ITIN Home Loans in California 2026: How to Buy a Home Without a Social Security Number

I’m Michael DiVita — DRE #01372066 | NMLS #241655, DiVita Home Finance (DRE #01818285 | NMLS #323700), Tiburon, CA. I’ve been in California mortgage lending since 2000 and founded DiVita Home Finance in 2007. Call (800) 239-1103.

Millions of Californians pay taxes, maintain stable employment, and contribute to the economy using an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) rather than a Social Security number. Many have been renting for years — building equity for landlords instead of themselves — under the incorrect belief that homeownership requires an SSN. It doesn’t. ITIN home loans are real, they close throughout California every month, and DiVita Home Finance originates them.

What Is an ITIN and Who Has One?

An Individual Taxpayer Identification Number is a 9-digit tax processing number issued by the IRS to individuals who have a U.S. tax filing obligation but are not eligible for a Social Security number. ITINs begin with the digit 9 (format: 9XX-XX-XXXX). They are issued to non-resident aliens who earn U.S.-source income, undocumented immigrants who pay U.S. taxes, foreign nationals with certain tax obligations, and their dependents. Having an ITIN means you pay federal taxes. It says nothing about immigration status.

Step-by-Step: How the ITIN Mortgage Process Works

Step 1 — Gather your documents. You’ll need: your ITIN number and IRS letter confirming issuance, government-issued photo ID (passport from your home country, Mexican consular ID/Matrícula Consular, or other government ID), 2 years of tax returns filed using your ITIN, W-2s or 1099s if applicable, 2–3 months bank statements, and 12–24 months of rental payment history (cancelled checks or landlord letter).

Step 2 — Build or verify your credit. ITIN lenders use your credit history, but most ITIN borrowers have limited U.S. credit. Lenders accept alternative credit documentation: 12–24 months of on-time rent payments, utility bill payment history, cell phone payment history, and in some cases, international credit reports. If you have any U.S. credit cards or accounts, make sure they are current and in good standing.

Step 3 — Save for a down payment. ITIN loans require 15–25% down. The source of your down payment must be documented — bank statements showing the accumulation of funds over time, gift letter if family members are contributing, or a letter explaining any large deposits. Gift funds from family are acceptable with proper documentation.

Step 4 — Apply through a broker with ITIN investor access. Not every mortgage broker has relationships with ITIN lenders — this is a niche product requiring specific portfolio investors. DiVita Home Finance works directly with ITIN lenders active in California and can match your profile to the right program.

Income Documentation Options

Income must be documented and tax-reported to qualify. ITIN lenders use your tax returns, W-2s, or bank statements to verify income — they cannot accept cash that hasn’t been reported to the IRS. If your income is largely cash and unreported, speak with a tax professional about establishing a documented income history before applying for a mortgage.

ITIN Mortgage vs. Conventional: Side-by-Side

Common Questions from ITIN Buyers

Will applying for a mortgage affect my immigration case? We are not immigration attorneys and cannot give immigration advice. We recommend consulting with an immigration attorney before applying. However, ITIN mortgage lenders are private companies — they do not report ITIN applicants to immigration authorities, and the mortgage application process itself does not involve any immigration reporting.

Can I qualify if my spouse has an SSN and I have an ITIN? Yes — in many cases, a co-borrower with an SSN can be on the loan while the ITIN holder is also listed. Some investors prefer the SSN holder to be the primary borrower. This can also open access to better terms in some programs.

Can I refinance later once I have a Social Security number? Yes — if your immigration status changes and you obtain an SSN, you can refinance into a conventional loan at that time, potentially accessing lower rates and better terms.

See our full ITIN Mortgage California guide → | Hablamos español.