What You Need to Know About Private Mortgage Insurance (PMI)  Courtesy of Utah Realty

What You Need to Know About Private Mortgage Insurance (PMI) | MyKCM

Whether it is your first time or your fifth, it is always important to know all the facts when it comes to buying a home. With the large number of mortgage programs available that allow buyers to purchase homes with down payments 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 13%. For first-time buyers, that number dropped to 7%, while repeat buyers put down 16% (no doubt aided by the sale of their homes). 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:What You Need to Know About Private Mortgage Insurance (PMI) | MyKCMThe 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 help you make the best decision for you and your family.

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Salt Lake County Multi-Family Comparing February 2022 to February 2023 The multi-family housing market in Salt Lake County faced several challenges in February, as heightened interest rates led to a noticeable decrease in sales activity for properties such as...

Facts About Closing Costs

Facts About Closing Costs

Facts About Closing Costs Some Highlights If you’re thinking about buying a home, be sure to plan for closing costs. Closing costs are typically 2% to 5% of the total purchase price of a home, and they can include things like government recording costs, appraisal...

We’re in a Sellers’ Market. What Does That Mean?

We’re in a Sellers’ Market. What Does That Mean?

We’re in a Sellers’ Market. What Does That Mean? Even though activity in the housing market has slowed from the frenzy we saw over a year ago, today’s low supply of homes for sale is still a sellers’ market. But what does that really mean? And why are conditions today...

4 Key Tips for Selling Your House This Spring

4 Key Tips for Selling Your House This Spring

4 Key Tips for Selling Your House This Spring Spring has arrived, and that means more and more people are getting their homes ready to sell. But with recent shifts in real estate, this year’s spring housing market will be different from the frenzy of the past several...

Get Ready: The Best Time To List Your House Is Almost Here

Get Ready: The Best Time To List Your House Is Almost Here

Get Ready: The Best Time To List Your House Is Almost Here If you’re thinking about selling this spring, it’s time to get moving – the best week to list your house is fast approaching. Experts at realtor.com looked at seasonal trends from recent years (excluding 2020...

2023 Spring Flooding In Utah

2023 Spring Flooding In Utah

2023 Spring Flooding Know flood risks. Check to see if you live in a flood zone or high-risk area (Flood Map/FEMA QR code). Be aware of runoff in streams, drainage channels, ditches, and other waterways near your home. Consider flood insurance. Homeowner policies...

The Role of Access in Selling Your House

The Role of Access in Selling Your House

The Role of Access in Selling Your House Once you’ve made the decision to sell your house and have hired a real estate agent to help, they’ll ask how much access to your home you want to give potential buyers. Your answer matters more now than it did in recent years....

What’s Ahead for Home Prices in 2023

What’s Ahead for Home Prices in 2023

What’s Ahead for Home Prices in 2023 Over the past year, home prices have been a widely debated topic. Some have said we’ll see a massive drop in prices and that this could be a repeat of 2008 – which hasn’t happened. Others have forecasted a real estate market that...

Balancing Your Wants and Needs as a Homebuyer This Spring

Balancing Your Wants and Needs as a Homebuyer This Spring

Balancing Your Wants and Needs as a Homebuyer This Spring Though there are more homes for sale now than there were at this time last year, there’s still an undersupply with fewer houses available than in more normal, pre-pandemic years. The Monthly Housing Market...

An Expert Gives You Clarity in Today’s Housing Market

An Expert Gives You Clarity in Today’s Housing Market

An Expert Gives You Clarity in Today’s Housing Market The housing market has been going through shifts lately. That’s why it’s so important to work with an industry professional who can be your guide throughout the process. A real estate expert uses their knowledge of...

4 Tips for Making Your Best Offer on a Home

4 Tips for Making Your Best Offer on a Home

4 Tips for Making Your Best Offer on a Home Are you planning to buy a home this spring? Though things are more balanced than they were at the height of the pandemic, it’s still a sellers’ market. So, when you find the home you want to buy, remember these four tips to...

One Major Benefit of Investing in a Home

One Major Benefit of Investing in a Home

One Major Benefit of Investing in a Home One of the many reasons to buy a home is that it’s a major way to build wealth and gain financial stability. According to Freddie Mac: “Building equity through your monthly principal payments and appreciation is a critical part...

Checklist for Selling Your House This Spring

Checklist for Selling Your House This Spring

Checklist for Selling Your House This Spring Some Highlights As you get ready to sell your house, there are specific things you can add to your to-do list. These include decluttering, taking down personal photos and items, and power washing outdoor surfaces. Let’s...

The Top Reasons for Selling Your House

The Top Reasons for Selling Your House

The Top Reasons for Selling Your House Many of today’s homeowners bought or refinanced their homes during the pandemic when mortgage rates were at history-making lows. Since rates doubled in 2022, some of those homeowners put their plans to move on hold, not wanting...

