What is Private Mortgage Insurance (PMI) & How to Avoid It

Private Mortgage Insurance (PMI) is a safeguard required by lenders when a home buyer puts down less than 20% of the home's purchase price. PMI protects the lender, not the borrower, in case of a default. Although it allows buyers to purchase homes sooner with smaller down payments, it adds a substantial recurring cost.

Typically, annual PMI premiums range from 0.5% to 1.5% of the initial loan amount. This fee is divided by 12 and added directly to your monthly mortgage payment. For example, on a $400,000 mortgage with a 1% annual PMI rate, you will pay an extra $333 per month, which does not build equity.

Fortunately, PMI is not permanent. Under the Homeowners Protection Act, you can request that your lender cancel PMI once your loan-to-value (LTV) ratio reaches 80% of the original purchase price. Lenders must automatically terminate PMI once your loan balance reaches 78% of the original home value.

To accelerate the removal of PMI, you can make extra principal payments, remodel your home to boost its appraisal value, or refinance if home prices in your local area have risen significantly. Our online mortgage calculator automatically estimates PMI costs based on your down payment percentage.