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

28289 N 134th Avenue Peoria, AZ 85383

$559,179

3 Beds

2 Baths

1,821 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6786784

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

A soon to be complete single-story Copper with a Mid-Century Modern exterior elevation style. This 3-bedroom home plus a flex room offers 2 baths and a 2 car garage. The kitchen features stainless steel appliances and stylish grey tone cabinetry and beautiful white quartz countertops. Throughout the home, find upgraded baseboards and wood-like tile. The home and community are at the base of a mountain and are near Vistancia. Home warranty included.

View Property

12311 W Parkway Lane Avondale, AZ 85323

$559,000

4 Beds

3 Baths

2,272 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6782987

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

4 bedrooms and 3 baths, including one with private hallway and bath, perfect for family or guests. This high-end home stands apart in a class of its own with 10' ceilings, expansive living with an open concept and impressive windows that spill the beautiful Arizona sunshine onto the upgraded tile floors. The incredible Gourmet Kitchen has a classy look with shaker cabinets, gas cooktop with GE Stainless steel appliances, quartz countertops, tiled backsplash and oversized islands gives you a culinary kitchen fit for a chef. The luxuries continue on the outside as the covered outdoor patio extends onto an oversized lot with tons of room for outdoor fun. The 16' slider opens to beautiful Arizona outdoor living. 2X6 CONSTRUCTION; EXTENDED NEW HOME WARRANTY.

View Property

5752 N Luna Drive Eloy, AZ 85131

$559,000

2 Beds

2.5 Baths

2,009 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6786684

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

. *This Designer Home* has just received special pricing to move fast! The home is complete and ready for an immediate move in, is one of our most popular floor plans. With a spacious Kitchen & raised height ceilings, you won't believe its only 2009sf; it is beautifully upgraded with well thought out finishing touches selected by our design team. Robson Ranch was voted one of the top 50 best master planned communities in the county by Where to Retire magazine. Robson Ranch is centrally located between Phoenix and Tucson and offers world-Class, resort-style amenities including: New Clubhouse w/Ballroom/Auditorium, Championship Golf, Heated Indoor and Outdoor Pools, 16 Pickleball Courts, Tennis, Fitness & Creative Arts Centers, Restaurant, Softball Fields, Dog Park & Much more.

View Property

12467 W Gambit Trail Peoria, AZ 85383

$559,000

2 Beds

2 Baths

1,635 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6774761

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

View Property

12406 W Cougar Drive Sun City West, AZ 85375

$559,000

3 Beds

2 Baths

2,864 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6701498

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

Discover the allure of this charming single-story sanctuary! Captivating front yard featuring a 2 car garage, enclosed patio, & manicures desert landscape with irrigation and accent lighting. Inside, the comfortable living/dining showcases bay windows. The spacious family room enjoys wood-look tile flooring, high ceilings, & arcadia door to the backyard, perfect for merging indoor & outdoor activities. End your gatherings in the centrally located formal dining room w/modern light fixtures. You'll love the meticulously designed kitchen that includes recessed lights, shaker cabinets, mosaic backsplash, granite counters, & skylights. Additional den, next to the family room, ideal for a game or crafting room. The bonus room can be used as a guest bedroom or office. The main bedroom boasts tile floors, bay windows, a sitting area, walk-in closet, & lavish ensuite. Be dazzled by the large outstanding backyard and enjoy the relaxing covered patio, extended seating areas, delightful landscaping, paver pathways, stone features, iron fencing & wonderful views of the 18th hole of Stardust Golf Course. This gem won't last for long!

View Property

116 N 3rd Street Tombstone, AZ 85638

$559,000

3 Beds

3 Baths

1,404 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6746565

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

INVESTORS WELCOME!! THIS HOME HAS 3 - 1 BEDROOM UNITS FULLY FURNISHED FOR SHORT OR LONG TERM RENTAL OR PERSONAL LIVING PURPOSES. VERY COMFORTABLE RANCH STYLE HOME IN ''THE TOWN TOO TOUGH TO DIE''! QUIET STREET, WALK 3 BLOCKS TO ALL THE FUN IN ALLEN STREET! COVERED RV PARKING IS AN ADDITIONAL BONUS OR INCOME PRODUCING BENEFIT! OFF STREET PARKING AVAILABLE FOR GUESTS. WATCH THE BIRDS & ANIMAL PARADE JUST A STONE'S THROW FROM THE GORGEOUS GAZEBO WITH ''FIRE PIT/GRILL'' IN THE BACK YARD. LOWER LIVING SPACE COMES WITH ACCESS TO A MINE AND POSSIBLE GHOST.

View Property

8016 E Medina Avenue Mesa, AZ 85209

$559,000

3 Beds

2 Baths

2,172 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6750548

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

You'll appreciate the central location of this 3-bedroom golf course home in the amenity-packed community of SVE, convenient to the restaurant, pool complexes, workout facilities, golf course and all Clubs/amenities. This well-taken care of home is ready to move in, so you don't delay the upcoming season of fun. There are many features unique to this home including a 9' x 8' bonus room in double garage to park your golf cart or motorcycle or utilize for extra storage or workshop as well as the electronic security shutters that enclose the covered back patio. With over 2,100 sq. ft., this floorplan provides two additional bedrooms creating ample space for visitors. Other features include a vaulted living room, family room with views to the golf course, and a formal dining room that could be converted to an office, craft or sewing room. Enjoy your morning coffee on the covered patio watching golfers attempt a birdie putt on Hole No. 7 with the Superstition Mountains in the background. Enter the home from the expanded south-facing front patio and your eyes will go right to the view of the golf course. You'll notice the abundant amount of light in the tiled kitchen coming from the sliding glass door in the dine-in area, with the kitchen providing beautiful cabinets with pull-out shelves. The large family room creates that extra space for entertaining as it includes a wet bar as well as access to the golf course patio. A primary bedroom allows the south sun to brighten the room and provides a private bathroom and walk in closet. The guest bathroom with tub/shower combo is centrally located between the second and third bedroom. The guest bedroom with north-window overlooking golf course is an expanded bedroom with his/her closets. If you didn't need a third bedroom, you could use the extra space for an office, sewing room or craft/hobby room. The garage features built in cabinets, a work bench, an exterior service door, and the bonus room. Sunland Village East is a community that provides an amenity for everyone's interests while still maintaining low annual HOA fees.

