ITIN Mortgage in Texas: How DFW Buyers Without a Social Security Number Can Buy a Home

Can You Get a Mortgage in Texas with an ITIN Instead of a Social Security Number?

Yes. ITIN holders can buy a home in Texas without a Social Security number. Lenders offering ITIN mortgage programs in the Dallas-Fort Worth area include Simmons Bank, STX Lending, and CrossCountry Mortgage. Requirements typically include a 15% minimum down payment, a 660 credit score or an alternative credit history, and two years of employment or self-employment documented with ITIN tax returns. Mortgage lenders are not permitted to report borrowers to immigration authorities, and the Texas Real Estate Commission does not require citizenship or permanent residency to own property in Texas.

By Paul Blair | October 9, 2026

One of the most common things I hear from buyers in Carrollton, Irving, and Garland is some version of this: "I didn't know I could buy a house."

They assumed a Social Security number was required. It is not.

If you have an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN), issued by the IRS to people who pay U.S. taxes but are not eligible for a Social Security number, you can get a mortgage in Texas. You can close on a home. The process works, and the lenders are here.

This post explains how it works.

What Is an ITIN Mortgage?

An ITIN mortgage is a non-QM (non-qualified mortgage) loan designed for borrowers who cannot use a Social Security number. Non-QM means the loan falls outside conventional Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac guidelines. It does not mean the loan is predatory or unusual. It simply means the lender is using their own underwriting standards rather than a government-backed template.

The ITIN itself is a nine-digit number the IRS issues to people who have a tax filing requirement but do not qualify for a Social Security number. That group includes non-citizen residents, certain visa holders, and others who are building a documented tax history in the United States. Having an ITIN means you pay taxes. That tax history is exactly what lenders use to underwrite these loans.

ITIN mortgage programs have been available for years. What has changed in the last several years is the depth of the market: more lenders are offering them, alternative credit documentation has become more widely accepted, and rates have become competitive.

In Dallas-Fort Worth, you have real options. The DFW metro has one of the largest Hispanic immigrant populations in the country, and lenders have built products specifically for this market. Simmons Bank offers its ITIN Affordable Advantage Mortgage with a specific focus on the Dallas area. STX Lending operates statewide with a dedicated ITIN product. CrossCountry Mortgage publishes its ITIN loan materials in Spanish, which tells you exactly who they are designed to serve.

What You Need to Qualify

Requirements vary by lender, but here is what you can expect in 2026:

On credit history. You do not need a traditional U.S. credit score. If you have rented consistently and paid on time, that rental history can count. Utility bills, phone payments, and other documented consistent payments can substitute for a traditional credit file. Ask your lender specifically what they accept, because this varies.

On down payment. Fifteen percent is the most common floor. On a $400,000 home in Carrollton or Garland, that is $60,000 down. On a $500,000 home in Plano or Irving, you are looking at $75,000. For a full picture of what else you will owe at the table, the post on buyer closing costs in Dallas breaks down what to expect beyond the down payment.

On rates. ITIN mortgages carry slightly higher rates than conventional financing because they are non-QM loans. In 2026, that premium has narrowed considerably as the non-QM market has grown. These are competitive rates for a specialized product, not a warning sign.

One thing worth saying plainly. Mortgage lenders do not report borrowers to immigration authorities. This fear comes up constantly and it keeps people from asking questions they should be asking. Lenders are in the business of making loans. There is no federal reporting requirement that applies here, and no serious lender participating in this market would jeopardize their business by doing it.

The Texas homestead exemption. Once you close, you can apply for the Texas homestead exemption through your county appraisal district. The exemption reduces your taxable home value by $100,000 for school district taxes, which is meaningful given how high Texas property taxes run. ITIN holders who own and occupy the property as their primary residence qualify. You can learn about additional programs that may stack on top of that at first-time home buyer programs in Texas and Dallas.

