Get All the Facts about PMI

Get All the Facts about PMI | Simplifying The Market

When it comes to buying a home, whether it is your first time or your fifth, it is always important to know all the facts. With the large number of mortgage programs available that allow buyers to purchase a home with a down payment below 20%, you can never have too much information about Private Mortgage Insurance (PMI).

What is PMI?

Freddie Mac defines PMI as:

“An insurance policy that protects the lender if you are unable to pay your mortgage. It’s a monthly fee, rolled into your mortgage payment, that is required for all conforming, conventional loans that have down payments less than 20%.

Once you’ve built equity of 20% in your home, you can cancel your PMI and remove that expense from your mortgage payment.”

As the borrower, you pay the monthly premiums for the insurance policy, and the lender is the beneficiary. Freddie Mac goes on to explain that:

“The cost of PMI varies based on your loan-to-value ratio – the amount you owe on your mortgage compared to its value – and credit score, but you can expect to pay between $30 and $70 per month for every $100,000 borrowed.” 

According to the National Association of Realtors, the average down payment for all buyers last year was 10%. For first-time buyers, that number dropped to 6%, while repeat buyers put down 14% (no doubt aided by the sale of their home). This just goes to show that for a large number of buyers last year, PMI did not stop them from buying their dream homes.

Here’s an example of the cost of a mortgage on a $200,000 home with a 5% down payment & PMI, compared to a 20% down payment without PMI:

Get All the Facts about PMI | Simplifying The Market

The larger the down payment you can make, the lower your monthly housing cost will be, but Freddie Mac urges you to remember:

“It’s no doubt an added cost, but it’s enabling you to buy now and begin building equity versus waiting 5 to 10 years to build enough savings for a 20% down payment.”

Bottom Line

If you have questions about whether you should buy now or wait until you’ve saved a larger down payment, let’s get together to discuss our market’s conditions and to help you make the best decision for you and your family.  Give me a call – J.P. Cook – 602-320-4253.

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6235 W Almosta Ranch Road Prescott, AZ 86305

$2,085,000 - 4Br/5Ba -  for Sale in Preserve At The Ranch Phase 1, Prescott
New
$2,085,000
4 Beds
5 Baths
5,774 SqFt
Status Active
MLS # 6787685
Property Type Single Family Residence
Price Type --
This contemporary home is a true masterpiece, offering a lifestyle of privacy and serenity. Immerse yourself in the beauty of the Arizona landscape while enjoying all the comforts and amenities of modern living. This home is a testament to uncompromising quality and attention to detail. The interior boasts an open-concept design with clean lines and a minimalist aesthetic. High-end finishes, including custom cabinetry, hardwood flooring, and designer lighting, create an atmosphere of understated luxury. The chef's kitchen is a masterpiece, featuring top-of-the line Viking and Sub-Zero appliances. Click ''more'' to for additional details... More...

12322 E Black Rock Road Scottsdale, AZ 85255

$2,082,995
3 Beds
3.5 Baths
3,353 SqFt
Status Active
MLS # 6763950
Property Type Single Family Residence
Price Type --
*NEW CONSTRUCTION: SPRING 2025 COMPLETION. Interior Finishes have been added!* This modern Irini floor plan is under construction on an elevated home site! Features include an attached Casita with a separate entry, a private Courtyard, Great Room with a 90 degree sliding glass doors and 60'' linear fireplace, SS Wolf appliances, double wall ovens, 48'' Sub Zero Fridge and large study with wet bar. This is the low-maintenance, LUXURY, lock & leave home you have been waiting for! Located in the stunning guard-gated community, Sereno Canyon. The ultimate resort lifestyle community in North Scottsdale by Toll Brothers. Come take a tour today!

