PMI Calculator
Calculation Results:
Original Loan Amount: $0.00
Estimated Annual PMI Cost: $0.00
Estimated Monthly PMI Cost: $0.00
Understanding Private Mortgage Insurance (PMI)
Private Mortgage Insurance, commonly known as PMI, is a type of insurance policy that protects mortgage lenders from financial loss if a borrower defaults on their mortgage loan. It's typically required when a homebuyer makes a down payment of less than 20% of the home's purchase price.
Why is PMI Required?
Lenders consider loans with low down payments (less than 20%) to be riskier. If a borrower defaults on such a loan, the lender might not recover the full loan amount through foreclosure, especially if property values decline. PMI mitigates this risk for the lender, making it possible for more people to purchase homes with smaller upfront costs.
How is PMI Calculated?
PMI is usually calculated as an annual percentage of the original loan amount. This annual cost is then typically divided by 12 and added to your monthly mortgage payment. The PMI rate can vary based on several factors, including:
- Your credit score
- Your debt-to-income ratio
- The loan-to-value (LTV) ratio (the amount of your loan compared to the home's value)
- The type of loan
Generally, PMI rates range from about 0.3% to 1.5% of the original loan amount per year. Our calculator helps you estimate this cost based on your home's purchase price, your down payment, and an assumed annual PMI rate.
Example Calculation:
Let's say you're buying a home with a purchase price of $300,000 and you make a down payment of $30,000 (10%).
- Home Purchase Price: $300,000
- Down Payment Amount: $30,000
- Original Loan Amount: $300,000 – $30,000 = $270,000
If your lender quotes an annual PMI rate of 0.75%:
- Annual PMI Cost: $270,000 * (0.75 / 100) = $2,025
- Monthly PMI Cost: $2,025 / 12 = $168.75
This $168.75 would be added to your regular monthly principal and interest payment.
How to Avoid or Remove PMI
The most common way to avoid PMI is to make a down payment of 20% or more of the home's purchase price. If you already have PMI, there are several ways to potentially remove it:
- Automatic Termination: Under the Homeowners Protection Act (HPA), your lender must automatically cancel PMI when your loan-to-value (LTV) ratio reaches 78% of the original value of your home, provided you are current on your mortgage payments.
- Requesting Cancellation: You can request to cancel PMI once your LTV reaches 80% of the original value of your home. This usually requires a good payment history and potentially an appraisal to confirm the home's current value.
- Refinancing: If your home's value has increased significantly, or if you've paid down a substantial portion of your loan, refinancing your mortgage might allow you to reach the 80% LTV threshold without PMI.
- Making Additional Payments: Paying extra on your principal can help you reach the 80% LTV faster.
Understanding PMI is crucial for homebuyers with smaller down payments. Use our calculator to estimate your potential PMI costs and plan your homeownership journey effectively.