Want To Sell Your House? Price It Right.

Want To Sell Your House? Price It Right.

Want To Sell Your House? Price It Right. Last year, the housing market slowed down in response to higher mortgage rates, and that had an impact on home prices. If you’re thinking of selling your house soon, that means you’ll want to adjust your expectations...

Pre-Approval in 2023: What You Need To Know

Pre-Approval in 2023: What You Need To Know

Pre-Approval in 2023: What You Need To Know One of the first steps in your homebuying journey is getting pre-approved. To understand why it’s such an important step, you need to understand what pre-approval is and what it does for you. Business Insider explains: “In a...

What Past Recessions Tell Us About the Housing Market

What Past Recessions Tell Us About the Housing Market

What Past Recessions Tell Us About the Housing Market It doesn’t matter if you’re someone who closely follows the economy or not, chances are you’ve heard whispers of an upcoming recession. Economic conditions are determined by a broad range of factors, so rather than...

Is It Time To Sell Your Second Home?

Is It Time To Sell Your Second Home?

Is It Time To Sell Your Second Home? During the pandemic, second homes became popular because of the rise in work-from-home flexibility. That’s because owning a second home, especially in the luxury market, allowed those homeowners to spend more time in their favorite...

Tips To Reach Your Homebuying Goals in 2023

Tips To Reach Your Homebuying Goals in 2023

Tips To Reach Your Homebuying Goals in 2023 Some Highlights If you’re planning to buy a home in 2023, here are a few things to focus on. Work on your credit and save for a down payment. If saving feels like a challenge, there’s help available. Then, get pre-approved,...

3 Best Practices for Selling Your House This Year

3 Best Practices for Selling Your House This Year

3 Best Practices for Selling Your House This Year A new year brings with it the opportunity for new experiences. If that resonates with you because you’re considering making a move, you’re likely juggling a mix of excitement over your next home and a sense of...

Planning To Sell Your House? It’s Critical To Hire a Pro

Planning To Sell Your House? It’s Critical To Hire a Pro

Planning To Sell Your House? It’s Critical To Hire a Pro. With higher mortgage rates and moderating buyer demand, conditions in the housing market are different today. And if you’re thinking of selling your house, it’s important to understand how the market has...

Financial Fundamentals for First-Time Homebuyers Are you prepping to buy your first home? If so, one of the steps you should take early on is making sure you’re financially ready for your purchase. Here are just a few of the financial fundamentals you’ll need to focus...

What To Expect From the Housing Market in 2023

What To Expect From the Housing Market in 2023

What To Expect From the Housing Market in 2023 The 2022 housing market has been defined by two key things: inflation and rapidly rising mortgage rates. And in many ways, it's put the market into a reset position. As the Federal Reserve (the Fed) made moves this year...

2023 Housing Market Forecast (National)

2023 Housing Market Forecast (National)

2023 Housing Market Forecast Some Highlights From home sales to prices, the 2023 housing market will be defined by mortgage rates. And where rates go depends on what happens with inflation. If you’re thinking of buying or selling a home this year, let’s connect so you...

Reasons To Sell Your House This Season

Reasons To Sell Your House This Season

Reasons To Sell Your House This Season Some Highlights If you’re planning to make a move but aren’t sure if now’s the right time, here are a few reasons why you shouldn’t wait to sell your house. The supply of homes for sale, while growing, is still low today....

Reasons To Sell Your House This Season

Reasons To Sell Your House This Season 

Reasons To Sell Your House This Season Some Highlights If you’re planning to make a move but aren’t sure if now’s the right time, here are a few reasons why you shouldn’t wait to sell your house. The supply of homes for sale, while growing, is still low today....

Homeownership Is an Investment in Your Future

Homeownership Is an Investment in Your Future

Homeownership Is an Investment in Your Future There are many people thinking about buying a home, but with everything affecting the economy, some are wondering if it’s a smart decision to buy now or if it makes more sense to wait it out. As Bob Broeksmit, President...

What’s Going on with Home Prices? Ask a Professional.

What’s Going on with Home Prices? Ask a Professional.

What’s Going on with Home Prices? Ask a Professional. If you’re thinking about buying or selling a home this year, you may have questions about what’s happening with home prices today as the market cools. In the simplest sense, nationally, experts don’t expect prices...

Home Equity: A Source of Strength for Homeowners Today

Key Factors Affecting Home Affordability Today

Key Factors Affecting Home Affordability Today Every time there’s a news segment about the housing market, we hear about the affordability challenges buyers are facing today. Those headlines are focused on how much mortgage rates have climbed this year. And while it’s...