3412 E Kachina Drive Phoenix, AZ 85044

$2,075,000
3 Beds
4.5 Baths
4,639 SqFt
Status Active Under Contract
MLS # 6778176
Property Type Single Family Residence
Price Type --
This luxury Ahwatukee Custom Estates home is truly unforgettable, Enter into the private, serene front courtyard with gorgeous landscaping & fountain. You'll be amazed as you enter this home with its open floor plan, high ceilings, beautiful wood beams, four propane fireplaces, & three gathering/sitting areas. Oversized windows throughout the home frame the backdrop of South Mountain. All bedrooms have a private entrance, own bath, and walk-in closets. Chef's will delight in the gourmet kitchen complete with Viking and Subzero appliances & large butler's pantry. Your backyard oasis is perfect for entertaining with a sparkling pool, turf lawn, mature landscaping, BBQ and several seating areas all while backing to the preserve with stunning views. Don't miss this spectacular opportunity! Lastly, the expansive backyard includes a covered patio, extended flagstone seating area, a built-in BBQ, and a sparkling blue pool w/a rock waterfall! What are you waiting for? Act now!

5316 E Osborn Road Phoenix, AZ 85018

$2,075,000
5 Beds
3.5 Baths
3,189 SqFt
Status Active
MLS # 6783926
Property Type Single Family Residence
Price Type --
This beautiful Arcadia ranch home is in the highly desirable Arcadia Osborn neighborhood within walking distance of Arcadia Park, Ingleside Middle School and Veritas Preparatory Academy. It is a short drive to Old Town Scottsdale and conveniently located near some of the best restaurants and shopping in Phoenix and Scottsdale. This gem offers 5 bedrooms, 3.5 bath plus a 560 SF Guest House with 1 bedroom/1 bath making this property a very rare offering. The Kitchen was meticulously updated 2021 by the current owner and features an oversized island with beautiful leathered granite, a gas cooktop, and provides space for plenty of counter top seating; the updated custom cabinetry in this kitchen provides ample storage for anything you may need. The Kitchen opens up to the Dining Room, Living Room and Library nook where the total space is under high vaulted ceilings that makes the home feel open and spacious. The private split Primary Bedroom features a vaulted ceiling, large closet and backyard views. The Primary Bathroom was updated in 2024 including a secluded water closet, dual vanities and a zero-entry shower with a heated towel bar. On the west side of the house sit the other 4 bedrooms. Two bedrooms share a Jack & Jill bathroom with a bathtub and shower as well as dual-sink vanity. The other two bedrooms have easy access to another full bath. Both bathrooms were fully remodeled in 2024 with granite countertops and new tile that surrounds the bathtub and showers. The powder room is conveniently located off the Kitchen, close to the Laundry Room. A very rare oversized side-entry 3 car garage offers an abundance of space for cars, toys, and plenty of storage. Off of the generously sized driveway is an RV gate with a concrete pad that leads to to a lush green back yard with a bubbling water fountain and an outdoor gas fireplace perfect for entertaining friends, family, and guests in the cool Arizona evenings. This is a very special property that offers a vignette view of Camelback Mountain & sits back from the street with a meandering grassy irrigated front yard plus a side courtyard & garden. Planted throughout the property are numerous mature shade and citrus trees that takes you back to a time when Arcadia was an active citrus grove, making you feel that you are in a special place. Come and make this one of kind a property your own!

9130 N Hummingbird Trail Fountain Hills, AZ 85268

$2,075,000
4 Beds
3.5 Baths
3,100 SqFt
Status Active
MLS # 6752059
Property Type Single Family Residence
Price Type --
New construction with amazing views of Four Peaks & Redrock Mountain nestled in a quiet cul-de-sac near to Firerock Country Club! 3100 sf contemporary southwest home on 1+ acres. Open concept plan with soaring 12' ceilings in the great room, Bosch SS appliances with full size refrigerator, shaker style cabinetry, large kitchen island. Step outside to the sparkling pool and enjoy the beauty around you. In addition to the master suite there are 2 additional fully suited bedrooms and a den that is perfect for an office or additional bedroom. 4 car garage with 10' ceilings. Don't miss out on this opportunity to own a truly unique and beautiful property!

