We're moving to Minnesota from another country. Can we even buy a house here?
Yes. The United States doesn't require citizenship to own a home, and the Twin Cities' largest employers bring people here from around the world every year. Ownership is the easy part — financing is where planning pays.
Lenders look closely at visa type, employment history, and U.S. credit. Established visa holders fit many standard loan programs. Buyers without a U.S. credit history have foreign-national programs available, usually at larger down payments. The difference between a smooth purchase and a frustrating one is almost always the lender — you want one who closes these files every month, not one figuring it out on yours. I can point you to several. (Immigration and cross-border tax questions belong to your own advisers; this isn't legal advice.)
Everything else about buying here works the same for you as for anyone. DM me RELOCATE for the guide, or call.
I wrote this answer, and I stand behind it. I'm Chris Deutsch, a Minneapolis Realtor (MN #20382264). Twenty-five years of walking these neighborhoods, checking basements, and sitting across kitchen tables from people making exactly this call. I re-check every answer and date it — this one was last verified .
If your situation is more specific than the market, that's the one worth talking through. Email me at chris@lakesarearealty.com.