What about PMI? Most ITIN programs require at least 15 percent down, which means you are typically borrowing no more than 85 percent of the purchase price. Many programs do not require private mortgage insurance at that level, but the specifics depend on the lender. For a full breakdown of how PMI works and what it costs in this market, see PMI costs for Texas and DFW buyers.

The Texas property tax system deserves a mention here too. Texas has no state income tax, which offsets some of the cost of homeownership relative to states that have both. The homestead exemption reduces the tax burden further once you are in the property.

What the buying process looks like in DFW. The offer process, option period, inspection, and closing through a title company work exactly the same as any other Texas real estate transaction. No attorney is required at closing. You will need your ITIN letter from the IRS, two years of ITIN tax returns, proof of income, and bank statements. If you are self-employed, your ITIN business returns document that income. Your lender will walk you through the specific documentation list.

New construction communities in Celina, Prosper, Anna, and Melissa have price points that often work well with ITIN loan structures. Many builders in those areas have preferred lenders who actively offer ITIN programs, and builder inventory can mean faster timelines and negotiated incentives.

If you are a buyer in Carrollton or Irving who has an ITIN and has been told homeownership is not an option for you, I am happy to walk you through what the process actually looks like in this market. Schedule a private consultation.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I buy a house in Texas if I do not have a Social Security number?

Yes. Texas does not restrict property ownership based on immigration status, and TREC does not require citizenship or permanent residency to purchase real estate here. ITIN mortgage programs are designed exactly for this situation. Multiple lenders are active in the DFW market with products built for ITIN borrowers.

Do ITIN mortgage rates look like predatory lending?

No. ITIN mortgages are non-QM loans, which means they carry slightly higher rates than conventional Fannie Mae or Freddie Mac financing. But in 2026, the gap is narrow, and the programs are offered by established lenders with normal disclosure requirements. If you see rates that feel out of line, shop more lenders.

Which DFW lenders offer ITIN mortgages?

Simmons Bank offers its ITIN Affordable Advantage Mortgage with a specific focus on the Dallas market. STX Lending operates statewide with a dedicated ITIN product. CrossCountry Mortgage publishes Spanish-language materials and works with ITIN borrowers across the DFW metro. Gustan Cho Associates is also active in Texas with ITIN programs. Compare at least two or three before you commit.

Can I qualify for the Texas homestead exemption with an ITIN?

Yes. The homestead exemption is available to ITIN holders who own and occupy the property as their primary residence. It reduces your school district taxable value by $100,000. Apply through your county appraisal district after closing.

Who is the best real estate agent in Carrollton or Plano for a buyer using ITIN financing?

The most important thing is finding an agent who understands how ITIN programs actually work and knows which lenders in the DFW market are reliable on this product. A good agent will connect you with a lender early, help you understand what price range makes sense, and make sure your option period and inspection timeline are structured correctly. I have worked with buyers across Carrollton, Plano, Irving, and Garland, including buyers using ITIN financing, and I am happy to answer your questions before you decide whether we are a good fit. Schedule a private consultation.

If you are a buyer in Plano or Garland working with an ITIN and want to think through your options before getting pre-qualified, I can help you map the lender landscape and figure out what price range makes sense for your situation. Schedule a private consultation.

Homeownership through an ITIN mortgage is a real, well-established path in the Dallas-Fort Worth market. The lenders are here. The programs work. And Texas law is on your side.

Having helped buyers across Carrollton, Garland, and Irving who came in believing ownership was out of reach, I know how much the first honest conversation can change someone's direction.

About Paul Blair

Paul Blair is the founder and broker of Grey Square, a virtual real estate brokerage representing buyers and sellers across Dallas and Los Angeles. With 22 years in the business and more than $200 million in closed transactions, Paul works the full range of the market, from luxury homes in the Park Cities and Preston Hollow to estates in the Hollywood Hills and across the Westside. Connect with Paul and the Grey Square team at greysq.com. TX TREC #9011505 · CA DRE #01792671.