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

28887 N 126th Lane Peoria, AZ 85383

$675,000

2 Beds

2 Baths

1,867 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6780837

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

Beautiful Libertas model on an OVERSIZED pie-shaped GOLF COURSE LOT in the gated community of Trilogy at Vistancia! Private gated paver courtyard as you enter, great place to sip your morning coffee. Step inside to the seamless open floor plan, gas fireplace in the living room, spacious den, large kitchen island, NEW APPLIANCES & breakfast room. Multiple large windows & slider glass door lets you enjoy the wonderful open golf course & mountain views. Cozy up by the exterior fireplace on cold chilly nights & take in the gorgeous desert scenery. Oversized lot of 10,000 sq ft, north/south facing w/ 3 separate patio areas & fruit trees. Brand new carpet in both bedrooms. Extended garage has built-in cabinets, water softener, RO system & central vacuum. The community of Vistancia is a master- planned development that includes beautiful homes, parks & hiking trails, award winning community centers & golf courses, commercial & retail shops, along with incredible rolling hills & desert landscape all around! The future 320-acre 5 North at Vistancia commercial core is coming soon. Vistancia has ranked as the #1 Master Planned Community in AZ for 10 years in a row (2014-2023)! Resort-style living at its best. Come & see why!

View Property

16160 W Indianola Avenue Goodyear, AZ 85395

$675,000

4 Beds

3 Baths

3,572 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6751096

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

Discover luxury resort living in an ideal location close to everything. Welcome home to one of the largest homes in Pebble Creek! This property boasts over 3500sf of living space with zero maintenance yard, 3 car garage, 4 bedrooms, 3 baths, office, primary bedroom has sitting room and his and her closets, hardwood floors, vaulted ceilings, large open kitchen with island, formal dining room, breakfast nook and a cozy Arizona room off the kitchen. The solar panel's are a HUGE bonus to this gem adding to extremely low cooling bills!

View Property

2167 E Browning Place Chandler, AZ 85286

$675,000

3 Beds

3 Baths

2,322 SqFt

Status Active Under Contract

MLS # 6777403

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

'Temporary 1-0 Buydown offered by preferred lender for qualified buyers.' Don't miss the opportunity to own this stately home in an ideal S Chandler location, offering 3 bedrooms plus a den with murphy bed and 2 baths. Enjoy 10 foot ceilings adding to the feel of space & grandeur. This wonderful home includes a split floorplan w/ separate entrance into the secondary bedrooms & bath for the ultimate luxury of privacy. This is ideal for guests or multigenerational living arrangements. The ample open kitchen includes RO, maple cabinets, granite counter tops & includes tons of storage and counter space, perfectly lending it to large gatherings. Enjoy a sizeable and serene primary suite complete with an en-suite bathroom including separate shower enclosure & tub as well as private toilet room The home has everything to suit a new owner including the addition recently of a new HVAC. The backyard is ideal for entertaining with a pebble-tec pool thoughtfully adorned with shades to protect everyone from the intense summer sun. All this and just a few minutes from the 202, 101, Downtown Chandler, Downtown Gilbert, Chandler Fashion Park, restaurants and so much more!!

View Property

8420 E Hubbell Street Scottsdale, AZ 85257

$675,000

4 Beds

3 Baths

1,589 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6775861

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

Note: Professional pics will be uploaded by Tuesday)Beautiful renovated classic Scottsdale ranch home with rare (4) bedroom (2.75) bath. BRAND NEW ROOF, literally( with transferable warranty)! Updated flooring and renovated bathrooms in both master and guest. Large backyard (North facing) with extensive covered patio to enjoy with family and guests while staying shaded. The homes location is as prime as it gets. Located close to freeways and prime roads leading directly into south Scottsdale which is just minutes away for shopping and incredible restaurants. Great cozy neighborhood with no HOA. New wifi capable garage door opener, and newer water heater (2021)

View Property

1828 E Aurelius Avenue Phoenix, AZ 85020

$675,000

3 Beds

1 Bath

1,296 SqFt

Status Active Under Contract

MLS # 6782373

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

Highly coveted North Phoenix area living with amazing views of Piestewa Peak Mountain Preserve! Close to a half acre lot. Unique opportunity to own this charming 1960's home. Family room with wood flooring & cozy gas fireplace. Updated kitchen with gas cooktop stove & overlooks the bonus room. Upgraded windows, plantation shutters & wood doors throughout. Two large bedrooms & 3rd bedroom is an office without a closet. Outside you have room for all your toys, huge RV gate & sport court. This home is ready to be lived in or you could remove it and built your dream custom home.

View Property

4270 Blacksmith Way Wickenburg, AZ 85390

$675,000

2 Beds

2.5 Baths

1,999 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6770391

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

This beautifully upgraded Hotel California model in Wickenburg Ranch offers the perfect blend of elegance and functionality. Situated on a premium corner lot, the home features 2 bedrooms, 2.5 bathrooms, a rare find for this model, and an open floor plan designed for modern living. The upgraded kitchen boasts a large island and a premium gas stove package, ideal for home chefs and entertaining. The guest bedroom is thoughtfully extended by 2 feet, complete with an en suite bathroom for added privacy. The entire home showcases unique upgrades with stylish tile flooring, upgraded lighting fixtures, and ceiling fans throughout. Outside, the spacious backyard impresses with extensive landscaping and a large paver patio, perfect for outdoor gatherings. The three garage offers custom cabinetry, epoxy flooring, and a mini-split AC, providing extra comfort and storage solutions. This home is move-in ready with every detail meticulously planned for luxury living.

