Get All the Facts about PMI

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:

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.

What’s Your Home Worth?

Search for Your New Home

Listing types.

For Sale

For Rent

Land

Multifamily

Commercial

Location Search Nearby

BedsAny1+2+3+4+5+6+

BathsAny1+2+3+4+5+6+

Price MinAny$50,000$100,000$150,000$200,000$250,000$300,000$350,000$400,000$450,000$500,000$600,000$700,000$800,000$900,000$1,000,000$1,100,000$1,200,000$1,300,000$1,400,000$1,500,000$1,600,000$1,800,000$1,900,000$2,000,000$2,250,000$2,500,000$2,750,000$3,000,000$3,250,000$3,500,000$3,750,000$4,000,000$4,500,000$5,000,000$6,000,000$8,000,000$10,000,000$15,000,000

Price MaxAny$50,000$100,000$150,000$200,000$250,000$300,000$350,000$400,000$450,000$500,000$600,000$700,000$800,000$900,000$1,000,000$1,100,000$1,200,000$1,300,000$1,400,000$1,500,000$1,600,000$1,800,000$1,900,000$2,000,000$2,250,000$2,500,000$2,750,000$3,000,000$3,250,000$3,500,000$3,750,000$4,000,000$4,500,000$5,000,000$6,000,000$8,000,000$10,000,000$15,000,000

Advanced Options

Property TypeAnyApartmentManufactured HomeSingle Family ResidenceTownhouseTwin Home

School District

Address, MLS# or Keyword

Home SizeAny600 ft2800 ft21,000 ft21,200 ft21,400 ft21,600 ft21,800 ft22,000 ft22,200 ft22,400 ft22,600 ft22,800 ft23,000 ft23,500 ft24,000 ft24,500 ft25,000 ft25,500 ft26,000 ft2

YearAny2024+2023+2022+2021+2020+2019+2018+2017+2016+2015+2014+2013+2012+2011+2010+2009+2008+2007+2006+2005+2004+2003+2002+2001+2000+1999+1998+1997+1996+1995+1994+1993+1992+1991+1990+1980+1970+1960+1950+1940+1930+

Distressed

Open House

Location Search Nearby

BedsAny1+2+3+4+5+6+

BathsAny1+2+3+4+5+6+

Price MinAny$500$600$700$800$900$1,000$1,100$1,200$1,300$1,500$1,600$1,700$1,800$1,900$2,000$2,250$2,500$2,750$3,000$3,250$3,500$3,750$4,000$4,500$5,000$5,500$6,000$6,500$7,000$7,500$8,000$8,500$9,000$9,500$10,000

Price MaxAny$500$600$700$800$900$1,000$1,100$1,200$1,300$1,500$1,600$1,700$1,800$1,900$2,000$2,250$2,500$2,750$3,000$3,250$3,500$3,750$4,000$4,500$5,000$5,500$6,000$6,500$7,000$7,500$8,000$8,500$9,000$9,500$10,000

Advanced Options

Property TypeAnyApartmentManufactured HomeSingle Family ResidenceTownhouseTwin Home

School District

Address, MLS# or Keyword

Home SizeAny600 ft2800 ft21,000 ft21,200 ft21,400 ft21,600 ft21,800 ft22,000 ft22,200 ft22,400 ft22,600 ft22,800 ft23,000 ft23,500 ft24,000 ft24,500 ft25,000 ft25,500 ft26,000 ft2

YearAny2024+2023+2022+2021+2020+2019+2018+2017+2016+2015+2014+2013+2012+2011+2010+2009+2008+2007+2006+2005+2004+2003+2002+2001+2000+1999+1998+1997+1996+1995+1994+1993+1992+1991+1990+1980+1970+1960+1950+1940+1930+

Location Search Nearby

Lot SizeAny1+ Acres2+ Acres3+ Acres4+ Acres5+ Acres6+ Acres7+ Acres8+ Acres9+ Acres10+ Acres20+ Acres30+ Acres40+ Acres50+ Acres

Price MinAny$50,000$100,000$150,000$200,000$250,000$300,000$350,000$400,000$450,000$500,000$600,000$700,000$800,000$900,000$1,000,000$1,100,000$1,200,000$1,300,000$1,400,000$1,500,000$1,600,000$1,800,000$1,900,000$2,000,000$2,250,000$2,500,000$2,750,000$3,000,000$3,250,000$3,500,000$3,750,000$4,000,000$4,500,000$5,000,000$6,000,000$8,000,000$10,000,000$15,000,000

