Private Mortgage Insurance (PMI)

Definition of "Private mortgage insurance (PMI)"

Paul Van Zandt real estate agent

Written by

Paul Van Zandtelite badge icon

Realty Professionals of Texas

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!

image of a real estate dictionary page

Have a question or comment?

We're here to help.

*** Your email address will remain confidential.
 

 

Popular Insurance Terms

Information needed for underwriting a life insurance policy, such as an applicant's age, weight, height, and build; personal and family health record; occupation; and personal habits. These ...

Endorsement to an automobile policy that pays specified amount for towing and related labor costs. ...

process of discovering sources of loss concerning the liability risk faced by individuals and business firms. The first step in risk management is to identify the causes of a loss by ...

Association whose membership is composed of surety bonding companies. The association's primary purpose is to act as a rating bureau for member companies by collecting statistics and ...

Same as term Direct Response Marketing: method of selling insurance directly to insureds through a companies own employees, through the mail, or at airport booths. The company uses this ...

Insurance company that specializes in underwriting casualty insurance. ...

Statement made by agent or broker in written form attesting to the insured that the insurance policy is in effect. This statement is prepared by the agent or broker, unlike the binder, ...

Funds receivable or payable that have not been paid in a timely manner, commercial credit insurance protects an insured against declines in the value of receivables due to insolvency of a ...

Conducting of maritime suits involving ocean marine insurance policy claims before an admiralty court. ...

Popular Insurance Questions