If you live and work in California without a Social Security number, you may believe homeownership isn’t possible. It is. Individual Taxpayer Identification Numbers (ITINs) are issued by the IRS to individuals who have federal tax obligations but are not eligible for a Social Security number — and a small but growing number of portfolio mortgage lenders will originate home loans using an ITIN in place of an SSN. DiVita Home Finance works with these specific lenders and has helped ITIN borrowers throughout California achieve homeownership.
What Is an ITIN Mortgage?
An ITIN mortgage is a home loan that uses your Individual Taxpayer Identification Number — the 9-digit number beginning with 9 issued by the IRS — instead of a Social Security number for credit and identity verification. ITIN mortgages are portfolio products: the lender holds the loan on its own books rather than selling to Fannie Mae, Freddie Mac, FHA, or VA (all of which require SSN). These loans are not government-backed and are originated by private portfolio lenders who have built specific programs for ITIN borrowers.
ITIN Mortgage Requirements in California
| Requirement | Typical ITIN Lender Standard |
|---|---|
| Identification | Valid ITIN + government-issued photo ID (passport, consular ID, Matrícula Consular) |
| Credit | 2+ years U.S. credit history via ITIN; or alternative credit (rent, utilities, remittances) |
| Credit score | 600–640 minimum (varies by investor) |
| Income documentation | 2 years tax returns (filed with ITIN) + W-2 or 1099, OR bank statement program |
| Down payment | 15–25% (varies by lender and credit profile) |
| Reserves | 3–6 months PITIA |
| Property types | SFR, 2–4 unit, some condos (case by case) |
| Occupancy | Primary residence most common; some investors allow investment |
Building Credit for an ITIN Mortgage
Many ITIN borrowers have limited U.S. credit history because major credit cards and loans typically require SSN. ITIN mortgage lenders have developed alternative credit frameworks: 12–24 months of documented on-time rental payments (landlord letter or cancelled checks), utility payment history, remittance history to family abroad, and international credit reports from Mexico, El Salvador, Guatemala, and other countries through services like CREDCO or FICO XD. If you have been paying rent on time for 2+ years, you may already meet the credit requirements for an ITIN mortgage.
California Markets with Significant ITIN Borrower Populations
DiVita Home Finance originates ITIN loans across California’s high-density immigrant communities. Markets where we are most active: Los Angeles County (East LA, Boyle Heights, South Gate, Huntington Park, Compton, Van Nuys, North Hollywood), the Inland Empire (Ontario, Fontana, San Bernardino, Moreno Valley), the Central Valley (Fresno, Bakersfield, Modesto, Stockton), the Bay Area (San Jose, East San Jose, East Oakland, Daly City, Redwood City), San Diego County (Chula Vista, National City, Escondido), and Orange County (Santa Ana, Anaheim, Garden Grove).
Call (415) 847-7700. Hablamos español. Tell us you have an ITIN — we’ll identify which portfolio lenders are active in your area and what documentation you’ll need to start the process.
About DiVita Home Finance
DiVita Home Finance is a small, family-owned mortgage company based in Marin County, California. When you call, you speak directly with Michael DiVita — the owner — not a call center, not an out-of-state rep, not someone reading from a script. We’re here for a low-key, no-obligation conversation about your situation.
We take your privacy seriously. We will never sell your information to third-party lenders or lead generation companies — unlike many of the large mortgage platforms. Your inquiry stays with us, period.
📞 Call: (800) 239-1103 | 💬 Text Michael directly: (310) 849-9124
