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.

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1431 W Spirit Drive Anthem, AZ 85086

$675,000

3 Beds

2.5 Baths

2,544 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6721017

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

View this beautiful San Juan model in Anthem C.C., featuring recent updates, south facing back patio with desert views and convenient proximity to the Ironwood Clubhouse. This wonderful home is 2544 sq. ft, 3 bed/2.5 bth, dedicated office, open floor plan and 3 car garage with new epoxy floor and built-in cabinets. The recently remodeled gourmet kitchen includes new stainless appliances; the master bath was completely remodeled in 2023 and features a huge walk in shower. Other highlights include plantation shutters, surround sound, soft water and R.O. systems, all new exterior paint and a new water heater. Your backyard outdoor living space enjoys a full length covered patio, flagstone hardscape, professional landscape design and a gas firepit. Let Anthem Country Club Welcome you home.

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$675,000

5 Beds

3 Baths

2,778 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6748755

Property Type Single Family Residence

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$675,000

5 Beds

3 Baths

2,102 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6732217

Property Type Single Family Residence

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Amazing ASU investment opportunity! Gorgeous top to bottom renovation with FIVE bedrooms and 3 baths on a LARGE cul-de-sac lot. NO HOA. Stainless appliances. GE Profile oven/convection microwave and LG dishwasher. Quartz countertops. Custom tile shower surrounds. Porcelain plank tile flooring. 5 ton AC and 3 additional, 17 SEER Lennox mini-splits. New dual pane/dual UV/Argon gas windows! Newer Roof (2020). Stone accented entry. Newer sewer lines. Ceiling wood accent beams, LED recessed lighting. Huge back yard, massive cool deck patio and storage shed. Heart of Tempe LOCATION - walking/biking distance to ASU, Mill Ave., Gammage performing arts and shopping/dining along the Rio Salado corridor.

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6628 N 19th Street Phoenix, AZ 85016

$675,000

3 Beds

2 Baths

1,675 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6743889

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

Welcome to your dream home! This beautifully remodeled residence is a gem in the highly coveted North Phoenix area. Featuring an open-concept design, this home is bathed in natural light, highlighting the light-toned luxurious LVP wood flooring throughout. The open-concept kitchen is decked out with stainless steel appliances and brand new luxury granite countertops. This home has been upgraded with new plumbing, new electrical, a new septic tank, and completely remodeled bathrooms, ensuring modern convenience and peace of mind. The back yard is ready for your personal touch, whether that be a pool, or a garden! The detached garage could be used for parking, extra storage or even converted into a casita! Conveniently located close to the 51 freeway, the Biltmore shopping center, high-end restaurants and more. this home provides easy access to all that Phoenix has to offer while maintaining a serene, residential atmosphere. Don't miss your chance to own a piece of North Phoenix living at its finest!

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1487 Mcculloch Boulevard Lake Havasu City, AZ 86406

$675,000

3 Beds

2 Baths

1,846 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6734829

Property Type Single Family Residence

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Southside home with epic sunsets, lake & mountain VIEWS. Custom landscaping, water features, covered patio & elevated concrete patio area for the Havasu outdoor living lifestyle. RV/Boat garage, additional gated RV side-yard parking with hookups. Entire garage has heating/cooling for year-round comfort. Abundant amounts of natural light fill this home. Open concept living area, dining area and kitchen. Primary suite covers one side of the home with dual vanity, oversized jacuzzi tub, oversized walk in shower and walk in closet. Split bedroom plan . Kitchen has granite counters & dark wood cabinetry . Bathrooms have custom tile throughout. New tile flooring throughout provides worry free living with pets or kids. Vaulted ceilings, skip trowel wall finishes, One owner home since new.

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6642 E School House Flats Hereford, AZ 85615

$675,000

4 Beds

3.5 Baths

3,042 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6743531

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

Check out this beautiful custom built home with stunning mountain views and a sparkling private pool in the back yard. Double shower in primary bathroom with four shower heads, walk in closets & kitchen pantry, man cave bonus room, double oven, double HVAC units, guest bedroom with 1/2 bath and 2nd guest bedroom with full bath. 3 car garage with one converted & fully insulated. Home includes water softener, fridge, home security system, fire pit, huge double shed, and solar pool heating system! A must see!

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2015 E Gaffney Road New River, AZ 85087

$675,000

3 Beds

2.5 Baths

2,368 SqFt

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Price Type --

What a GEM! Nestled on a 2-acre corner lot, this beautiful home will impress you. Offering a desert landscape, 2-car garage, & RV parking. Discover a welcoming living room, formal dining room, and an inviting family room w/stove fireplace! Natural light filled the spaces, complemented by designer paint & wood-look flooring t/out. The exposed wooden beams give a rustic charm! The kitchen boasts tile counters & backsplash, recessed lighting, ample wood cabinetry, a breakfast bar, a walk-in pantry, and SS appliances such as a double oven. Main bedroom boasts a private bathroom & a walk-in closet. The fantastic backyard beckons with a covered patio, an exterior fireplace, & a fenced sparkling pool. The mountain views serve as a backdrop to your outdoor paradise! Don't miss it!