Price MaxAny$50,000$100,000$150,000$200,000$250,000$300,000$350,000$400,000$450,000$500,000$600,000$700,000$800,000$900,000$1,000,000$1,100,000$1,200,000$1,300,000$1,400,000$1,500,000$1,600,000$1,800,000$1,900,000$2,000,000$2,250,000$2,500,000$2,750,000$3,000,000$3,250,000$3,500,000$3,750,000$4,000,000$4,500,000$5,000,000$6,000,000$8,000,000$10,000,000$15,000,000

Advanced Options

Neighborhood

Address, MLS# or Keyword

Location Search Nearby

Price MinAny$50,000$100,000$150,000$200,000$250,000$300,000$350,000$400,000$450,000$500,000$600,000$700,000$800,000$900,000$1,000,000$1,100,000$1,200,000$1,300,000$1,400,000$1,500,000$1,600,000$1,800,000$1,900,000$2,000,000$2,250,000$2,500,000$2,750,000$3,000,000$3,250,000$3,500,000$3,750,000$4,000,000$4,500,000$5,000,000$6,000,000$8,000,000$10,000,000$15,000,000

Price MaxAny$50,000$100,000$150,000$200,000$250,000$300,000$350,000$400,000$450,000$500,000$600,000$700,000$800,000$900,000$1,000,000$1,100,000$1,200,000$1,300,000$1,400,000$1,500,000$1,600,000$1,800,000$1,900,000$2,000,000$2,250,000$2,500,000$2,750,000$3,000,000$3,250,000$3,500,000$3,750,000$4,000,000$4,500,000$5,000,000$6,000,000$8,000,000$10,000,000$15,000,000

Advanced Options

School District

Address, MLS# or Keyword

YearAny2024+2023+2022+2021+2020+2019+2018+2017+2016+2015+2014+2013+2012+2011+2010+2009+2008+2007+2006+2005+2004+2003+2002+2001+2000+1999+1998+1997+1996+1995+1994+1993+1992+1991+1990+1980+1970+1960+1950+1940+1930+

Location Search Nearby

Lot SizeAny1+ Acres2+ Acres3+ Acres4+ Acres5+ Acres6+ Acres7+ Acres8+ Acres9+ Acres10+ Acres20+ Acres30+ Acres40+ Acres50+ Acres

Price MinAny$50,000$100,000$150,000$200,000$250,000$300,000$350,000$400,000$450,000$500,000$600,000$700,000$800,000$900,000$1,000,000$1,100,000$1,200,000$1,300,000$1,400,000$1,500,000$1,600,000$1,800,000$1,900,000$2,000,000$2,250,000$2,500,000$2,750,000$3,000,000$3,250,000$3,500,000$3,750,000$4,000,000$4,500,000$5,000,000$6,000,000$8,000,000$10,000,000$15,000,000

Price MaxAny$50,000$100,000$150,000$200,000$250,000$300,000$350,000$400,000$450,000$500,000$600,000$700,000$800,000$900,000$1,000,000$1,100,000$1,200,000$1,300,000$1,400,000$1,500,000$1,600,000$1,800,000$1,900,000$2,000,000$2,250,000$2,500,000$2,750,000$3,000,000$3,250,000$3,500,000$3,750,000$4,000,000$4,500,000$5,000,000$6,000,000$8,000,000$10,000,000$15,000,000

Advanced Options

Address, MLS# or Keyword

YearAny2024+2023+2022+2021+2020+2019+2018+2017+2016+2015+2014+2013+2012+2011+2010+2009+2008+2007+2006+2005+2004+2003+2002+2001+2000+1999+1998+1997+1996+1995+1994+1993+1992+1991+1990+1980+1970+1960+1950+1940+1930+

View As: Thumbnails List

Sort by: Select Price, Low to High Price, High to Low Newer Listings First Older Listings First Open House Date

15175 S 185th Avenue Goodyear, AZ 85338

$1,050,000

4 Beds

3.5 Baths

3,216 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6738045

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

Why build new when this 2023 William Ryan Lyra model is gorgeous & ready now! 3216 SF single level, large premium view lot, 3 car garage & new pool with professional landscaping. Gated courtyard. 4 BR, 3.5 baths plus enclosed den/office. Spacious & private guest suite offers a 2nd master. 10' ceilings, 8' doors, Upgraded 12 X 24'' tile flooring everywhere except bedrooms. Quartz counters throughout kitchen and all baths. Gourmet kitchen boasts a huge island, gas cooktop, all appliances w/refrigerator and butler & lg walk in pantry. 16' multi slider in great room opens to extended covered patio. Short walking distance to Presidio Resident's Club and enjoy all the amenities that Estrella has to offer. This beautiful home and yard w/Mtn views will not disappoint so come tour in person today!