Homeownership Wins Over Time

Homeownership Wins Over Time

Homeownership Wins Over Time Some Highlights If you’re questioning whether or not to buy a home this year due to today’s cooling market, consider the long-term financial benefits of homeownership. As a homeowner, equity increases your wealth. On average, nationwide,...

Sell Your House Before the Holidays

Sell Your House Before the Holidays

Sell Your House Before the Holidays As you look ahead to the winter season, you’re likely making plans and thinking about what you want to achieve before the year ends. One of those key decision points could be whether or not you want to move this year. If the...

Taking the Fear out of Saving for a Home

Taking the Fear out of Saving for a Home

Taking the Fear out of Saving for a Home If you’re planning to buy a home, knowing what to budget for and how to save may sound scary at first. But it doesn’t have to be. One way to take the fear out of budgeting is understanding some of the costs you might...

Applying for a Mortgage Doesn’t Have To Be Scary

Applying for a Mortgage Doesn’t Have To Be Scary

Applying for a Mortgage Doesn’t Have To Be Scary Some Highlights Even with higher mortgage rates, the mortgage process doesn’t need to be something you fear. Here are some steps to help as you set out to buy a home. Know your credit score and work to build strong...

Tips For First-Time Homebuyers

Tips For First-Time Homebuyers

Tips For First-Time Homebuyers Some Highlights If you’re trying to buy your first home in today’s housing market, you’ll want to know what you can do as mortgage rates rise and inventory stays low overall. Connect with a lender to get pre-approved, prioritize your...

Saving for a Down Payment

Saving for a Down Payment

Saving for a Down Payment? Here’s What You Should Know. As you set out to buy a home, saving for a down payment is likely top of mind. But you may still have questions about the process, including how much to save and where to start. If that sounds like you, your down...

The True Strength of Homeowners Today

The True Strength of Homeowners Today

The True Strength of Homeowners Today The real estate market is on just about everyone’s mind these days. That’s because the unsustainable market of the past two years is behind us, and the difference is being felt. The question now is, just how financially strong are...

Fall Home Selling Checklist

Fall Home Selling Checklist

Fall Home Selling Checklist Some Highlights When it comes to selling your house, you want it to look its best inside and out so it catches the attention of buyers. A real estate professional can help you decide what to do to make that happen. Focus on tasks that can...

Top Reasons Homeowners Are Selling Their Houses Right Now

Top Reasons Homeowners Are Selling Their Houses Right Now

Top Reasons Homeowners Are Selling Their Houses Right Now Some people believe there’s a group of homeowners who may be reluctant to sell their houses because they don’t want to lose the historically low mortgage rate they have on their current home. You may even have...

Expert Forecasts on Mortgage Rates

Expert Forecasts on Mortgage Rates

Expert Forecasts on Mortgage Rates If you’ve been thinking of buying a home, you may have been watching what’s happened with mortgage rates over the past year. It’s true they’ve risen dramatically, but where will they go from here, especially as the market continues...

How Owning a Home Builds Your Net Worth

How Owning a Home Builds Your Net Worth

How Owning a Home Builds Your Net Worth Owning a home is a major financial milestone and an achievement to take pride in. One major reason: the equity you build as a homeowner gives your net worth a big boost. And with high inflation right now, the link between owning...

Should I wait to buy a home?

Should I wait to buy a home?

Part 4 Should I wait to buy a home? This is probably one of the biggest questions you’re getting asked right now, and it’s never been more important to have a good answer for it.  Even though purchasing a home today may not be as easy as it was a couple of years ago,...

What will happen the second half of this year?

What will happen the second half of this year?

Part 3 What will happen the second half of this year? Yes, we are seeing a slowdown. However, we are really just heading back toward the market pace we saw pre-pandemic, and those were still great years for real estate. Focus on the big picture, and that’s this: the...

The market has shifted, and that’s a good thing.

The market has shifted, and that’s a good thing.

IN TIMES OF UNCERTAINTY, PEOPLE FOLLOW THE CERTAIN – top five housing market questions Over the next 5 days we will post the top 5 questions everyone is asking. Question one: Is the housing market going to crash? Answer: Headlines right now scare consumers that the...

3 Tips for Buying a Home Today

3 Tips for Buying a Home Today

3 Tips for Buying a Home Today If you put off your home search at any point over the past two years, you may want to consider picking it back up based on today’s housing market conditions. Recent data shows the supply of homes for sale is increasing, giving buyers...

Planning To Retire? Your Equity Can Help You Reach Your Goal.

Planning To Retire? Your Equity Can Help You Reach Your Goal.

Planning To Retire? Your Equity Can Help You Reach Your Goal. Whether you’ve just retired or you’re thinking about retirement, you may be considering your options and trying to picture a whole new stage of your life. And you’re not alone. Research from the Retirement...

