Frequently asked questions

Yes. U.S. law does not restrict property purchases by foreign nationals. You can buy on a tourist visa, with permanent residency or with dual citizenship. What changes from one case to another is not the right to buy, but the financing terms and the tax structure that suits you best. We recommend talking to an attorney and an accountant before closing: we have a network of Mexican professionals who have guided hundreds of families through this process.

Absolutely. It is exactly what we specialize in. There are financing programs for foreign nationals that do not require a U.S. credit history: they assess your verifiable income in Mexico, your bank statements and your down payment. We have access to several sources of financing, including international banks and private lenders.

For a foreign buyer with no U.S. credit history, the usual down payment runs from 30% to 40% of the property value. If you have an ITIN, residency or a U.S. credit history, that percentage can come down considerably. Every case is reviewed individually, and pre-qualification is free.

The ITIN (Individual Taxpayer Identification Number) is a tax number the IRS issues to people who do not qualify for a Social Security Number. It is not required to buy, but it makes better loan terms easier to access and you need it to file taxes if you rent the property out. We help you apply for it.

San Diego is one of the most solid markets in the country: supply limited by geography, steady demand and an economy diversified across biotech, defense and tourism. The answer depends on your budget, your risk tolerance, your short- and long-term plans, the location you want and the type of property. In a 20-minute call we can give you a concrete picture of your case.

The county has something for every profile. Chula Vista is the natural entry point for Mexican families because of its price and how close it is to the border. Carmel Valley stands out for its schools. La Jolla and Del Mar concentrate the oceanfront property. Coronado has one of the best beaches in the country. Downtown is the strongest option for rental investment. See our guide to the 8 areas to compare prices and lifestyle.

Budget between 2% and 5% of the purchase price: escrow, title insurance, inspection, appraisal, lender fees, homeowner's insurance and the property-tax proration. We give you an estimated breakdown before you make any offer, so there are no surprises at the end.

Property tax in California runs around 1.1% of the purchase value per year. If you rent the property out, you must report the income to the IRS, and when you sell, FIRPTA applies: the buyer withholds a percentage of the sale price when the seller is a foreign national. There are legal structures that reduce this burden, which is one of the reasons we always work with an accountant and an attorney from day one.

It depends on whether the property is for family use or investment, on your immigration situation and on your estate planning. Each structure has different implications for taxes, privacy and inheritance. Our network of Mexican and U.S. business attorneys helps you choose the one that fits your case.

Forbes has ranked San Diego among the ten safest cities in the United States, with low crime rates and police departments recognized for their professionalism. It is one of the main reasons our families choose the region.

Yes, and it is a very common strategy among our clients. You can rent it long term or as a vacation rental, depending on what the city and the condo association rules allow. We connect you with property managers who handle everything: tenants, maintenance and tax reporting.

An all-cash purchase can close in 14 to 21 days. With foreign-national financing, the full process usually takes 45 to 60 days from the accepted offer. Preparing your documentation in advance is what shortens the timeline the most.