Private Mortgage Insurance (PMI): Understanding Your Options
If you are planning to make a down payment of less than 20% on a home, it is essential to familiarize yourself with private mortgage insurance (PMI) and explore your options.
While some individuals may not be able to afford a 20% down payment, others may prefer to keep more cash on hand for various purposes such as repairs, remodeling, furnishings, or emergencies. In such cases, PMI can be a valuable tool to help make homeownership a reality.
PMI is a type of insurance that lenders require borrowers to purchase when they make a down payment of less than 20% of the home’s purchase price. It is designed to protect the lender’s investment in the property rather than the individual purchasing the insurance.
However, Private Mortgage Insurance provides an opportunity for individuals who can put down between 5% to 19.99% of the home’s cost to obtain financing.
While PMI enables homeownership with a smaller down payment, it does come with additional monthly costs. Borrowers are required to pay PMI until they have accumulated enough equity in the home that the lender no longer considers them high-risk.
The cost of PMI can range from 0.5% to 2% of the loan balance per year, depending on factors such as the size of the down payment, the loan term, and the borrower’s credit score.
The rates charged by major PMI companies in the United States are usually similar and adjusted annually.
Despite the added expense of PMI, it is crucial to consider the long-term financial implications. Waiting to save up for a larger down payment may result in missed opportunities for market appreciation, while continuing to spend money on rent.
However, there is no guarantee that delaying homeownership will lead to financial benefits in the future. Therefore, it is worth assessing the value of paying PMI in light of individual circumstances and goals.
There are several types of PMI available to borrowers, including borrower-paid mortgage insurance (BPMI), single-premium mortgage insurance (SPMI), lender-paid mortgage insurance (LPMI), and split-premium mortgage insurance.
BPMI is the most common type, where borrowers pay an additional monthly fee until they reach 22% equity in their home based on the original purchase price. At that point, BPMI is automatically canceled as long as mortgage payments are current.
Private Mortgage Insurance
SPMI, on the other hand, allows borrowers to pay the mortgage insurance upfront in a lump sum at closing or finance it into the mortgage.
This upfront payment lowers the monthly mortgage payment and eliminates the need for refinancing to remove PMI. However, if the borrower sells or refinances within a few years, a portion of the single premium may not be refundable.
LPMI involves the lender paying the mortgage insurance premium, but borrowers indirectly pay for it through a slightly higher interest rate over the life of the loan. Unlike BPMI, LPMI cannot be canceled when equity reaches 78% and can only be eliminated through refinancing.
While the interest rate remains the same, the monthly payment may still be lower compared to BPMI, potentially allowing borrowers to qualify for a larger loan.
Split-premium mortgage insurance is a less common type that combines elements of BPMI and SPMI. Borrowers pay part of the mortgage insurance as a lump sum at closing and the remaining portion monthly.
This option helps borrowers with a high debt-to-income ratio who do not want to increase their monthly payment significantly.
It is important to note that if a borrower obtains a Federal Housing Administration (FHA) loan, a different type of insurance known as mortgage insurance premium (MIP) is required. MIP is mandatory for all FHA loans with down payments of 10% or less and cannot be removed without refinancing.
Private Mortgage Insurance
Once a borrower’s loan-to-value (LTV) ratio drops below 80%, they can request the elimination of monthly PMI payments. This can be achieved by paying down the mortgage balance or through appreciation in the home’s value.
It is crucial to keep track of the LTV ratio and communicate with the lender to ensure that PMI is canceled when it is no longer required.
In some cases, PMI coverage is canceled automatically when the LTV ratio falls to 78% based on the original purchase price, as long as mortgage payments are current. However, it is always recommended to stay proactive and monitor the LTV ratio to avoid overpaying for PMI.
To estimate the cost of private mortgage insurance, borrowers can use mortgage insurance rate cards provided by major PMI providers. These rate cards consider factors such as the chosen premium plan, interest rate, loan term, down payment, required coverage, credit score, and additional risk factors.
By inputting relevant information, borrowers can get an estimate of the PMI cost associated with their specific circumstances.
Understanding PMI and its various options can empower homebuyers to make informed decisions when it comes to financing their home purchase with a down payment of less than 20%.
While PMI adds to the monthly expenses, it provides an opportunity to achieve homeownership sooner and potentially benefit from market appreciation.
Assessing the value of paying Private Mortgage Insurance, considering individual financial goals, and exploring the available options are crucial steps towards making the right choice for each homeowner’s unique situation.
To speak with a mortgage consultant to learn more about the home buying process and see what you qualify for, click the image below together started.