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How PMI Premiums Are Decided





Perhaps the best advice for PMI is to avoid one, either through savings toward a larger downpayment, or using piggyback loans to bypass PMI.

From Bankrate:

• Size of the down payment. Your PMI premium will be higher if you put down 5 percent, versus putting down 15 percent (this is also known as the "loan to value ratio").

• Potential for property appreciation. Your premium might be higher if you live in a city with declining property values. PMI companies monitor real estate prices and the economic trends that affect them as they set PMI rates.

• Type of loan. The rate can vary depending on whether you are getting an adjustable- or fixed-rate mortgage or an interest-only loan. The riskier the loan, the higher the PMI.

• Interest rate. A higher interest rate can, and usually does, mean a higher PMI rate because borrowers with poorer credit scores are frequently offered higher interest loans that carry higher PMI payments.

• Borrower occupancy. If you are borrowing to purchase an investment or rental property, your premiums will be higher than if you borrow for a home you plan to occupy.

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