H-1B Home Buying in Northern Virginia
Helping H-1B professionals and international buyers navigate the purchase of homes and investment properties across Northern Virginia.
H-1B Buyers in Virginia — what to know
Think your H-1B status means you can’t buy a home? You may have more options than you think.
Many H-1B professionals own homes in Northern Virginia. A green card is not required to buy, and depending on the lender, loan program and your individual qualifications, H-1B holders may be eligible for conventional mortgage financing. My role is to represent you in the purchase as your Virginia real estate agent — and to connect you with experienced lenders, who are the ones that determine mortgage eligibility.
- Understand whether buying is realistic for your situation
- Get connected with experienced lenders for your specific case
- Target the right Northern Virginia communities and price range
- Negotiate and structure the purchase in your interest
- Close with confidence, start to finish
A green card isn’t required
There’s no citizenship or green-card requirement to buy a home in Virginia. Many visa holders purchase here every year.
Agent vs. lender — clear roles
I’m your licensed Virginia real estate agent, representing you in the transaction. A lender — not me — determines what financing you qualify for.
Homes and investment properties
From a first primary residence to rental and investment properties across Northern Virginia, when the time is right.
Local Northern Virginia expertise
Ashburn to McLean — the tech corridors and communities international professionals gravitate toward.
Start My Home Search
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How it works
A clear path from “can I even buy?” to keys in hand.
- 01
Tell us what you’re looking to buy
Your goals, area, and price range — a quick conversation to get oriented.
- 02
Connect with an experienced lender
We introduce you to lenders who work with visa holders. They — not us — determine what you qualify for.
- 03
Get pre-approved
Your lender reviews your profile and issues a pre-approval so you can shop with confidence.
- 04
Find the right Virginia property
We target the communities and homes that fit your budget, commute, and plans.
- 05
Negotiate and structure the purchase
I represent you at the table — offer strategy, terms, and contingencies on your side.
- 06
Close with confidence
From inspection to closing, you have a licensed Virginia agent guiding every step.
Popular areas for H-1B professionals
Examples of Northern Virginia markets international professionals often consider — not a recommendation that any one is right for you. We’ll help you weigh commute, budget, schools, and long-term plans.
Beyond your first home
Once you’ve purchased a primary residence, you may also want to explore Northern Virginia investment properties. We can help you evaluate rental properties, investment opportunities and larger acquisitions — while connecting you with appropriate lending and professional resources.
H-1B status doesn’t automatically qualify anyone for investment-property financing; requirements vary by lender and program.
Explore investment propertiesYour H-1B toolkit
Everything below is educational and free to explore — no obligation.
The full roadmap
A step-by-step command center from “can I buy?” to closing — and what to do if something changes.
Open the roadmapFinancing network
Compare qualified financing providers by the programs they offer — neutral, never pay-to-win.
Find financingBuy → own → rent → invest
What happens after closing — if you relocate, want to rent it out, or buy again down the road.
See the lifecycleReal estate guidance provided by a Virginia-licensed real estate professional. Mortgage and immigration questions should be directed to qualified lending and legal professionals.
You’ll work with Raoul Shah — in person.
A licensed Virginia REALTOR® with Real Broker LLC, McLean. I represent you from first tour to closing table — and negotiate on your side of the deal.
REALTOR® · Virginia DPOR License 0225274910
Frequently asked
Can an H-1B holder buy a house in Virginia?
Yes. There is no citizenship or green-card requirement to buy a home in Virginia, and many H-1B professionals own homes here. As your agent I represent you in the purchase; a lender determines your financing.
Can an H-1B holder get a conventional mortgage?
Often, yes — many lenders offer conventional financing to H-1B holders. Mortgage eligibility depends on the lender, loan program, property, income, assets, credit profile and other underwriting requirements. We can connect you with an experienced lender to discuss your specific situation.
Do I need a green card to buy a home?
No. A green card is not required to purchase real estate in Virginia. Financing options and requirements can vary by lender and visa type — a lender can walk you through what applies to you.
How much do I need for a down payment?
It varies by loan program, lender and property. We don’t quote a fixed figure — your lender will outline the down-payment options available based on your qualifications.
Does my credit score matter?
Credit is one of several factors lenders weigh, along with income, assets and the property itself. A lender can review your full profile and explain what’s needed.
Does my H-1B expiration date affect financing?
Lenders consider a range of factors in underwriting, and how visa timing is treated depends on the lender and loan program. An experienced lender can explain how it applies to your situation. This isn’t legal or immigration advice.
Can my spouse be a co-borrower?
Often, yes — co-borrowers are common. Whether and how a spouse can be added depends on the lender and their qualifications. Your lender can confirm the options.
Can H-1B holders buy investment properties?
Many do. Financing for investment properties has its own requirements that vary by lender and program, and H-1B status doesn’t automatically qualify or disqualify anyone. We can help you evaluate properties and connect you with appropriate lending.
Can multiple people purchase an investment property together?
Yes, co-ownership is possible. The structure and financing depend on the lender and how the parties choose to hold title — we can coordinate with your lender and, where appropriate, your attorney or tax professional.
Can a property be purchased through an LLC?
In some cases, yes — but financing an LLC purchase differs from a personal-name purchase and depends on the lender and loan type. It also has legal and tax implications, so we’d coordinate with your attorney, tax professional and lender.
Ready when you are
No obligation, and it reaches Raoul directly — whether you're ready to look or still working out what your budget really buys.