What Is Private Mortgage Insurance Pmi

 
 

Private mortgage insurance (PMI) is a type of insurance that protects lenders if a borrower defaults on their mortgage payments. PMI is typically required for borrowers who have less than a 20% down payment on their home purchase. This insurance policy is meant to reduce the risk for lenders who are taking on a higher risk by lending to borrowers with less equity in their home.

PMI is often confused with homeowner’s insurance, which is a separate type of insurance that protects homeowners from damage to their property. PMI is solely for the benefit of the lender and does not provide any coverage for the borrower. The cost of PMI varies depending on the size of the down payment, the loan amount, and the credit score of the borrower. It is usually added to the borrower’s monthly mortgage payment and can cost anywhere from 0.3% to 1.5% of the original loan amount per year.

What is Private Mortgage Insurance?

Definition

Private Mortgage Insurance (PMI) is an insurance policy that protects the lender if the borrower defaults on their mortgage. PMI is typically required when the borrower makes a down payment of less than 20% of the purchase price of the home. PMI is not the same as homeowners insurance, which protects the homeowner in case of damage to the property.

How Does PMI Work?

PMI is usually paid as a monthly premium added to the borrower's mortgage payment. The cost of PMI varies depending on the size of the down payment, the loan type, and the borrower's credit score. PMI can be cancelled once the borrower has paid off a certain amount of the loan and has built up enough equity in the home.

When is PMI Required?

PMI is typically required when the borrower makes a down payment of less than 20% of the purchase price of the home. However, some lenders may require PMI even if the down payment is 20% or more, depending on the borrower's credit score and other factors.

How Much Does PMI Cost?

PMI costs vary depending on the size of the down payment, the loan type, and the borrower's credit score. The monthly premium can range from 0.3% to 1.5% of the original loan amount. For example, if the borrower takes out a $200,000 loan and pays a monthly PMI premium of 0.5%, the cost of PMI would be $1,000 per year.

PMI can be a significant expense for borrowers, especially if they have a low credit score or are taking out a large loan. However, it can also make homeownership possible for those who cannot afford a large down payment.

Overall, PMI is an important consideration for borrowers who are taking out a mortgage with a down payment of less than 20% of the purchase price of the home. By understanding how PMI works and how much it costs, borrowers can make informed decisions about their home purchase and mortgage.

Types of PMI

There are three types of PMI: borrower-paid mortgage insurance (BPMI), lender-paid mortgage insurance (LPMI), and split-premium mortgage insurance (SPMI).

Borrower-Paid Mortgage Insurance (BPMI)

BPMI is the most common type of PMI. As the name suggests, the borrower pays the premium for this type of insurance. The premium is typically added to the monthly mortgage payment and is based on the loan-to-value ratio (LTV) of the mortgage. The higher the LTV, the higher the premium.

Lender-Paid Mortgage Insurance (LPMI)

With LPMI, the lender pays the premium for the insurance, but the cost is passed on to the borrower in the form of a higher interest rate. This type of PMI can be beneficial for borrowers who have a good credit score and are looking to save money on their monthly mortgage payment. However, it can be more expensive in the long run than BPMI.

Split-Premium Mortgage Insurance (SPMI)

SPMI is a combination of BPMI and LPMI. With this type of PMI, the borrower pays a lower premium than BPMI, but the lender pays a portion of the premium as well. The cost is split between the borrower and the lender, with the borrower paying a lower premium and the lender paying a higher interest rate.

In conclusion, understanding the different types of PMI is important for borrowers who are looking to purchase a home with a down payment of less than 20%. By knowing the pros and cons of each type of PMI, borrowers can make an informed decision on which type of insurance is best for their financial situation.

Pros and Cons of PMI

Pros

Private Mortgage Insurance (PMI) can help you get a mortgage loan when you don't have a 20% down payment. Here are some benefits of PMI:

  • You can buy a home with a smaller down payment.
  • You can get a lower interest rate on your mortgage.
  • You can build equity in your home faster.

Cons

PMI can also have some drawbacks. Here are some cons of PMI:

  • You have to pay an extra monthly fee, which can add up over time.
  • You may have to pay PMI for several years until you reach 20% equity in your home.
  • PMI doesn't protect you, it protects the lender.

Overall, PMI can be helpful if you need a smaller down payment to buy a home. However, it's important to weigh the pros and cons and decide if it's the right choice for you.

How to Get Rid of PMI

Private Mortgage Insurance (PMI) can be a significant expense for homeowners, but fortunately, there are ways to get rid of it. Here are the three most common ways to eliminate PMI.

Automatic Termination

If you have a conventional loan, your PMI will automatically terminate once you reach 78% loan-to-value (LTV) ratio. This means that you have paid off 22% of your home's original value. The lender must also confirm that you are up to date on your mortgage payments. If you have made additional payments towards your principal, you may reach the 78% LTV ratio even sooner.

Request Cancellation

You can request the cancellation of PMI once you have paid off 20% of your home's original value. You will need to contact your lender and ask for the PMI to be removed. You may need to provide proof of the current value of your home, such as an appraisal. Additionally, you must be up to date on your mortgage payments and have a good payment history.

Refinance

Another way to eliminate PMI is to refinance your mortgage. If you have built up enough equity in your home, you may be able to refinance to a new loan without PMI. This can be a good option if you can get a lower interest rate or better loan terms. However, keep in mind that refinancing comes with its own costs and fees, so make sure to weigh the pros and cons before making a decision.

In conclusion, there are several ways to get rid of PMI, including automatic termination, request cancellation, and refinancing. By understanding your options, you can save money on your monthly mortgage payments and reduce your overall housing costs.

Conclusion

In conclusion, private mortgage insurance (PMI) is a type of insurance that protects the lender in case the borrower defaults on their mortgage payments. It is required when the borrower puts down less than 20% of the home's purchase price as a down payment. The cost of PMI is usually between 0.3% and 1.5% of the loan amount per year.

PMI can be paid monthly, as part of the mortgage payment, or as a lump sum upfront. The cost of PMI varies depending on the borrower's credit score, the size of the down payment, and the loan-to-value ratio. Borrowers can request to have PMI removed once they have paid down the mortgage to 80% of the home's original value.

While PMI can be an added expense for borrowers, it can also allow them to purchase a home with a smaller down payment. It is important for borrowers to understand the cost and requirements of PMI before purchasing a home. Borrowers should also explore other options, such as a piggyback loan or a VA loan, that may allow them to avoid PMI altogether.

Overall, PMI is a valuable tool for both lenders and borrowers in the homebuying process. It is important for borrowers to weigh the costs and benefits of PMI before making a decision.