Financing a luxury home has been challenging for affluent international buyers—despite their ample assets and income. Most don’t have Social Security numbers, their credit history is limited, or they’re unable to provide the extensive financial profiles required by U.S. lenders. The lenders themselves may avoid these transactions because of the work involved with translating foreign tax returns and other financial statements. Often, these buyers can’t turn to banks in their countries if those institutions remain skittish about originating mortgages pegged to U.S. real estate.