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Benicia sits on the Carquinez Strait with a historic downtown and a quieter pace than the Bay Area's core markets. That draws international buyers who want California real estate without the chaos of SF or Oakland.
Foreign national loans are non-QM products. That means they don't follow standard agency rules. Lenders set their own guidelines, and those vary significantly across the 200+ wholesale sources we work with.
30–40%
Min Down Payment
Not Required
US Credit Required
12+ months
Reserves Required
30–45 days
Typical Underwriting
Foreign National Loans in Benicia
You don't need a US credit score to qualify. Most lenders accept international credit reports or alternative references like bank letters and rental history.
Expect a minimum 30% down payment on most programs. Some lenders push that to 35% or 40% depending on your country of origin and the property type.
Local decision guide
Use this guide to connect foreign national loans eligibility, lender expectations, and local market factors before comparing payment options in Benicia.
Benicia sits on the Carquinez Strait with a historic downtown and a quieter pace than the Bay Area's core markets. That draws international buyers who want California real estate without the chaos of SF or Oakland.
Foreign national loans are non-QM products. That means they don't follow standard agency rules. Lenders set their own guidelines, and those vary significantly across the 200+ wholesale sources we work with.
You don't need a US credit score to qualify. Most lenders accept international credit reports or alternative references like bank letters and rental history.
Most retail banks won't touch foreign national loans. This is a wholesale and portfolio lender specialty — exactly where we operate.
Not all lenders accept buyers from every country. Certain nations face additional restrictions. We know which lenders work with which buyer profiles before you waste time on an application.
The biggest mistake we see? Buyers waiting until they're under contract to find financing. Foreign national loans take longer to underwrite. Start the process early.
Escrow and title in Solano County are standard, but lenders will want your funds sourced and seasoned. Wire transfers from foreign accounts need a clear paper trail — 60 days minimum, sometimes 90.
If you have a US ITIN number, an ITIN loan may get you better terms than a foreign national program. ITIN loans treat you closer to a domestic borrower.
Buying as an investment? A DSCR loan qualifies on the property's rental income — not your income at all. That removes the cross-border income documentation problem entirely.
Benicia is in Solano County, which sits outside the high-cost FHFA designations that cover parts of the Bay Area. Foreign national loan limits are set by individual lenders, so county conforming limits don't directly apply here.
The Benicia Industrial Park and proximity to major Bay Area employers make this an attractive rental market. For investors, that rental demand supports the income projections lenders want to see.
Some lenders allow purchases on a tourist visa. Most prefer B1/B2 or investor visa holders. We'll match you to lenders based on your visa status.
Yes. Most lenders require a US account before closing. You'll need it to hold reserves and receive any future rental income.
Plan on at least 30% down. Some lenders require 35–40% depending on your country and the property's intended use.
Yes. Many foreign national buyers in Benicia purchase investment properties. A DSCR loan may also work if rental income covers the payment.
Passport, visa, foreign credit references, 2–3 months of bank statements, and proof of reserves. Lenders vary on exact requirements.
Typically 30–45 days, sometimes longer. International document verification adds time. Build that into your purchase timeline.