View Property

6633 E Juniper Avenue Scottsdale, AZ 85254

$1,050,000

4 Beds

3 Baths

1,966 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6751662

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

Tastefully Renovated home with its own Resort-Style Backyard!! Attention to every detail given to the complete top to bottom renovation. All new cabinets, countertops, flooring, fixtures, bathrooms have been replaced with modern accents. Split floorplan is both practical and private with 4 large bedrooms and 3 full bathrooms. Plenty of room for gathering in this open kitchen concept which features a breakfast room and bar. Ideal south facing backyard features a beautiful play pool, outdoor patio space, built-in BBQ and a side yard with its own Celebrity Greens putting green and hot tub!. Prime location just minutes from countless restaurants, grocery stores, malls and amenities! Mechanical improvements include a new pool pump, water heater, pool heater and hvac system!

View Property

7534 E Glenn Moore Road Scottsdale, AZ 85255

$1,050,000

5 Beds

3 Baths

3,352 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6754625

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

This beautifully designed home blends modern comfort with stylish sophistication. Ideally located in Pinnacle Reserve of North Scottsdale, the open-concept design ensures a seamless flow, featuring a spacious dining and living area that leads to an expansive kitchen and family room complete with a gas fireplace. Rich hardwood floors throughout the main living areas offer warmth and cohesion. The kitchen boasts updated appliances, an island with a breakfast bar, and a casual dining area that opens onto a covered patio. With five bedrooms and an oversized family/bonus room, this home provides a versatile and thoughtfully planned layout. The three remodeled bathrooms add to the home's modern appeal. Resort style backyard features a heated pool, spa, and grassy play area.

View Property

26819 N 104th Way Scottsdale, AZ 85262

$1,050,000

3 Beds

3 Baths

2,112 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6755593

Property Type Townhouse

Price Type --

Experience refined desert living at 26819 N 104th Way, Scottsdale, AZ 85262. Built in 2017, this 3-bed, 3-bath great room concept residence radiates luxury in the gated Reserve at Pinnacle Peak. Revel in the heated community pool and spa, perfect for Arizona sun-soaked relaxation. The gourmet kitchen boasts stainless steel GE Monogram appliances, double wall ovens, a built-in wine refrigerator, and a spacious kitchen island with quartz countertops. This home goes beyond impeccable interiors; it frames breathtaking views of Troon Mountain through an oversized 3-panel retractable great room sliding door, creating a stunning backdrop for daily life. The strategic location provides access to elite hiking trails for outdoor enthusiasts, and the Four Seasons Scottsdale is within walking distance, offering upscale amenities. 26819 N 104th Way epitomizes the fusion of modern elegance and natural beauty in Scottsdale's Reserve at Pinnacle Peak. Immerse yourself in this desert oasis's serenity while enjoying nearby luxury conveniences. This property is a rare chance to savor the epitome of Arizona living.

View Property

3931 E Crest Lane Phoenix, AZ 85050

$1,050,000

3 Beds

2.5 Baths

3,538 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6758481

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

Located in the highly desirable Aviano at Desert Ridge community, this stunning Spanish-style villa is perfectly positioned on a premium north/south-facing lot with no neighbors behind for added privacy. This beautifully crafted home offers 3 bedrooms, 2.5 bathrooms, 2 versatile lofts, a dedicated office, a sparkling pool, and a spacious 3-car garage. It also boasts a powerful owned 9.2kW solar panel system, providing substantial energy savings. The heart of the home is the open-concept kitchen and family room, featuring elegant white cabinetry, granite countertops, a gas range, a large island with stylish pendant lighting, and a striking stone backsplash. The entire upstairs has been updated with brand new wood-look luxury vinyl flooring. The oversized primary suite is a true retreat, complete with a cozy fireplace and a separate seating area. The expansive primary bathroom offers dual vanities, a luxurious marble shower, a soaking tub, and a beautifully designed custom closet. Outdoor living is elevated with two distinct spaces: a pool area perfect for relaxation and a separate entertainment area with a paver patio, built-in BBQ, and an outdoor fireplace. This home is just a short walk from the exclusive community amenities, including the clubhouse, gym, community resort style pool with swimming lanes, tennis and basketball courts, parks, playgrounds, and more. Located minutes from major freeways, top-tier Desert Ridge market place and dining, parks, farmers markets, American Express, and Mayo Clinic Hospital, this home blends luxury, convenience, and resort-style living.

