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El Cajon sits in San Diego County's inland corridor, where median household income of $102,285 supports homes across a wide price range.
The market moves fast for qualified buyers. Down payments typically run 30% to 50% for foreign nationals, and lenders focus on liquid reserves and international income verification rather than a U.S. credit score.
30–50%
Typical Down Payment
None — alternative credit
Credit Score Required
45–60 days
Closing Timeline
6–12 months
Reserves After Closing
$102,285
County Median Income
Foreign National Loans in El Cajon
Foreign national loans require proof of legal U.S. residency or visa status, a valid passport, and substantial liquid reserves. Most lenders ask for 30% to 50% down and want to see 6 to 12 months of reserves after closing.
Income verification comes from international tax returns, bank statements, or employment letters. A FICO score isn't required, but lenders pull alternative credit reports.
Local decision guide
Use this guide to connect foreign national loans eligibility, lender expectations, and local market factors before comparing payment options in El Cajon.
El Cajon sits in San Diego County's inland corridor, where median household income of $102,285 supports homes across a wide price range.
The market moves fast for qualified buyers. Down payments typically run 30% to 50% for foreign nationals, and lenders focus on liquid reserves and international income verification rather than a U.S. credit score.
Foreign national loans require proof of legal U.S. residency or visa status, a valid passport, and substantial liquid reserves. Most lenders ask for 30% to 50% down and want to see 6 to 12 months of reserves after closing.
Foreign national lending in California is a niche market. Fewer lenders offer it than conventional or FHA, and those who do have strict overlays on reserves, occupancy, and property type. Most require owner-occupancy and won't touch investment properties.
Closing timelines run 45 to 60 days because international verification takes longer. Brokers with direct relationships to portfolio lenders or correspondent banks that specialize in foreign nationals move faster than retail banks.
Foreign national loans make sense in El Cajon when you have substantial savings and want to avoid the years-long U.S. credit-building process. If you're putting 40% down and have 12 months of reserves, the rate and terms are competitive with conventional.
They don't pencil when you're stretched on reserves or need to finance above 70% LTV. The down-payment requirement eats into purchasing power compared to FHA or VA, and fewer lenders mean less rate competition.
Conventional loans require a U.S. credit history and typically 5% to 20% down. Foreign nationals skip the credit requirement but pay the cost in higher down payment and fewer lender options.
FHA loans accept lower credit scores and 3.5% down but require a Social Security number and U.S. credit file. For foreign nationals without either, FHA isn't an option — foreign national loans are the only path.
El Cajon's location between downtown San Diego and the mountains makes it attractive to international buyers seeking affordability without a long commute.
Schools and parks draw families. The El Cajon Valley High School district serves the area, and proximity to regional shopping and dining keeps costs lower than coastal San Diego.
No. Lenders use alternative credit reports and focus on international income, reserves, and residency status instead. A FICO score isn't required.
Most lenders ask for 30% to 50% down. The exact amount depends on reserves, income verification, and the property type. Owner-occupied homes qualify more easily than investment properties.
Plan for 45 to 60 days. International income verification and passport checks add time compared to conventional loans. Brokers with portfolio lenders close faster than retail banks.
International tax returns, bank statements, and employment letters work. Lenders want 2 years of history. If you're self-employed, business registration and profit-and-loss statements strengthen your application.
Most lenders require owner-occupancy. Investment properties face stricter overlays and higher down payments. Ask your broker — some portfolio lenders will consider rentals with 40%+ down and strong reserves.