If you work with international buyers, you already know the opportunity is massive. However, you also know the financing conversation can stall a great deal fast. Foreign income. No U.S. credit. Overseas assets. Different documentation standards. Suddenly, a motivated buyer becomes a complicated file.
That is exactly why the Foreign National Full Doc program matters.
This program was designed specifically for borrowers living abroad who want to purchase or refinance investment property in the United States. More importantly, it gives real estate professionals a reliable, structured financing solution that keeps international deals moving forward instead of falling apart in underwriting.
Let’s break down what this program offers, why it works, and how you can confidently present it to your global clients.
When you work with foreign national clients, the process can feel unpredictable. Even a well-qualified buyer can get stuck when lenders require U.S. credit, U.S. tax returns, or documentation that does not align with how international borrowers earn, save, or report income.
The Foreign National Full Doc program was designed specifically for individuals living abroad who want to purchase or refinance investment property in the United States. Instead of trying to squeeze them into a standard loan box, it provides a more flexible documentation approach with realistic guidelines. As a result, the borrower experience becomes smoother and more efficient.
That is important because international clients usually expect a high level of professionalism. They often move quickly when they find the right property. However, they also want clarity. If you can provide a lending option that feels structured, you immediately build confidence. And when clients feel confident, they write offers faster and commit more strongly.
Even better, this program is built for investment property scenarios, which is often exactly what foreign nationals are looking for. They may want a rental property, a vacation property that generates income, or a U.S. asset they can hold long-term. With the right loan option available, you stop losing deals due to financing uncertainty and start converting more global interest into closed transactions.
One of the best things you can do as a realtor is set expectations early. When you understand the core qualifying requirements, you can guide your client correctly from the start. That prevents delays, reduces stress, and keeps your transaction timeline on track.
Here is what makes this program so realtor-friendly.
First, the credit flexibility is a major advantage. Many international buyers do not have U.S. credit history. That does not mean they are not financially strong. It simply means they have built their credit and financial profile outside the U.S. This program recognizes that reality. It allows borrowers to qualify without a U.S. credit score, and for those who do have one, the 660 FICO option provides another path.
Second, the loan structure supports strong leverage. With financing up to 75% CLTV, buyers can preserve cash while still purchasing U.S. property. This is important because foreign national buyers often want to keep liquidity for other investments, business operations, or future purchases.
Additionally, the documentation is clear and realistic. A bank reference letter helps confirm the borrower’s financial standing. A CPA letter covering the last two years plus year-to-date provides a reliable snapshot of income history and financial consistency. Instead of forcing U.S.-based tax return standards on borrowers who do not operate that way, this program uses documentation that makes sense for international clients.
For realtors, that means fewer surprises and a smoother contract-to-close experience.
International buyers are not just looking for a loan. They are looking for a complete experience that feels professional, secure, and efficient. That is why the features of this program are so valuable. They solve common deal-killers and keep transactions moving.
Loan amounts up to $3 million open the door to higher price points and more premium inventory. This matters because foreign nationals often buy in desirable areas, investment markets, or high-demand neighborhoods. With this ceiling, you can confidently show stronger listings without worrying that the financing will cap out too early.
Another major win is that overseas assets are allowed as reserves. Many international clients have significant funds, but those funds may be held in foreign banks. Traditional lenders often create unnecessary complications around this. This program supports a more realistic approach, which reduces friction and speeds up underwriting.
In addition, cash-out is allowed, which is huge for long-term client retention. Foreign nationals who refinance and pull cash out may use those funds to purchase additional U.S. properties. That means this is not just a one-time transaction. It can become a repeat investment strategy, and you can be the realtor they continue to work with.
These benefits directly remove the most common obstacles in international deals.
Many foreign buyers already own property in their home country, and this program allows that. In addition, gift funds are allowed, which supports how many international families structure wealth and investments. Lastly, RON closing (Remote Online Notarization) makes the entire transaction easier because the borrower can close without traveling to the U.S.
For realtors, this is a major advantage. It reduces closing delays, keeps schedules predictable, and improves the client experience dramatically.
And when the client experience is smooth, the referrals follow.
If you want to grow your business, international clients are a powerful lane. However, you need lending solutions that match the reality of global buyers.
The Foreign National Full Doc program is built to do exactly that.
It supports:
For realtors, this means more deals approved, fewer deals lost, and more long-term repeat clients who continue investing in the U.S.