View Property

18612 W Denton Avenue Litchfield Park, AZ 85340

$1,050,000

5 Beds

4 Baths

4,364 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6759350

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

An entertainers dream! Home features a heated self-cleaning pebble sheen pool & spa, sunken fire-pit, basketball court, in-ground trampoline, travertine tile and turf landscaping, RV garage (with AC), & 2 putting greens! Inside, a huge kitchen with white cabinets, double ovens, butlers pantry, cooktop, stone backsplash, & granite countertops! Downstairs provides a full bedroom, open office, & formal dining room! Upstairs, a roomy loft with custom built-ins & window seating! Bedrooms 3 & 4 both offer walk-in closets & a jack-n-jill bath! The primary bedroom features a private walk off patio with stunning Mountain views, an ensuite with double sinks, floor to ceiling backsplash, clawfoot bathtub, walk-in closet, & walk-in shower! Built in 2019 & freshly painted! The 50ft RV garage opens on both ends and makes a perfect entertainers addition, workshop, guest house, or storage for all the toys!! Additional upgrades include: wood-like tile throughout, 4 baseboards, soft close cabinets, luxury stone accent wall, epoxy coated garage floor, soft water and RO system, tankless water heater, exterior outlets at base of roof for Christmas lights, 220 outlet off the master patio, and central vac! That's still not all, please find a full list of upgrades in the docs tab!

View Property

25832 N 151st Avenue Surprise, AZ 85387

$1,050,000

4 Beds

3.5 Baths

3,038 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6766287

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

Discover the perfect blend of luxury and functionality in this lovely semi-custom home by NEXTGEN, nestled on a 1-acre lot. Boasting an RV garage, 4 bedrooms, a den, and 3.5 bathrooms, this home is designed for the discerning homeowner. Every bedroom features a spacious walk-in closet. Each bathroom is adorned with custom tile surround showers, and quartz vanities. The kitchen, with its 12-ft waterfall edge island, is an entertainer's delight. Inside the owner's suite you'll find his and her vanities, a generous entry shower, and a standalone soaking tub. With the APS bill for this 3,065 sq ft home being incredibly favorable, thanks to the owned solar panels, this home is a true gem. No detail was spared when upgrades were meticulously incorporated into this lovely residence.

View Property

15422 W Bajada Drive Surprise, AZ 85387

$1,050,000

4 Beds

4 Baths

3,061 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6767470

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

This semi-custom home on over an acre offers stunning Bunker Peak views and modern elegance. With 4 bedrooms and 4 bathrooms, it's perfect for those seeking space and style. Enter through 16' grand double doors and enjoy the spacious kitchen with quartz counters, a large island, Thermador gas range and pot filler and wine bar! The family room has a linear fireplace and opens to an extended, covered patio. The primary suite includes a custom tiled shower, standalone tub and patio access. Built with efficiency by NextGen Luxury Homes, upgrades include smart-home technology, recessed lighting, premium fixtures and air conditioned garage with epoxy floors. Approved plans for a 30x60 shop and guest house, a chicken coop, water filtration and no HOA add to this property's appeal.

View Property

8262 E Gilded Perch Drive Scottsdale, AZ 85255

$1,050,000

3 Beds

2 Baths

2,306 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6770679

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

Popular LaJolla model situated on a corner lot in Peregrine Villas - One of the nicest sections of Grayhawk's exclusive guard-gated Talon Retreat with walking trails and tennis courts. Open concept floor plan allows for variety of room arrangements. Great room and kitchen overlook a beautiful yard with low-maintenance landscaping, a large covered patio, a fountain and lush bouganvilleas. Casual eating area and desk in kitchen. All 3 bedrooms split, remodeled baths, updated kitchen with newer appliances, quartz and granite counters, lots of built-in storage, 12-foot ceilings, shutters, roll-down exterior shades, security front door. Roof updated 2020. GREAT HOUSE. Grayhawk is a public championship golf club. The clubhouse and restaurants are open to the public.

