AmeriDream Inc., a non-profit provider of mortgage down-payment assistance, on Monday announced it is now accepting Individual Taxpayer Identification Numbers (ITINs) from potential home buyers in an effort to expand home ownership.

ITINs are tax processing numbers issued by the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) to individuals who do not have, or who are not eligible for, Social Security Numbers. ITINs are issued regardless of immigration status because both resident and nonresident aliens may have U.S. tax returns and payment responsibilities under the IRS.

According to a study prepared for the National Association of Hispanic Real Estate Professionals, immigration status creates major barriers to home ownership. The study also stated that, increasingly, lenders are accepting ITINs as a form of identification. To meet the needs of the industry, AmeriDream will accept ITINs if a home buyer’s loan product allows for it, and they choose to use the AmeriDream Downpayment Assistance Program.

“We recognize that the use of ITINs can be a controversial issue,” said Ann Ashburn, AmeriDream president and CEO. “However, there have been an increasing number of private lenders throughout the country that have begun ITIN loan and mortgage insurance programs.”

The NAHREP study estimates that the purchase of homes through ITIN mortgages would translate into $44 billion in mortgage originations.

***

What’s your opinion? Send your Letter to the Editor to opinion@inman.com.

Show Comments Hide Comments
Sign up for Inman’s Morning Headlines
What you need to know to start your day with all the latest industry developments
By submitting your email address, you agree to receive marketing emails from Inman.
Success!
Thank you for subscribing to Morning Headlines.
Back to top
Only 3 days left to register for Inman Connect Las Vegas before prices go up! Don't miss the premier event for real estate pros.Register Now ×
Limited Time Offer: Get 1 year of Inman Select for $199SUBSCRIBE×
Log in
If you created your account with Google or Facebook
Don't have an account?
Forgot your password?
No Problem

Simply enter the email address you used to create your account and click "Reset Password". You will receive additional instructions via email.

Forgot your username? If so please contact customer support at (510) 658-9252

Password Reset Confirmation

Password Reset Instructions have been sent to

Subscribe to The Weekender
Get the week's leading headlines delivered straight to your inbox.
Top headlines from around the real estate industry. Breaking news as it happens.
15 stories covering tech, special reports, video and opinion.
Unique features from hacker profiles to portal watch and video interviews.
Unique features from hacker profiles to portal watch and video interviews.
It looks like you’re already a Select Member!
To subscribe to exclusive newsletters, visit your email preferences in the account settings.
Up-to-the-minute news and interviews in your inbox, ticket discounts for Inman events and more
1-Step CheckoutPay with a credit card
By continuing, you agree to Inman’s Terms of Use and Privacy Policy.

You will be charged . Your subscription will automatically renew for on . For more details on our payment terms and how to cancel, click here.

Interested in a group subscription?
Finish setting up your subscription
×