7120 N Clearwater Parkway Paradise Valley, AZ 85253

$2,075,000
3 Beds
4.5 Baths
3,204 SqFt
Status Active
MLS # 6617694
Property Type Single Family Residence
Price Type --
Rare offering in coveted Clearwater Hills! Find an unexpected pocket of natural beauty and safety in this mountainous guard-gated community. Clearwater Hills is a refuge from the traffic and sound of city life, where you are more likely to hear a coyote howl than a honking horn - yet it is just minutes from Arcadia and Biltmore restaurants, and less than 20 minutes from Sky Harbor. From the pool, look up at a ring of mountains. From the picture windows in the home, enjoy a view of distant city lights. This location is truly unique, and the home offers so many possibilities. This mid-century home offers 3 bedroom suites - a very spacious master with jetted tub and split shower, and two guest bedrooms with full bathrooms. (Continued in supplement...) Two powder rooms serve the main living areas. The master bedroom has a westward view of Piestewa, sitting area, dual closets, and opens to a balcony room enclosed by sliding doors. This flexible space is currently set up as a gym, but is just as easily used as a conservatory, a workspace or private lounge. This room overlooks a thriving natural wash area. The kitchen is updated with shaker cabinets, beautiful granite and newer appliances, including an induction cooktop and professional range hood. There is a seated peninsula and a kitchen table area. The formal dining area has a southward view which captures city lights at night; it is a dedicated space yet open to the large living area. From the front entry, you can look out on to two living spaces separated by back-to-back brick gas-burning fireplaces. The living areas are spacious with high ceilings and great natural light. The far side of the main living area a nice wet bar area for entertainment purposes, complete with beverage fridges. Large sliding glass doors open out on to a full-length covered veranda from every space along the back of the home, so you never lose view of your beautiful surroundings. Motorized roller shades offer privacy on the north facing windows at night. The powder room in the living area doubles as a pool bathroom as it opens onto the patio. The spacious pool deck is a step down from the home itself, offering privacy to swimmers while still feeling very open. A large pantry, laundry and utility room are right off of the kitchen, leading to the 2 -car garage. A large storage room runs along the back of the garage. The home has a newer roof as of 2019, and new flooring, stucco, & paint as of 2020. More recent upgrades include new HVAC units, new gas tankless water heater, plumbed gas to two fireplaces with remote fire controls, upgraded dishwasher, & new pool pump. While the character and quality of this home are lovely as-is, it would also be a great candidate for expansion or remodel. Buildable lots in the community garner high pricing and and a square footage addition or even a scrape and rebuild would be profitable in this location for a buyer with the right resources. 2nd story views from this location are easy to imagine by standing in the driveway looking out over the home - incredible!

3007 E Lowell Avenue Gilbert, AZ 85295

$2,070,000
6 Beds
4.5 Baths
5,460 SqFt
Status Active Under Contract
MLS # 6779219
Property Type Single Family Residence
Price Type --
Step into a luxurious modern masterpiece on one of the largest lots in The Retreat—1.1 acres, a rare find in Gilbert, near San Tan Village Mall! This upgraded home blends elegance with functionality, featuring new flooring, custom limewash paint, and a striking iron staircase. The remodeled gourmet kitchen, equipped with $25k in premium appliances, flows into spacious living areas, ideal for entertaining. Outdoors, enjoy an enclosed kitchen for year-round gatherings, a beautiful stone fireplace, and a unique stone shower for a private oasis. Four new AC units ensure comfort, while a large sliding wall connects indoor and outdoor spaces. With a private theater, spa-inspired bathrooms, custom closets, and top-tier pool equipment, this residence is designed for sophisticated living.

13108 N 76th Street Scottsdale, AZ 85260

$2,050,000 - 4Br/3Ba -  for Sale in Sweetwater Estates East, Scottsdale
New
$2,050,000
4 Beds
2.5 Baths
3,184 SqFt
Status Active
MLS # 6787026
Property Type Single Family Residence
Price Type --
JUST LISTED IN 85260 - POOL just RE-PEBBLED/TILED. Newer ROOF. Newer TRANE AC Units in 2020 & 2019. This home is in the MIDDLE OF ALL that is HAPPENING in SCOTTSDALE, ARIZONA! Located 2 min. from Kierland/Quarter & 10 minutes from Fashion Square. The PRIVATE LOT stretches 35,415 SF with a DETACHED GARAGE that holds 6 CARS! Maybe a Future CASITA? The home is 3,184 sf with GORGOUS WOODEN BEAMS on beautifully vaulted ceilings. The grand DINING ROOM opens to a SPACIOUS COVERED PATIO & oversized SPARKLING DIVING POOL! The patio has several entertaining areas with lots of OUTDOOR BAR-SEATING, a FORMAL DINING space with TV & a quaint COZY AREA to relax! RHINOSHIELD Ceramic Warranty. RV GATE & plenty of RV PARKING! Potential AirBnB Ready to Go! All furnishing available on a separate bill of sale