View Property

4547 S Raster -- Mesa, AZ 85212

$1,050,000

5 Beds

4.5 Baths

3,802 SqFt

Status Active Under Contract

MLS # 6652779

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

Priced $134k BELOW appraised value! Do you love New Construction but are not interested in doing finishing touches after closing like window treatments, landscaping, pools, bbq's, & personal design elements? You won't have to with this 5 bedroom, 4.5 bath, 3800+ SF home built in 2023. Everything has already been done inside & out. Master has private sitting/office area, huge double walk-in showers & 2 closets. One even exits to large laundry room. 2 additional bedrooms have personal on-suites. The kitchen is a dream come true, w/double ovens, pot filler, huge island w/seating, quarts counter tops & coffee bar area, but it doesn't end there! Bonus Butler's Pantry awaits around the corner & has additional counter space w/cabinet storage above & below, 2nd sink, 2nd fridge & large walk-in pantry. The kitchen/dining/living area is open & flowing w/vaulted ceilings & beautiful faux wooden beams. To top it off, there is also an added bonus/game room. We said inside & outside! The exterior has the same attention to detail. Enter through a private courtyard & immediately look through to a wall of glass inviting you to the backyard. It includes a sitting area, luxury pool & spa, covered pellet BBQ, fire-pit w/sitting area, play/game area, outdoor shower & even a dog run. The list of amenities goes on, including 3-car garage, electric blinds, located across from a park & more. Our suggestion - you owe it to yourself to check it out! We're convinced you will not be disappointed!

View Property

4807 N 196th Drive Litchfield Park, AZ 85340

$1,050,000

4 Beds

3.5 Baths

3,175 SqFt

Status Active Under Contract

MLS # 6697825

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

Upgraded Galore built in 2023. This newly constructed home has extraordinary features and amenities not found in most custom homes. Open floor plan concept with Large Great Rm featuring 12ft plus ceilings, retractable patio doors, and Brick faced fireplace. Chef Inspired Kitchen with custom cafe appliances including gas cook top, double ovens, ice maker, and beverage refrigerator. Custom shaker cabinets with soft close doors and drawers. Huge center island with granite counter tops and loads of space for sitting and entertaining. Additional features include walk in pantry with direct access into garage. Relax and unwind as you enjoy your spacious Master Suite featuring spa type Master Bath with walk in shower with side jets and rain fall shower head. Master h large windows and private entry doors leading out to rear patio. Over sized closet, his and her vanity sinks, prep counter, and free standing soaking tub. Enjoy the great outdoors and mountain views on spacious full length patio with large rear yard for pets, children, and entertaining. Endless possibilities to add a pool, separate RV garage, and plenty of rooms for toys and vehicles. Not to forget the observation deck to entertain or just enjoy the AZ climate and skyline. Additional features include custom safe room, misting system, 2000 gallon septic tank, 250 gallon buried propane tank, front and rear custom security cameras, Jack & Jill bathroom between bedrooms 3 & 4, bedroom #2 has full private bathroom, and over sized garage 29 x 26. Great location just minutes from the 303 or 1-10 with shopping withing 1 mile. Surrounded by multi million dollar homes this is the perfect place to call home.

View Property

718 E Campbell Avenue Gilbert, AZ 85234

$1,050,000

4 Beds

3 Baths

2,499 SqFt

Status Active Under Contract

MLS # 6668791

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

This stunning custom estate with NO HOA, boasting horse amenities, occupies just under an acre of land and is conveniently located within walking distance to downtown Gilbert. Yes, it's true, and it's available for you to explore! Step inside and be captivated by the inviting charm that permeates every corner of this modern farmhouse-inspired property. From the cozy brick fireplace in the front living room to the welcoming wrap-around porch and the delightful backyard with its own chickens, you'll instantly feel a sense of belonging. The main floor features one bedroom, an office, a well-appointed kitchen, laundry room, and spacious dining and living areas. Upstairs, three generously sized bedrooms with walk-in closets and two full bathrooms offer ample space for relaxation and privacy. Large windows bathe the home in natural light, showcasing its beauty. Outside, a sizable covered patio overlooks an enormous backyard, sparkling blue pool, fenced for safety, surrounded by bountiful fruit trees and multiple sheds. Irrigation is available on this property as well! A horse stall setup is ready to go, and the strategically positioned pool leaves plenty of room for additional structures such as a garden, RV garage, or more. Explore the nearby canal trail, conveniently located at the end of Campbell, providing easy access to downtown Gilbert via bike or foot. With millions of square feet of retail, restaurants, and freeways just steps away, this property offers endless opportunities. Whether you're drawn to the flexible floorplan or the expansive yard, this estate promises a multitude of ways to enjoy its splendor. One thing is certain - you'll relish returning home to this enchanting retreat.

View Property