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2976 E Clifton Avenue Gilbert, AZ 85295

$675,000

4 Beds

2.5 Baths

2,436 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6748122

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

This must be the place . . . perfect location, pristine pool, paid-off solar, and plenty of potential. This four bedroom paradise is for anyone who wants a property that has been thoughtfully maintained, while providing an opportunity to personalize. Brand new A/C, freshly painted exterior, and recent pool resurfacing are just a few of the reasons this is your next home sweet home.

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6601 N 79th Place Scottsdale, AZ 85250

$675,000

2 Beds

2 Baths

1,472 SqFt

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Property Type Townhouse

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Wood Beam Vaulted Ceilings, Plantation Shutters and 2 Way Fireplace. Porcelain Wood Plank Flooring and tile throughout. Kitchen w/Stainless Steel Appliances. Granite Countertops, French Doors and Natural Bamboo Shades. Spacious Primary Bedroom with Double Door Entry and French Doors exit to Covered Patio. Walk in Closet. Custom Vanity Cabinets in Master and Guest Bath with Quartz Countertops. 2 Car Garage with loads of Storage Cabinets. Front Courtyard and low maintenance yard with hardscape. Complex has Heated Pool & Spa, Tennis Court and Next to Silverado Golf Course. Close to Old Town Scottsdale. New Water Heater 2/2020 & Roof Coated 1/2020.

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219 E Palomino Court Gilbert, AZ 85296

$675,000

4 Beds

2 Baths

2,287 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6749829

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

Luxurious Remodel in Gilbert! Discover this beautifully updated single-level home in Gilbert, offering a perfect blend of comfort and style. Recent renovations include: Master Suite: Indulge in a spa-like retreat with a separate shower, freestanding tub, & dual sinks. Modern Secondary Bathroom remodel with new fixtures & finishes including Shower/tub. Enjoy a clean & inviting home with Gourmet kitchen, granite countertops & stainless-steel appliances with lots of cabinets & pull outs. Beautiful Gas Fireplace. Beautiful New 24x48 Tile Flooring & New Carpet. Fresh Interior and Exterior paint throughout. Energy Efficiency new HVAC condenser & water heater Aug 2024. Outdoor Oasis backyard features a newly resurfaced Pool & tile. Synthetic grass for low-maintenance enjoyment. Read additional Additional Highlights Spacious 4-bedroom Split Floor plan layout, 3-car garage, Cul-de-sac, Corner lot, N/S Exposure, new ceiling fans in all rooms, covered patio. All new 4in Baseboards throughout home. Convenient location near Downtown Gilbert & Lifetime Fitness, restaurants & shopping. Don't miss this opportunity to own a stunning, move-in-ready home in a desirable neighborhood.

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36076 N Vidlak Drive San Tan Valley, AZ 85143

$675,000

4 Beds

3.5 Baths

3,939 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6750864

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

**Seller will consider paying some concessions for buyer to buy down their interest rate, etc. ** Wow! Almost 4000 livable square feet. This home features 4 Bedrooms plus A Den, A Loft and An Entertainment/Game Room, 3.5 Baths and a Split 3 Car Garage. Very Nice Home that is Ready for you. Granite Countertops in Kitchen. White Staggered Shaker Cabinets with Pull Handles. Gas Cooktop. Mosaic Backsplash. Big Walk In Pantry. Center Island with Breakfast Bar. Stainless Steel Appliances. Refrigerator, Washer & Dryer are All Included. Tall Baseboards Throughout. Wood Like Flooring along with Beautiful Carpeting. Inviting and Manicured Backyard with Views.

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62 W Elmwood Place Chandler, AZ 85248

$675,000

5 Beds

3 Baths

2,878 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6754032

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

Price Savings!!!!! Expansive Backyard Paradise! Gorgeous Home with Private Pool in the exclusive Ironwood Vistas Gated Community! Located in the highly desired Ironwood Vistas community, this home has it all! Relax in your own private pool on one of the largest lots, with additional access to a community pool and jacuzzi. The spacious layout includes a full bedroom and bathroom downstairs, ideal for guests or a personal retreat. Upstairs, you'll find a huge bonus room/loft, offering extra space for whatever you need. With brand new tile in the living and dining rooms, a recently serviced AC (installed in 2014), and charming touches like a Pygmy orange tree and fresh basil, this home is filled with delightful surprises. See for yourself why this home is truly one of a kind

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