9998 E Taos Drive Scottsdale, AZ 85262

$2,050,000
3 Beds
3.5 Baths
3,460 SqFt
Status Active
MLS # 6694885
Property Type Single Family Residence
Price Type --
Golf Membership Available- Nestled within the serene embrace of Desert Mountain, this exquisite property in Renegade Trail embodies the essence of easy living and timeless elegance all year, as well as a perfect lock and leave for shortened stays. Proudly offered by its original owners, this meticulously crafted residence boasts a prime location, mere moments from the front gate, New Renegade Clubhouse and the Sonoran Fitness Clubhouse, ensuring effortless access to all the community has to offer. Stating a timeless Arizona contemporary style, this home welcomes you with its one level living, adorned with stacked stone accents and sleek metal facia showcasing clean lines and captivating angles. Step through the private gated courtyard, where tranquil cactus gardens and inviting sitting areas set the tone for the serenity found within. Geometric ceiling designs grace the central living spaces, where open wood plank ceilings soar from 9 to 17 feet, complemented by dropped perimeter ceilings with expansive clerestory windows, infusing the interiors with radiant natural light. The heart of the home unfolds seamlessly, inviting gatherings and fostering cherished moments. The great room, with a prominent fireplace, reclaimed barn wood floors, and expansive windows framing picturesque views, invites relaxation and conversation. Adjacent, a sophisticated office space awaits, offering a serene retreat with a slider to the patio, mitered corner windows, and a niche with built-in furniture piece. The expansive kitchen with stone tiled floors, spacious island with seating for 4 and plenty of storage will delight any chef. Enjoy casual meals and outdoor vistas within the kitchen space with table space for 4 and the slider to patio. For larger gatherings the adjacent dining space with continued geometric ceiling detail provides a pleasing as well as intimate backdrop for sharing meals with family and friends. The L-shaped wet bar ensures libations flow, adding to the ambiance of any gathering. Retreat to the private Primary Ensuite, a sanctuary of luxury and tranquility, presenting a two-sided fireplace, scraped hickory floors, and a slider to the serene patio oasis with raised cactus gardens and a soothing fountain. The ensuite bath pampers with dual vanities, a spa-like tub with stone surround, and a spacious walk-in shower, while the expansive walk-in closet ensures ample storage. Two additional ensuites offer comfort and privacy, each appointed with its own unique charm and character. Outside, the L-shaped patio beckons with its covered living areas, grilling station, and linear salt pool, offering the perfect setting for outdoor entertaining or serene relaxation. Enjoy vistas of blazing sunsets, the surrounding mountains and Sonoran Desert landscape, creating an idyllic backdrop for year-round privacy and outdoor enjoyment. Renegade Trail presents an unparalleled opportunity to partake in the world-class amenities of Desert Mountain, including 7 clubhouses, 7 golf courses, 20 miles of hiking trails, and a variety of dining options, all set against the breathtaking backdrop of the Sonoran Desert landscape. Discover the epitome of desert luxury living in this remarkable Desert Mountain residence.

