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Berkeley has one of California's most diverse immigrant communities. Many residents here earn solid incomes but don't have a Social Security number.
ITIN loans — home loans that use your Individual Taxpayer Identification Number instead of an SSN — exist exactly for this situation. They're non-QM loans, meaning they don't follow standard government guidelines.
Varies by lender
Min Credit Score
No — ITIN accepted
SSN Required?
15-20% typical
Min Down Payment
12-24 months
Income History Needed
Non-QM
Loan Type
ITIN Loans in Berkeley
Most ITIN lenders want to see 12-24 months of bank statements or tax returns filed with your ITIN. Consistent income history matters more than the number on your ID.
Credit requirements vary by lender. Some accept alternative credit — like rent history or utility payments — if you don't have a traditional credit score. Down payments typically start at 15-20%.
Big banks almost never offer ITIN loans. This is a wholesale and non-QM lender product. You won't find it walking into a Chase or Wells Fargo branch.
As a broker with access to 200+ wholesale lenders, we can shop ITIN programs across multiple non-QM investors. Rates and terms differ significantly between them. Rates vary by borrower profile and market conditions.
The deals that fall apart are usually documentation issues. Your ITIN must be active and your taxes must be filed under that number — lenders verify this directly.
Two years of self-employment or W-2 income filed under your ITIN is the strongest profile. If you've been using a mix of cash income and bank deposits, we'll need to sort that out before submission.
Foreign National loans are the closest alternative — but those are for non-US residents buying investment property. ITIN loans are for people who live here, work here, and pay US taxes.
Bank Statement loans can overlap if you're self-employed, but they typically require an SSN. ITIN loans sit in their own category — purpose-built for tax-compliant residents without an SSN.
Berkeley's housing stock — older Craftsman homes, multi-unit buildings near campus, mixed-use corridors — can complicate any non-QM deal. Property condition and appraisal matter more with these lenders.
Alameda County's price range means you may be borrowing well above conforming limits. ITIN lenders do offer jumbo options, but expect stricter reserve requirements and larger down payments at higher loan amounts.
Yes. ITIN loans are specifically designed for this. You need an active ITIN, filed US tax returns, and documented income.
They typically run higher than conventional rates. Non-QM programs carry more lender risk. Rates vary by borrower profile and market conditions.
Most ITIN lenders require 15-20% down at minimum. Larger down payments often improve your rate and approval odds.
ITIN lenders focus on your income, credit, and tax history — not your visa status. Many lenders do not require a specific immigration category.
Plan on 12-24 months of bank statements or ITIN-filed tax returns, a valid ITIN, proof of US residency, and asset documentation.
Some ITIN lenders allow 2-4 unit properties. Eligibility depends on the lender's guidelines and the property's condition and use.