Vanguard Properties
For many, owning a home goes from being a dream to reality through the use of a mortgage loan. To qualify for a mortgage loan, many lenders require their borrower’s to already have a down payment of at least 20 percent.
If the homebuyer has less than a 20 percent down payment available, many lenders will require the homebuyer to pay for private mortgage insurance (PMI). PMI protects their loan investment in the case a borrower defaults on the loan and usually ends once the buyer reaches around 80 percent left of the home value.
There are multiple ways to cancel PMI payments faster than paying your usually monthly mortgage payment. One way is by increasing your monthly mortgage payment so you can reach the 20 percent value mark quicker.
If the current value of your home has increased since you closed on the property, this may be grounds for your PMI payments to be dropped.
Once you reach 20 percent equity in your home you can request PMI cancellation. Even though this goal can be met with regular, on-time payments - with the growing real estate market, many homes have increased in value. This value increase can help you reach or exceed the 20 percent equity benchmark faster.
For example, if you purchased a home for $400,000 and put $60,000 down (a 15 percent down payment), you’d have to pay for PMI. However, you find out through research that your home is now worth $440,000, you now have $100,000 of equity in your home. This amount is over the 20 percent mark, giving you grounds for PMI cancellation.
By doing your research and contacting your mortgage servicer to explore options, you can eliminate monthly payments to PMI insurance and save money.
Selina Zhao is a tech savvy real estate agent who brings over the top-notch marketing strategies, presentation, and negotiation skills to her clients. Selina always stays on top of the real estate market trends and stats. She applies strategies into different market situation and empower her clients to achieve their ultimate goal. During the first year of her real estate career in the Bay Area, she achieved an impressive $22.8M in sales. Selina’s experience on real estate sales ensure her clients get the care and attention they need as they make the crucial decision of buying and selling properties. Selina is vowed to provide excellent service, communication, and always an advocate for her clients.
Selina loves real estate, her career blended in perfectly to her daily life, and she loves to help others to achieve their American dreams. She works restlessly to get the work done. Immigrated from mainland China in 2007, graduated from University of Miami, Selina established her own online marketing company and her real estate career in Miami, Florida before moving to San Francisco in 2017. Her soul of entrepreneurship and cares for others encouraging her to pursue to be the best in the industry. Selina is also a former Miami HEAT video producer, who witness the team winning their 2012 NBA championship at the courtside.