12459 N 116th Street Scottsdale, AZ 85259

$2,050,000
5 Beds
4 Baths
4,271 SqFt
Status Active
MLS # 6745021
Property Type Single Family Residence
Price Type --
FINALLY A FAMILY FRIENDLY FLOOR PLAN to satisfy family members & guests. UPDATED with new hardwood floors, kitchen & family room transforming this home to a light, bright, welcoming home perfect for everyday living & entertaining. Spacious Primary Suite boasts a sitting room & updated bathroom with two separate sink areas & 2 walk-in closets. That wing of the house features a Large bedroom or Bonus room plus another bedroom currently used as an office. Opposite are two additional large bedroom & 2 bathrooms. Bedroom # 5 bathroom also serves as a pool bathroom. Remodeled Kitchen has top of the line stainless steel appliances, double sinks, walk-in pantry. Family room also updated has a linear fireplace & wet bar opens to outdoor living. Entertaining is a Must Do with covered patio, built-in BBQ, heated spa & pool, plus a Gazebo with fireplace for day & evening dining. Multiple areas to lounge and plenty of place for children & family pets to romp. In Prestigious 24 Hour Guard Gated Ancala Country Club with true sense of community. Ancala HOA is very active with a variety of social activities to get to know your neighbors. Close to sought after Scottsdale & BASIS Schools, biking & hiking trails, shopping malls, theaters, a variety of dining choices and access to freeways. Ancala Country Club is PRIVATE & membership is OPTIONAL. Membership is required to enjoy the Country Club's tremendous array of programs & events and to play on the par-72 Championship Perry Dye golf course. You'll LOVE Living & Playing in ANCALA! HOME UPDATES 12459 North 116th Street, Scottsdale, AZ 85259 2021 Remodel kitchen, new appliances, hearth room fireplace & bar hardwood floors and baseboards, added custom door to hallway, new pool bath door New lighting and can lights kitchen, hearth, dining room, hallways, living room, New central vacuum system Bathroom counter tops and sinks, faucets New tile roof and exterior paint New outdoor lighting, rock, Irrigation and landscaping Pool cleaned out and new tile New cool deck painting New outdoor grill March 2024 new blinds, some with remotes, July 2024 two new water heaters June 2024 new pool filtration system New pool heater

9633 E Quarter Circle Loop Gold Canyon, AZ 85118

$2,050,000
4 Beds
3.5 Baths
3,894 SqFt
Status Active
MLS # 6730396
Property Type Single Family Residence
Price Type --
Beautiful new custom home located in Gold Canyon East at Barkley Ranch backing Golf Course on the 10th Green of the Dinosaur Course. Incredible views of the golf course. Fantastic finishes and details in the cabinetry, wood flooring, wood boxed beams on ceiling, marble tiled master bath, firepit and built in barbecue. The home surrounds a resort style pool with tiled Baja shelf and spa, stone finished columns with copper scuppers pouring waterfalls into the pool. Travertine pavered patios and pool deck with synthetic grass and firepit inside the fenced yard overlooking the 10th green of the golf course with beautiful views.

24423 S 195th Way Queen Creek, AZ 85142

$2,050,000 - 6Br/6Ba -  for Sale in Sonoqui Creek Ranch Phase 1, Queen Creek
Open House
$2,050,000
6 Beds
6 Baths
5,675 SqFt
Status Active
MLS # 6728742
Property Type Single Family Residence
Price Type --
OFFERING $35K IN CONCESSIONS! Welcome to the prestigious Sonoqui Creek Ranch in Queen Creek, where luxury meets lifestyle! You will not find another home with MULTIPLE RV garages. This one-of-a-kind 6-bedroom, 6-bathroom custom estate offers 5,675 sq ft of beautifully designed living space on an expansive acre-plus corner lot. Perfect for entertainers, car and RV enthusiasts, or families, this home offers unmatched versatility and elegance. The heart of the home is the gourmet kitchen and showcases quartz countertops, a spacious island, and top-of-the-line appliances including dual dishwashers, double ovens, a 64'' refrigerator/freezer, and a built-in icemaker. Custom cabinetry, under-cabinet lighting, and thoughtful design make this space both functional and stunning. The master suite is a true retreat with dual vanities, an oversized soaking tub, a walk-in shower, and an expansive walk-in closet. Additional features include ensuite guest bedrooms, a game room, a secondary living space, and smart home technology, all bathed in natural light from oversized windows. A private wing with two bedrooms, a bath, and a plumbed bonus room offers the option of a full casita, second generational home or an ideal family retreat. Step outside to the beautifully landscaped backyard featuring a built-in BBQ, firepit, large covered patio, outdoor speakers, fans, LED lighting, dual RV gates, and maintenance-free synthetic turf. A standout feature and nearly impossible to find, is the 1,532 sq ft dual RV garage, perfect for a car collection, RV/ ATV enthusiast, or anyone looking for a fully insulated (ready to be climate controlled) hobby or shop space. This alongside the oversized 4-car garage make the garage space some of the most versatile and luxurious in all of Queen Creek. Backing to the scenic Sonoqui Wash Trail system, this home offers direct access in just a short walk or bike ride to the new Pecan Lake entertainment district and some of Queen Creek's best dining and recreation. This is a rare opportunity to own an extraordinary home in a prime location!

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