Latin American investors need to know in advance what documents to buy a house are required. Unlike their countries of origin, the US real estate system requires specific legal and financial requirements that may be unfamiliar to many international buyers.
Being clear about these documents not only facilitates the purchase process. At the same time, it prevents delays and improves the chances of successfully closing an investment transaction.
In 2024, Latin American investors played a significant role in the US real estate market, representing a key part of foreign capital. According to a report by the Miami Association of Realtors, more than 45 % of international transactions in Miami during the first quarter of 2025 were made by buyers from Brazil, Colombia, Argentina, and Mexico (TyN Magazine, 2024).
Are you looking to join this trend to consolidate your assets with a reliable long-term investment? In this guide, we’ll tell you how to gather the documents to buy a house in the best locations in the United States.
Documents to buy a house as a foreigner in the U.S.
To start investing in the United States on the right foot, it’s essential to have complete, clear documentation that complies with the standards of the U.S. legal and financial system. Below, we review the main documents that every Latin American investor must prepare.
Valid passport and visa (tourist or business)
This is the first requirement for carrying out any transaction in the United States. Beyond the documents to buy a house, you’ll need to have a current passport for any legal transaction.
You must also have a B1/B2 visa (business or tourism). Although permanent residency is not required to invest, having a valid visa is essential for transactions related to real estate investment.
Bank letter or international account statements
These are used to demonstrate financial solvency to real estate agents, banks, or tax authorities. Among the various required documents to buy a house, these are the ones that will financially support your investment. In fact, they are essential if you want to apply for a mortgage loan as a foreign investor. Ideally, the statements should have the following characteristics:
- Be recent (within the last 3 to 6 months).
- Be from personal or business accounts.
- If possible, be expressed in dollars.
- They should show that you have enough liquid funds or reserves to cover the investment.
Proof of income or tax return from the country of origin
This provides greater transparency to the investor’s financial profile. Some of the documents to buy a house that you can present to prove income include:
- First, annual tax return.
- Pay stubs.
- Also, proof of income from independent activities.
- In the case of business owners, audited balance sheets or accounting reports can be included to support your financial stability.
Documents to buy a house: ITIN
The Individual Taxpayer Identification Number is a code issued by the IRS (Internal Revenue Service) for foreigners without an SSN (Social Security Number), who must complete tax procedures in the US, such as:
- Filing taxes.
- Signing mortgage contracts.
- Receiving rental income.
- Even creating an LLC.
In addition, having an ITIN allows foreign investors to build a tax history in the United States. Thus, if you lack the main documents to buy a house, it’s a good idea to start by applying for one. It’s key if you want to apply for financing in the future, demonstrate solvency to the IRS, or structure a more solid investment portfolio.
Although ITIN does not grant immigration status or work authorization, it does open the door to:
- Formally operating in the US financial system.
- Also, declaring rental income.
- And comply with tax obligations
Purchase agreement
This is one of the primary documents to buy a house in the United States. It is a legal document that establishes the final terms of the transaction between the buyer and seller. It includes information on the agreed price, closing date, contingencies, and deadlines. This contract is signed once the offer is accepted and represents a formal commitment between both parties.
Similarly, it may include additional clauses that protect the foreign buyer. For example, pre-inspections, timeframes for obtaining financing, or specific conditions related to visas or relocation. Therefore, the contract must be reviewed by an attorney specializing in international real estate transactions, as ambiguous or unfavorable wording can create legal obligations that are difficult to reverse.
Furthermore, in some states, the contract must be accompanied by an escrow deposit, which reinforces the seriousness of the agreement and activates the process toward the official closing.
Documents to buy a house: offer letter
Before the purchase agreement, this letter shows the buyer’s interest in buying the property and is usually sent with proof of purchase. Although it is not binding, it should be written accurately because it sets the tone for negotiations.
The offer letter is one of the documents to buy a house that shows your interest in the property. But it does more than that. It also lets you set some important initial conditions like:
- The proposed price.
- Whether the purchase will be in cash or financed.
- Tentative deadlines for moving forward with the closing.
For international buyers, including clear and realistic details about the time required for international transfers or document validation helps build trust with the seller and can make a difference in competitive markets. While not legally binding, a well-structured offer conveys seriousness and can be the key to starting a successful negotiation.
Documents to buy a house: proof of funds
This is a key document to demonstrate that the buyer has the necessary funds to complete the transaction. It can be an official letter from the bank, a bank statement, or a financial certificate. This support increases the buyer’s credibility and builds trust with the seller.
In addition, proof of funds is not only important at the beginning of the process but may also be required at different stages to confirm the continued availability of funds, especially if the purchase is extended overtime or includes financing. Proof of funds is one of the main documents required by foreign investors for buying a home because:
- It reduces the risk of delays.
- It strengthens the trust of all parties involved, including real estate agents, lenders, and attorneys.
