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A Home Equity Line of Credit (HELOC) can be a great way to tap into your home's equity, but one thing to consider is the Private Mortgage Insurance (PMI) that often comes with it. This can add hundreds or even thousands of dollars to your loan balance over time.
The cost of PMI varies depending on the lender and the loan terms, but it's typically around 0.5% to 1% of the original loan amount annually. For example, on a $100,000 HELOC, the PMI could be $500 to $1,000 per year.
To avoid PMI, you'll need to put down at least 20% of the purchase price of your home. This is known as a 20% down payment.
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What is PMI?
PMI stands for Private Mortgage Insurance, a type of insurance that lenders require for borrowers who put down less than 20% of the purchase price.
Lenders require PMI to mitigate their risk, as borrowers with lower down payments are considered riskier.
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PMI can be paid annually or monthly, and the cost varies depending on the loan amount and credit score.
For example, a borrower with a credit score of 700 and a loan amount of $200,000 might pay around $1,200 per year for PMI.
The PMI premium is usually a percentage of the original loan amount, ranging from 0.3% to 1.5% per year.
Borrowers can cancel PMI when their loan balance falls below 80% of the original purchase price.
This can happen when a borrower makes extra payments or the property value increases.
It's essential to review the loan terms and conditions to understand when PMI can be canceled.
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Low-Down-Payment Mortgage Options
If you're looking to put down a small amount of money towards a mortgage, there are low-down-payment mortgage options available.
FHA loans require as little as 3.5% down, making them a great option for first-time homebuyers or those with limited savings.
With a low-down-payment mortgage, you'll need to pay private mortgage insurance (PMI) to protect the lender in case you default on the loan.
Some lenders offer low-down-payment mortgage options with no PMI required, but these loans often come with higher interest rates or stricter credit score requirements.
You can also consider a VA loan, which requires no down payment at all, but you'll need to meet certain eligibility requirements.
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How to Get Rid of It
To get rid of PMI, you can refinance your HELOC to a non-PMI loan, as long as you have enough equity in your home. This can be done by taking out a new loan with a lower loan-to-value ratio.
Refinancing can save you money in the long run by eliminating PMI payments, which can be a significant expense. The average cost of PMI for a HELOC is 0.5% to 1% of the original loan amount annually.
You can also consider paying off your HELOC in full to avoid PMI altogether. If you have a large balance, this might take some time and discipline, but it's a surefire way to get rid of PMI.
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PMI Costs
PMI costs can be a significant burden for homeowners, but understanding how they work can help you plan and budget accordingly. The annual PMI premium can range from 0.3% to 2.25% of your loan amount.
Typically, PMI costs are included in your monthly mortgage payment, and the amount you pay will depend on your loan-to-value ratio. For example, if you put down 10% of the purchase price, you may pay a higher PMI premium than if you put down 20%.
PMI premiums are usually paid monthly, but some lenders may allow you to pay them annually. It's essential to review your loan terms to understand how your PMI premium is structured.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Does PMI go away once you have 20% equity?
Yes, PMI can be removed once you've achieved 20% equity in your home, but there's another way to get rid of it too.
What is the downside of a HELOC?
A HELOC's variable interest rate can increase, potentially leading to foreclosure if you're unable to pay back the loan. Additionally, the draw period's "bottomless funds" illusion can give way to a harsh reality when repayment begins.
Sources
- https://www.nerdwallet.com/article/mortgages/pmi-private-mortgage-insurance
- https://www.bankrate.com/mortgages/removing-private-mortgage-insurance/
- https://www.nerdwallet.com/article/mortgages/pmi-calculator
- https://www.credible.com/mortgage/how-to-get-rid-of-pmi
- https://www.jvmlending.com/blog/home-equity-line-of-credit-heloc-explained-terms/
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