View Property

10138 E Coopers Hawk Drive Sun Lakes, AZ 85248

New

$675,000

3 Beds

3 Baths

2,283 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6788839

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

This is a Barcelona model, featuring a very generous sized primary suite and a guest bedroom with a built in Murphy bed plus a den in the main house. There is a 1 bed/1 bath casita with a separate courtyard entry. This home has a very open floorplan with a very generous sized kitchen with hickory cabinets, corian countertops, a gas cooktop and large island.. There's a large covered patio plus an extended patio with a gazebo cover providing excellent outdoor space and a secluded view of the Oakwood golf course tee box for hole number 6. The property has a large 2 car garage plus an adjoining golf cart garage. This home is being sold basically turn key for the new owners. The Seller's are offering all the furniture, fixtures, appliances, etc. at no charge. Seller prefers 2/3/25 COE.

View Property

4151 W Victoria Lane Chandler, AZ 85226

$675,000

4 Beds

2.5 Baths

2,272 SqFt

Status Active Under Contract

MLS # 6785648

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

LOCATION, LOCATION, LOCATION! Awesome Chandler home that's perfect for entertaining. This 4-bedroom, 2.5 baths home has ceramic tile in all the right places. The Kitchen features New stacked KitchenAid double ovens, farm sink with a window view, bay window, beautiful granite countertops and plenty of counter space (A Chef's Delight). A Cozy fireplace in the Family Room. The Master bedroom has a separate tub and shower, and double French doors out to a spacious covered patio. New A/C systems, new water heater, new windows and patio door, new dishwasher. Large back yard with shady trees and a side garden area. Community swimming pools, heated spa, pickle ball, tennis and basketball courts. Close to all that the Kyrene corridor has to offer, restaurants, shopping, and easy access to freeway

View Property

7308 E Solano Drive Scottsdale, AZ 85250

$675,000

3 Beds

2 Baths

2,457 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6725429

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

Welcome to this inviting three-bedroom, two-bathroom home boasting a 10' ceiling in the great room. Enjoy the large covered patio and inviting swimming pool, accessible from the living room, family room, and primary suite. The backyard features low-maintenance artificial turf, ideal for a lock-and-leave lifestyle. You'll love the updated interior panel doors and mahogany front door. The spacious primary suite offers a huge bathroom with double sinks, a separate tub, and a shower. Conveniently located near Scottsdale and Paradise Valley dining, nightclubs, shopping, arts centers, golf courses, spring training fields, hiking and bike trails, parks, and the upcoming Ritz Carlton Resort, with easy access to Loop 101. This retreat is perfect for entertaining and a wonderful place to call home!

View Property

5235 W Davis Road Mcneal, AZ 85617

$675,000

4 Beds

3 Baths

1,414 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6655794

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

Old World Charm near Tombstone! This 144 acre ranch has tons of elbow room and boasts a 1938 homestead residence featuring 1414 square feet of living space with 2 bedrooms and 1 bath. In addition there are two, 495 square foot studio/casitas with full kitchens and baths. This property is perfect for a horse operation and has a 150 x 300 roping arena and cattle pens, a 150 foot round pen, a 60 foot round pen as well as working corrals, 10 stalls and a Mare Motel! The combined 144 acres is divided into 5 pastures with water! The property is ideal for a working ranch, or a compound! The owner would consider carrying terms with a substantial downpayment!! Don't put off your plans to own a ranch/horse/cattle operation and come see this exceptional property.

View Property

8361 E Via De Viva -- Scottsdale, AZ 85258

$675,000

2 Beds

2 Baths

1,987 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6705758

Property Type Townhouse

Price Type --

McCormick Ranch single story townhome in PRIME Del Norte Gardens subdivision complete with community pool, tennis/pickleball and plenty of greenbelts throughout the Ranch. This home has been lovingly cared for and presents in a true Arizona Southwest fashion with custom hand painted tiles, saltillo flooring in main areas, wonderful covered patio spaces. A perfect lock and leave winter retreat. Updates include: AC (2022), water heater (2016), roof (2017). Enjoy the McCormick Ranch lifestyle!

View Property

11625 N 40th Way Phoenix, AZ 85028

$675,000

3 Beds

2 Baths

1,710 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6706586

Property Type Townhouse

Price Type --

Rare opportunity to own in the Roundhill community!! Nestled into the beauty of Stone Creek Golf Club. This immaculate 3bdrm & 2 bthrm patio home has everything you've been looking for. Open concept living area featuring vaulted ceilings with fireplace and lots of natural light. A spacious kitchen with ample room for entertaining. Enjoy dinner out on your private patio that backs on to the golf course, offering gorgeous views and tranquil privacy. You can also enjoy the views from your expansive primary suite that features a large walk-in closet, ensuite and sliding glass doors that take you to your patio. An attached 2 car garage gives you plenty of room for your vehicles and extra storage. New AC and roof were installed in 2021. This home is in a prime location close to Scottsdale and Paradise Valley providing you with multiple options for grocery stores, Costco, dining and shopping. You are also in close proximity to Piestewa Peak and Phoenix Mountain Preserve hiking trails, freeways and the Mayo clinic. Community benefits include a large swimming pool, hot tub and tennis courts. Come see for yourself everything this home has to offer.

View Property