- In markets with high demand, solid proof of funds can even be decisive in making the seller prefer your offer over others.
Buyers must provide this documentation for home purchases and rent-to-own agreements. Preparing and organizing these documents in advance not only streamlines the purchasing process but also helps buyers present a professional image to agents, lawyers, and lenders. In a market as dynamic as the U.S. real estate market, being well-prepared can mean the difference between missing an opportunity and securing a profitable investment.
Differences between cash and financing
In addition to everything mentioned above, remember that the documents to buy a house may differ depending on whether you pay with cash or a mortgage.
⮚ Cash purchase: The process is more straightforward. The main requirements are proof of funds, official identification, and a purchase agreement. Proof of income isn’t as extensive, but it is necessary to have available liquidity.
⮚ Financing purchase: Buyers must provide a larger number of documents to purchase a home. These are:
- Credit history (even if it’s international).
- Proof of income.
- Tax returns.
- Bank reference letters.
- Buyers must also make a significant down payment (generally between 25% and 35% of the property’s value).
Both options have their advantages, but it’s important to prepare the documents in advance to ensure a smooth and efficient process.
Best practices for organizing your documents as an investor
Are you organizing your documents to buy a house in the United States? Let’s go over some key recommendations to help you prepare when you present your documents to real estate agents, banks, or lawyers.
Digitize all your documents and keep them up to date
Saving your documents in the cloud in organized folders will allow you to access them more quickly from anywhere, and updating them regularly will avoid setbacks. This includes:
- Bank statements.
- Tax returns.
- Reference letters.
- Any other relevant documents.
Translate all your documents to buy a house
Many agencies in the United States do not accept informal translations. Using certified translation services can make a difference when:
- Applying for a loan.
- Signing contracts.
- Presenting your profile to a real estate broker.
Consult with a U.S. legal or real estate advisor before signing
Laws vary by state, and it’s common for legal documents to include complex clauses. An advisor experienced in foreign investment will help you:
- Interpret terms.
- Avoid costly mistakes.
- And protect your investment from the start.
Apply for your ITIN early if you don’t have an SSN
The ITIN (Individual Taxpayer Identification Number) is essential for conducting legal and tax transactions in the U.S. If you’re preparing documents to buy a house, you need to apply for it in advance.
Obtaining it can take several weeks to complete. Therefore, if you’re opening a bank account or applying for a mortgage, remember to process your ITIN early.
Prepare your international tax information in advance
Demonstrating tax compliance and keeping a clear record of your personal and business tax returns makes it easier to comply with U.S. tax regulations.
Some states or transactions may require tax certifications from your home country. For this reason, having up-to-date and organized copies will help you avoid delays and demonstrate transparency to banks, accountants, or the IRS.
Ensure your financial statements are clear and consistent
Are you gathering documents to buy a house? An orderly presentation of your finances improves your profile with lenders and demonstrates your ability to pay. Consider working with an accountant to help you consolidate this information with U.S. criteria.
These practices will facilitate your buyer’s experience and demonstrate seriousness to all parties involved. Keep them in mind to move forward with confidence, reduce barriers, and expedite the real estate investment process in the U.S.
Organize the documents to buy a house with PFS Realty
If you’re ready to invest in the US real estate market and want to make sure you have everything in order, at PFS Realty Group we’ll be with you every step of the way.
Our bilingual team will advise you on gathering the documents to buy a house. At the same time, they’ll understand your profile as a Latin American investor and connect you with the best opportunities in Florida and other key regions of the country.
How to manage your investment in the US: step by step
Learn about the services PFS Realty offers to foreign investors interested in purchasing properties in the US:
- Specialized support. PFS provides accounting and legal advice with lawyers and accountants who are experts in foreign investment, to structure the purchase under the appropriate legal and tax framework according to the client’s country of origin.
- Selection of high-yield properties. We analyze the market and present real estate options in high-potential areas, such as Miami, Orlando, or Houston, aligned with the investor’s financial goals.
- Management of the immigration process (investor visas). Our advisors will help you prepare all the necessary documents to buy a house in the US.
- Mortgages for non-residents. PFS facilitates access to loans for foreigners through partnerships with US banks that offer tailored loans for international buyers.
- Property management. We offer property management services, including rental, maintenance, and resale, for investors who do not reside in the US.
So, gathering the documents to buy a house, researching the real estate market, and purchasing a property under optimal conditions is a process that requires time, effort, and knowledge. At PFS Realty, we have more than 25 years of experience in real estate at your service. Learn about all our services and acquire your next property as a foreign investor.
References:
- Bank of America. (2025). ¿Está pensando en comprar una nueva casa? Estamos aquí para ayudarle.
- La Nación. (2024, June 17). Casi la mitad de los latinos en EE.UU. tiene casa propia: qué hay que saber para comprar una vivienda.
- TyN Magazine. (2024, September 13). Who’s buying America?