Private Mortgage Insurance-Breaking it down
What is PMI? Breaking it down Like many terms in the real estate industry, it can be hard to really get a handle on what a term like "PMI" means, but we’re breaking down the facts behind PMI once and for all. Read on to see what it actually means, how it works, and why it may have gotten a bad rap. So, what exactly is PMI? “PMI” stands for Private Mortgage Insurance. These days, it’s common for lenders to require it in order to be approved for a mortgage if you plan on putting less than 20% down on the home. Since buyers who make lower down payments have less automatic equity in the home, they’re considered a bigger risk. Therefore, banks require these buyers to take out a mortgage insurance policy for their protection. These policies shield the bank against loss in the event that the buyer stops making mortgage payments. And, if the buyer defaults on the loan, they have the ability to recoup their investment through the policy. It’s important to note, howeve...