Can You Buy a Home in Michigan with an ITIN in 2026? A Clear, Updated Guide

Data last verified: November 10, 2026.

What is an ITIN loan?

An ITIN loan is a mortgage for people who pay U.S. taxes with an ITIN (Individual Taxpayer Identification Number, issued by the IRS) instead of a Social Security number. It is not a government program: some banks, credit unions and private lenders offer it. In Michigan, for example, Michigan First Credit Union publishes its own ITIN program.

Because it is not backed by FHA or by conventional programs, it usually comes with different terms: a larger down payment, a higher interest rate and more paperwork.

What changed in 2026 for ITIN loans?

Between May and July there were several federal announcements that caused a lot of confusion. According to trade press (Mortgage Professional America, American Banker and Uno TV, in Spanish):

Date	What happened	What it means for you
May 19, 2026	Executive Order 14406 asks federal agencies to review how immigration status weighs on a borrower's ability to repay	It does not change the law by itself; it signals where regulators are heading
June 2026	Joint advisory from FinCEN, FDIC, OCC and NCUA (with the IRS) on using an ITIN instead of a Social Security number	Banks are paying closer attention to these files
June 8, 2026	CFPB (Consumer Financial Protection Bureau) statement on ability to repay and immigration status	It does not have the force of law, but it guides lenders
July 13, 2026	Joint OCC, FDIC and NCUA guidance on lending to people not authorized to work in the U.S.	It creates no new legal requirements

The key point: none of these announcements bans ITIN loans or changes the law that lets you buy a home with an ITIN. What can happen is that some lenders ask for more paperwork, ask more questions or stop offering the product. Before you start, ask your lender whether their rules changed after July 2026.

What do you need to buy a home with an ITIN in Michigan?

Every lender has its own rules, but the most common requests are:

• A valid ITIN and ID (passport or consular ID).
• Tax returns from the last one or two years, filed with your ITIN.
• Proof of stable income: pay stubs, account statements or, if you are self-employed, your returns and bank statements.
• Credit history: traditional or alternative (on-time rent, utilities and phone payments).
• Down payment: usually larger than the 3.5% minimum on an FHA loan. Ask for the exact percentage in writing, because it varies a lot between lenders.
• Savings for closing costs (see closing costs in Michigan) and an emergency reserve.

Step by step: buying with an ITIN

1. Get your taxes in order. If you have not filed with your ITIN, that is the first step.
2. Talk to two or three lenders. Do not stop at the first "no": each one has different programs. Andreina explains this in the pre-approval video.
3. Get your pre-approval letter. Without it, no seller takes your offer seriously.
4. Look for a home with an agent who knows the process. At Team Mendoza we work with you in Spanish or English and coordinate with your lender.
5. Review every document before you sign. If you do not understand something, ask. We explain it in your language.

Preaprobación de crédito: el primer paso para comprar tu casa en USAWatch on YouTube · 7 min

What if I do not qualify for an ITIN loan?

There are other routes, but look at them carefully:

• Land contract (seller financing): the seller finances you directly. It is common in Michigan, but it carries important risks. Read about land contracts before signing one.
• Buying with a relative who has a Social Security number, as a co-borrower.
• Improve your profile for 6 to 12 months (savings, taxes, credit) and apply again.

This article is informational and is not legal, immigration or financial advice. Your situation is unique: talk to your lender and, if you have immigration questions, to an immigration attorney.

FAQ

Is it legal to buy a home in Michigan with an ITIN?

Yes. No law prohibits buying property with an ITIN in Michigan, and ITIN loans are still legal in 2026. What changed is that some lenders review these files more closely and may ask for more documents.

How much down payment do I need with an ITIN loan?

It is usually higher than the 3.5% minimum on an FHA loan and depends on each lender. Ask two or three lenders for the exact figure in writing before you decide, because the difference between them can be thousands of dollars.

Can I buy a home with an ITIN if I do not have a Social Security number?

Yes, that is what ITIN loans are for. You need a valid ITIN, taxes filed with that number, documented income and a lender that offers the program. FHA loans and most state assistance programs do require a Social Security number.

Can I use state down payment assistance with an ITIN?

Most state and City of Detroit assistance programs are tied to loans that require a Social Security number. Check each program's requirements in our guide to down payment assistance in Michigan 2026.

Does Team Mendoza help buyers with an ITIN?

Yes. We guide you in Spanish or English through the whole process and connect you with lenders that work with ITINs in Michigan. You can book a call or message us on WhatsApp at +1 (313) 437-2929.