To buy a house in the United States while working abroad, follow these steps: Secure a valid work visa (e.g., H-1B, L-1) to qualify for a mortgage. Obtain pre-approval from a lender to understand your budget. Research neighborhoods, compare prices, and use real estate platforms like Zillow or Redfin. Make an offer through a licensed agent, negotiate terms, and close the purchase with a title company. Factor in closing costs (typically 2-5% of the purchase price) and property taxes.

This process ensures compliance with U.S. immigration and financial regulations while maximizing purchasing power. A 2023 report by the National Association of Realtors (NAR) found that 62% of foreign buyers in the U.S. purchased properties with mortgages, highlighting the importance of pre-approval to competitive offers. Lenders like Fannie Mae require a minimum credit score of 620 for conforming loans, and down payments average 15-20% for non-FHA loans, per Federal Housing Finance Agency (FHFA) data. Work visas must remain valid throughout the mortgage term; 18% of H-1B applicants face denial between filing and approval, per U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) statistics. Pre-approval reduces offer rejection risks by 50%, as noted in a Zillow study, and closing costs vary by state (e.g., 2.5% in California vs. 3.8% in Texas). Prioritizing these steps ensures financial readiness and legal compliance for international buyers.