Many a first-time homebuyer has grumbled about paying private mortgage insurance. This article discusses the particulars of private mortgage insurance, also known as “PMI.”
Private Mortgage Insurance
Unless they owners are insane, every business in the United States carries some form of insurance to protect against losses. The various lending institutions that issue home loans, equity lines and refinances to borrowers are no different. The insurance they carry is private mortgage insurance.
Private mortgage insurance protects a lending institution from losses if you default on your loan and a home goes into foreclosure. Essentially, the lending institution is going to be covered for any shortages between the cost of liquidating the home and the amount of the loan. This is of particular importance to a lender when the housing market pulls back from high valuations. In such a pull back, it is not uncommon to see the total mortgage balance exceed the value of the home. Obviously, this makes lenders uncomfortable.
PMI – Premiums
Most homeowners can wrap their minds around the need for private mortgage insurance. The grumbling...