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Redwood City's real estate market is anchored by strong regional employment. Burlingame's 220 Park office tower just hit 100% occupancy with tenants like Confluent and Upstart, signaling confidence in the Peninsula's tech corridor.
Foreign nationals buying in Redwood City typically target properties in the $1,200,000 to $1,400,000 range. San Mateo County's median household income of $156,000 reflects the region's high earning power and competitive pricing.
20–30%
Typical down payment
Not required
U.S. credit history
45–60 days
Closing timeline
0.5–1.0%
Rate premium vs. conventional
Foreign National Loans in Redwood City
Foreign national loans require no U.S. Social Security number or credit history. Lenders verify income through international bank statements, tax returns from your home country, and employment letters.
Credit scoring works differently for foreign nationals. Lenders build a profile from your home country's banking history, payment records, and financial stability rather than a U.S. FICO score.
Local decision guide
Use this guide to connect foreign national loans eligibility, lender expectations, and local market factors before comparing payment options in Redwood City.
Redwood City's real estate market is anchored by strong regional employment. Burlingame's 220 Park office tower just hit 100% occupancy with tenants like Confluent and Upstart, signaling confidence in the Peninsula's tech corridor.
Foreign nationals buying in Redwood City typically target properties in the $1,200,000 to $1,400,000 range. San Mateo County's median household income of $156,000 reflects the region's high earning power and competitive pricing.
Foreign national loans require no U.S. Social Security number or credit history. Lenders verify income through international bank statements, tax returns from your home country, and employment letters.
Foreign national lending in California is a specialized niche. Most mainstream retail banks don't offer these programs; instead, portfolio lenders and mortgage brokers with international connections dominate.
Closing timelines run 45–60 days, longer than conventional loans. Lenders need time to verify international documents, sometimes requiring certified translations.
Foreign national loans make sense in Redwood City when you have substantial down payment savings and stable international income. The program shines for buyers relocating to the Peninsula for tech jobs or executives establishing U.S. operations.
The trade-off is rate and cost. Foreign national programs typically run 0.5–1.0% higher than conforming conventional rates. Closing costs are higher too.
Foreign national loans versus conventional financing: conventional requires a U.S. credit history and Social Security number, while foreign national loans skip both. Conventional rates run lower, but you can't qualify without U.S. credit.
Versus FHA loans: FHA requires a Social Security number and U.S. credit history too. FHA's 3.5% down is cheaper than foreign national's 20–30% minimum, but again, you need U.S. credit.
Redwood City's dining scene just expanded. Bravo Taqueria reopened at 980 Woodside Road after a three-year renovation that doubled its size.
Downtown San Mateo's restaurant growth matters too. Reposado opened in February 2026 at 311 Baldwin Avenue, part of a broader downtown revitalization.
No. Foreign national loans are designed specifically for buyers without a U.S. SSN. Lenders verify your identity through your passport and international financial documents instead.
Most lenders require 20–30% down. Some portfolio lenders go as low as 20% with strong international credit and proof of funds. A few specialized programs accept 15% down, but 30% is more common and gets better rates.
Lenders request tax returns from your home country, bank statements showing regular deposits, and an employment letter from your employer. Some ask for certified translations if documents aren't in English.
Plan for 45–60 days. Lenders need extra time to verify international documents and sometimes request certified translations. Wire transfers for down payments must originate from documented accounts in your name.
Yes, typically 0.5–1.0% higher. The higher rate reflects the extra underwriting work and portfolio-lender pricing. Closing costs also run 1–2% higher than conventional loans.