Private Mortgage Insurance (PMI)
Definition of "Private mortgage insurance (PMI)"
The concept behind a Private Mortgage Insurance (PMI) is pretty simple: it exists to make sure the lender doesn’t lose its money.
What it does is “buy” the possible defaults of a borrower to a lender. Meaning: if the borrower doesn’t pay the premium, the Private Mortgage Insurance (PMI) enters in action and pays it on his/her behalf.
The PMI cost is usually included in the monthly mortgage payment in addition to the principal, homeowner’s insurance, property tax and interest, and just like them, it is a separate thing; it doesn’t build equity to your home.
Why do it?
Well, most of the time you don’t have an option; it is a requirement from the Lender that you get Private Mortgage Insurance (PMI) in order to be able to borrow the money. However, it truly can be good for both parties: the lender doesn’t lose money and the borrower can get a house even if he doesn’t have the whole 20% of the home’s value to use as down payment, since lenders sometimes waive the need of it because of the safety provided by the Private Mortgage Insurance (PMI).
Real estate Tips:
One of the greatest insurances in the world is knowledge! Devour our Real Estate Terms and use our Real Estate Agent Directory to contact a local real estate agent when you're ready to go into the market for/with your house!
Popular Insurance Terms
Study of buying habits of consumers to determine their insurance needs. ...
Section of ocean marine policy making it an obligation of the insured to take specific measures to limit losses to ship or cargo when a mishap occurs. Expenses incurred to limit physical ...
Plan in which participant (employee) utilizes spending accounts to pay for health care costs not subject to reimbursement from a health insurance policy or health care provider. The ...
(land and attachments) and personal (movable effects not attached to land). Both classifications of property give rise to an insurable interest. ...
Outer covering containing an insurance policy; in many instances it lists provisions common to several types of policies. ...
Individual licensed to sell securities to the public. For example, to sell variable annuities and variable life insurance products and mutual funds, an insurance agent is required to pass ...
Plan wherein total withdrawal or income payments from tax deferred savings plans exceed $150,000 in any one year. An excess distribution tax of 15% of the amount greater than $150,000 must ...
Insurance company that restricts its underwriting of risks to one state. ...
Government health care program in several European countries that has been proposed in various forms for the U.S., to be administered by the federal government. Plan A would cover all U.S. ...
Have a question or comment?
We're here to help.