View Property

43154 N Outer Banks Drive Anthem, AZ 85086

$559,000

4 Beds

2 Baths

2,153 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6753584

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

Discover this stunning Tuscan-style home, featuring 3 bedrooms plus a den and breathtaking mountain views. Designed with elegance and comfort in mind, this residence offers a formal living room and dining room, perfect for entertaining, while the spacious great-room provides a welcoming space for everyday family living. The home showcases luxurious travertine flooring throughout, complemented by granite countertops and a travertine and marble backsplash in the kitchen, creating a seamless blend of style and sophistication. You'll love the location of this home as it is close to dining, shopping and entertainment not to mention the community pools, parks and clubhouse that are waiting just for you.

View Property

3834 E Cavalry Court Gilbert, AZ 85297

$559,000

5 Beds

3 Baths

2,160 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6769305

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

UPDATED TO FIVE BEDROOMS AND THREE BATHROOMS, GREAT POWER RANCH COMMUNITY, HOME SITS ON A PRIVATE CUL DE SAC, FIRST FLOOR HAS A BEDROOM, FULL BATHROOM, FAMILY ROOM AND SPACIOUS KITCHEN WITH ALL APPLIANCES AND CENTER ISLAND, MASTER SUITE HAS A PRIVATE BATH WITH SEPARATE TUB/SHOWER, DUAL SINKS, AND A WALKIN CLOSET, BACKYARD HAS COVERED PATIO AND A LARGE GRASSY AREA, GARAGE AND LAUNDRY ROOM HAVE CABINETS, COMMUNITY POOLS, CLUBHOUSE, POND AMD MANY PARKS AND WALKING PATHS, TWO NEW A/Cs IN 2021 AND A NEWER WATER HEATER, NICELY LANDSCAPED FRONT YARD AND PRIVACY IN BACKYARD,

View Property

9033 E Ivyglen Circle Mesa, AZ 85207

$559,000

2 Beds

2 Baths

1,379 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6776519

Property Type Townhouse

Price Type --

Nestled within the exclusive Mountain Bridge community, this immaculate Villa boasts mountain views and a rare private driveway. The beautifully landscaped outdoors features a covered patio and pergola plus roller shades creating an ideal setting to unwind any time of day and take in breathtaking desert sunsets in the evenings. Low-maintenance desert landscaping, fruit trees, and charming pavered side-yard path, this home seamlessly blends elegance with the beauty of nature. Custom iron screen doors, front and back bring cool breezes and fresh air into a refined interior, where soft, neutral tones, upgraded cabinetry, and a gourmet kitchen with a gas stove and double ovens await. Tile floors flow throughout, complemented by elegant wood shutters and crown molding in the Owner's Suite. The garage offers practical upgrades, including a utility sink, cabinetry, and added insulation in ceiling. Additional insulation added in attic throughout home. This home offers both luxury and comfort, creating a peaceful retreat in the heart of Mountain Bridgeperfect for year-round living or as a lock-and-leave escape. Easy access to hiking, biking, kayaking, tubing and more. Easy drive to Tempe Marketplace, Old Scottsdale, and Scottsdale proper for fun, food, fashion and more! This is your opportunity to enjoy the resort-style living in the gated community of Mountain Bridge.

View Property

15147 W Double Tree Way Surprise, AZ 85374

$559,000

2 Beds

2 Baths

2,240 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6780561

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

Luxurious expanded Coronado with Magnificent Kitchen and Dining Room. 3 CAR GARAGE!! Lavish Upgraded Baths. Large Front Courtyard. Lots of Privacy at SE Back with Spacious Covered Patio and Decorative Knee Walls. Kitchen with Custom Cabinets, Granite, SS Appliances, Gas Range, Island, Pantry, Bar, Skylight. 20'' tile on the diagonal flow T/O most of the home. Wonderful Primary Suite with wood floors, sitting area with a bay window. Luxurious bathrooms feature custom vanities & updated showers. Bedrooms, kitchen, office have window shutters. Beautiful Expensive Custom Draperies and Cornice Boards in Living, Dining Areas. Create a New Chapter in Your Life in this Great Home on a Great Lot in a Great Location!

View Property

2575 N Tamarisk Street Chandler, AZ 85224

$559,000

3 Beds

2 Baths

1,922 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6783649

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

Welcome to 2575 N Tamarisk—a charming 3-bedroom, 2-bathroom single level home designed for both comfort and convenience! This home has been lovingly owned by one family! This property features two spacious living rooms; one with a wood-burning fireplace, perfect for entertaining or relaxing with family. The kitchen features granite countertops, a convenient breakfast bar, and plenty of cabinet space for all your storage needs. The primary bedroom is a true retreat with direct access to the backyard, offering a seamless indoor-outdoor flow. Step outside to find a sparkling pool, covered patio, and a low-maintenance backyard, perfect for enjoying Arizona's sunny weather year-round. Don't miss this opportunity for a home that combines style, space, and outdoor living! Located with easy access to the 101 and US-60 freeways, Mesa Community College, shopping centers, and beautiful parks.

View Property