Experts Increase 2022 Home Price Projections

Experts Increase 2022 Home Price Projections

Experts Increase 2022 Home Price Projections If you’re wondering if home prices are going to come down due to the cooldown in the housing market or a potential recession, here’s what you need to know. Not only are experts forecasting home prices will continue to...

3 Graphs To Show This Isn’t a Housing Bubble

3 Graphs To Show This Isn’t a Housing Bubble

3 Graphs To Show This Isn’t a Housing Bubble With all the headlines and buzz in the media, some consumers believe the market is in a housing bubble. As the housing market shifts, you may be wondering what’ll happen next. It’s only natural for concerns to creep in that...

Why the Forbearance Program Changed the Housing Market

Why the Forbearance Program Changed the Housing Market

Why the Forbearance Program Changed the Housing Market When the pandemic hit in 2020, many experts thought the housing market would crash. They feared job loss and economic uncertainty would lead to a wave of foreclosures similar to when the housing bubble burst over...

Housing Market Forecast for the Rest of 2022

Housing Market Forecast for the Rest of 2022

Housing Market Forecast for the Rest of 2022 Some Highlights The housing market is shifting away from the intensity of the past two years. Here’s what experts project for the remainder of 2022. Home prices are forecast to rise more moderately than last year. Mortgage...

Why It’s Still a Sellers’ Market

Why It’s Still a Sellers’ Market

Why It’s Still a Sellers’ Market As there’s more and more talk about the real estate market cooling off from the peak frenzy it saw during the pandemic, you may be questioning what that means for your plans to sell your house. If you’re thinking of making a move, you...

State of Utah Market Update – Residential Homes

Pre-Approval Is a Strategic Move When You’re Buying a Home

Buy or Sell with Marty Gale "Its The Experience" Principal Broker and Owner of Utah Realty™ Licensed Since 1986 General Contractor 2000 (in-active) e-pro (advanced digital marketing) 2001 Certified Residential Specialist 2009 Certified Negotiation Expert 2014 Master...

Real Estate Consistently Voted Best Investment

Real Estate Consistently Voted Best Investment

Real Estate Consistently Voted Best Investment Some Highlights Based on a recent Gallup poll, real estate has been rated the best long-term investment for nine years in a row. Owning real estate is more than just a place to call home. It’s also an investment in your...

Why an Agent Is Essential When Pricing Your House

Why an Agent Is Essential When Pricing Your House

Why an Agent Is Essential When Pricing Your House Some Highlights When it comes to pricing your house, there’s a lot to consider. The only way to ensure you price it right is by partnering with a local real estate professional. To find the best price, your agent...

State of Utah Market Update – Residential Homes

A Recession Doesn’t Equal a Housing Crisis

If you're following the news, you might be wondering what could happen to the housing market if there's a recession. Let's connect to discuss why history shows a recession doesn't equal a housing crisis.Buy or Sell with Marty Gale "Its The Experience" Principal Broker...

8 Great Quotes

Sellers Have an Opportunity with Today’s Home Prices

"IT'S THE EXPERIENCE"  It’s difficult to know when is the best time to sell, or how to get the most money for your house, but you don’t need to go through the process alone. You may be wondering if prices are projected to rise or fall…or how much competition you may...

11 Must-Do Actions To Ensure A Smooth Transition Into Your New Residence

How Homeownership Can Bring You Joy

How Homeownership Can Bring You Joy   If you're trying to decide whether to rent or buy a home, you're probably weighing a few different factors. The financial benefits of homeownership might be one of the reasons you want to make a purchase if you’re a renter, but...

Are There More Homes Coming to the Market?

Are There More Homes Coming to the Market?

Are There More Homes Coming to the Market? According to a recent survey from the National Association of Realtors (NAR), one of the top challenges buyers face in today’s housing market is finding a home that meets their needs. That’s largely because the inventory of...

Will Home Prices Fall This Year? Here’s What Experts Say

Will Home Prices Fall This Year? Here’s What Experts Say

Will Home Prices Fall This Year? Here’s What Experts Say. Many people are wondering: will home prices fall this year? Whether you’re a potential homebuyer, seller, or both, the answer to this question matters for you. Let’s break down what’s happening with home...

How Homeownership Can Help Shield You from Inflation

How Homeownership Can Help Shield You from Inflation

How Homeownership Can Help Shield You from Inflation If you’re following along with the news today, you’ve likely heard about rising inflation. You’re also likely feeling the impact in your day-to-day life as prices go up for gas, groceries, and more. These rising...

Myths About Today’s Housing Market

Myths About Today’s Housing Market

Myths About Today’s Housing Market Some Highlights If you’re planning to buy or sell a home today, it’s important to be aware of common misconceptions. