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Bakersfield has a large population who file taxes with an ITIN instead of a Social Security number. Many lenders still say no to these borrowers, but ITIN loans exist specifically for this situation.
These are non-QM mortgages designed for borrowers who pay U.S. taxes but don't have citizenship or permanent residency. You can buy or refinance in Kern County with an ITIN as your primary tax ID.
ITIN Loans in Bakersfield
Most ITIN loan programs require 15-20% down and a 620+ credit score. Some lenders will go lower on credit if you put 25% down. You need two years of tax returns filed with your ITIN.
Income verification typically uses tax returns, though some lenders accept 12 or 24 months of bank statements if you're self-employed. Employment history matters—most want two years in the same field.
Local decision guide
Use this guide to connect itin loans eligibility, lender expectations, and local market factors before comparing payment options in Bakersfield.
Bakersfield has a large population who file taxes with an ITIN instead of a Social Security number. Many lenders still say no to these borrowers, but ITIN loans exist specifically for this situation.
These are non-QM mortgages designed for borrowers who pay U.S. taxes but don't have citizenship or permanent residency. You can buy or refinance in Kern County with an ITIN as your primary tax ID.
Most ITIN loan programs require 15-20% down and a 620+ credit score. Some lenders will go lower on credit if you put 25% down. You need two years of tax returns filed with your ITIN.
Maybe 20 lenders in our network write ITIN loans. Each one prices differently and has different credit overlays. One lender might decline at 640 credit while another approves the same file.
Rate spreads are wide on these loans. I've seen quotes for the same borrower vary by 1.5% between lenders. Shopping this loan across multiple wholesale channels makes a big difference in your payment.
The biggest mistake I see is borrowers assuming they can't qualify without a Social Security number. You can. The second mistake is going to the first lender who says yes without comparing terms.
ITIN loans cost more than conventional financing—usually 1-2% higher in rate. That's the trade-off for flexible documentation. If you're building credit and plan to refinance in two years, this gets you in the door.
If you're self-employed with an ITIN, bank statement loans might work better. They skip tax returns entirely and use deposit history to calculate income. Foreign national loans are another option if you don't live in the U.S.
Asset depletion loans let you qualify based on liquid assets instead of income—useful if you have savings but limited documented earnings. Each non-QM product fits a different borrower profile.
Bakersfield's housing stock includes many affordable entry-level homes under $400K. ITIN borrowers often target these properties since down payment requirements are already higher than conventional loans.
Kern County appraisals move fast, but some rural areas outside Bakersfield take longer. Factor extra time if you're buying in Shafter, Wasco, or unincorporated parts of the county. Title work is standard—ITIN status doesn't complicate closing.
Some lenders offer no-credit-score ITIN loans if you put 25-30% down. Rates are higher and the lender pool is smaller. Most borrowers build credit first for better options.
No. ITIN loans don't require any specific visa or immigration status. You just need an ITIN, proof of income, and a down payment.
Rates as of February 2026 run 1-2% higher than conventional loans. A 620 credit score borrower might see 7-8% while conventional sits at 6%. Rates vary by borrower profile.
Most ITIN lenders require all down payment funds to come from the borrower. A few allow gifts from family, but expect stricter documentation and possibly higher rates.
Most go up to $1.5 million, though rates get expensive above $750K. For Bakersfield's median prices, loan amount isn't usually the issue—credit and down payment matter more.