No U.S. Credit? Here’s How We Helped a Family Buy Their First Home
I wanted to share a recent review from one of my clients that touched me deeply:
“Navigating the U.S. mortgage process as a newcomer from overseas with no local credit history felt daunting and, at one point, almost impossible. Every lender we approached either declined us outright or didn’t take the time to understand our unique situation. That changed the moment we connected with Shachi and her team at BankSouth Mortgage… Because of Shachi and her dedicated team, we are now proud homeowners in the U.S. The entire process from initial consultation to final closing was handled with transparency, integrity, and professionalism. They don’t just process loans—they make possibilities real.”
Stories like this remind me why I love what I do. Moving to a new country is exciting, but starting fresh with credit and financial history can feel overwhelming.
The good news? Homeownership is possible, even if you’re new to the U.S.
Here’s How
If you’re on a valid work visa and have a Social Security number, you may qualify to purchase a primary residence with as little as 20% down. And if you don’t yet have a full U.S. credit history, we can work together to build a nontraditional credit history using your credit profile from overseas.
Examples of Non-traditional Credit We Can Use
(12 months of history preferred)
- Rent or mortgage payments
- Utilities: electricity, gas, water, internet, phone
- Automobile insurance
- Household or renter’s insurance
- Tuition or childcare payments
- Car lease/loan or department store accounts
We typically aim for at least 4 verifiable credit lines over the past 12 months.
Every client’s story is unique, so we create a custom approach to give you the strongest case possible, even if other lenders have said no.
Bottom Line
If you or someone you know has recently moved to the U.S. and dreams of owning a home, don’t let a lack of U.S. credit history hold you back. I’d be honored to guide you through the process and make your possibilities real.
The BankSouth Mortgage Advantage
Experience the speed of ReadyApprove from BankSouth Mortgage, where you can secure conditional approval for conforming loan limits within hours.
With ReadyLoan®, you can make this process even easier. Our digital platform lets you apply, track your loan progress, and submit documents securely—all from your computer or mobile device. You’ll be armed with the confidence to quickly submit an offer, and the seller will see you as a serious, prepared buyer.
Have peace of mind with our FREE one-time rate float-down* and no lender fee refinance options!
When you purchase your home with me at BankSouth Mortgage, you may be able to refinance later with no lender fees.** This program offers flexibility as life changes, with the potential for savings when it matters most.
* One-time float down available on 45-120 day rate locks. Float down must be executed at least 15 days prior to closing and must be at least .125 improvement. ** This offer may change or end at any time without notice. “No Lender Fees” refers to waived origination charges. Eligibility conditions apply. Subject to credit and property approval.
Blog post date: Thursday, July 31, 2025
