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Merced has a large immigrant community. Many residents here work, pay taxes, and build lives — but don't have a Social Security number.
An ITIN loan uses your Individual Taxpayer Identification Number instead. No SSN required to buy a home in California.
Varies by lender
Min Credit Score
No — ITIN accepted
SSN Required?
10–20% typical
Down Payment
2 years U.S. returns
Tax History Needed
Non-QM
Loan Type
You need a valid ITIN and a history of filing U.S. taxes. Most lenders want at least two years of tax returns.
Credit requirements vary by lender. Some accept non-traditional credit — think rent history, utility payments, or remittance records.
ITIN loans are non-QM products. That means your local bank almost certainly won't offer one. You need a wholesale lender who specializes in them.
At SRK CAPITAL, we work with 200+ wholesale lenders. Several actively price ITIN programs for California borrowers. We shop them against each other.
The biggest mistake ITIN borrowers make: waiting too long because they think homeownership isn't possible. It is. You just need the right lender.
Documentation is everything on these files. Get your ITIN letter, two years of tax returns, and proof of income organized before you apply. It speeds up everything.
Foreign National loans are an alternative if you don't file U.S. taxes. But ITIN borrowers who do file often get better rates and terms.
Bank Statement loans can pair well here. Self-employed ITIN borrowers sometimes qualify using 12-24 months of bank statements instead of tax returns.
Merced sits in the Central Valley where agricultural and service-sector workers make up a large share of residents. Many are ITIN filers with steady income.
UC Merced's growth has increased housing demand across the city. ITIN buyers who act now are competing in a real market — not sitting on the sideline.
Yes. ITIN loans are specifically designed for this. You need a valid ITIN, tax history, and documented income — not an SSN.
Most ITIN lenders require 10-20% down. Larger down payments can improve your rate and approval odds.
Not always. Some lenders accept alternative credit like rent and utility payment history. Ask us which lenders allow this.
Typically two years of U.S. tax returns. Self-employed borrowers may use bank statements instead. Requirements vary by lender.
Yes, typically. ITIN loans are non-QM products. Rates are higher, but they're the right tool when conventional isn't an option. Rates vary by borrower profile and market conditions.
Non-QM loans often take 30-45 days. Having your ITIN documents and tax returns ready upfront cuts that timeline down.
ITIN Loans in Merced