside the U.S.
- No U.S. tax filing required
- Foreign income documented
- No U.S. credit history needed
- Purchasing investment or vacation property
- Not a U.S. resident
Not sure which fits you? I work with both — call and I’ll tell you in 10 minutes which path makes sense.
I grew up in Jamaica and came to this country understanding what it means to navigate systems that weren’t built with you in mind. The mortgage industry has a lot of doors that look closed — but aren’t. ITIN loans are one of those doors.
My clients who come to me with an ITIN are some of the most financially disciplined people I work with. They pay taxes. They save. They show up. They just need someone who knows the path. That’s what I do — I know the path, and I walk it with them.
Need a Realtor Too? One Expert Covers Both.
Stacy is also a licensed KW Realtor based in Winter Park, FL. As your Keller Williams Winter Park agent, she can coordinate your home search and your ITIN mortgage in one seamless process — no handoffs, no delays.
Legal notice: The information on this page is for educational purposes and does not constitute legal or immigration advice. ITIN mortgage programs are subject to lender guidelines and may change. Florida SB 264 may affect certain buyers from specific countries — consult a qualified immigration attorney for guidance specific to your situation. Stacy Ann Stephens is a licensed Florida Mortgage Broker (NMLS #1933745) and Realtor, not an immigration attorney.
ITIN Mortgage FAQs — Florida
Can I buy a home in Florida with an ITIN number instead of a Social Security number?
Yes. ITIN mortgage loans are specifically designed for buyers who use an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number instead of a Social Security number. These are non-QM (non-qualified mortgage) products available through specialized lenders. As a licensed mortgage broker, Stacy Ann Stephens at Jhenesis Mortgage has access to multiple ITIN programs across Florida.
What documents do I need for an ITIN mortgage in Florida?
You’ll typically need your ITIN card or W-7, a valid passport or government-issued photo ID, 12–24 months of bank statements or ITIN-filed tax returns, proof of income, 2 years of U.S. residence history, and funds for your down payment (15–25%). Specific requirements vary by lender and program.
How much down payment do I need for an ITIN home loan?
Most ITIN mortgage programs require between 15% and 25% down, depending on the lender, the loan amount, and your credit profile. This is higher than conventional programs because ITIN loans are non-QM products. Strong bank statement history and cash reserves can sometimes improve your terms.
Do I need a green card or U.S. citizenship to qualify?
No. ITIN loans are specifically for buyers without a Social Security number, which includes non-permanent residents, visa holders, and undocumented individuals who file U.S. taxes. You do not need citizenship, a green card, or permanent residency to qualify for an ITIN mortgage in Florida.
What is the difference between an ITIN loan and a foreign national mortgage?
An ITIN loan is for people who live in the U.S. and file U.S. taxes using an ITIN. A foreign national mortgage is for buyers who reside outside the U.S. and want to purchase Florida property. Both are non-QM products with different requirements. Stacy can help you determine which program fits your situation in a single conversation.
Can I use an ITIN loan to buy an investment property or rental in Florida?
Yes. ITIN borrowers can purchase primary residences, second homes, and in some cases investment or rental properties using non-QM loan products. Requirements vary by property type. If you’re buying a rental, ask about DSCR loan options which qualify based on the property’s rental income rather than your personal income.
Why can’t I just go to my bank for an ITIN mortgage?
Traditional banks and credit unions rarely offer ITIN mortgage programs. These loans require access to non-QM lenders — a category most bank loan officers don’t work with. A licensed mortgage broker like Stacy has relationships with multiple non-QM lenders and can shop for the best ITIN program available for your situation.
Let’s Talk About Your ITIN Mortgage
One conversation is all it takes to know if you qualify and what your path looks like. No judgment, no pressure — just honest answers about what’s possible for you in Florida’s market.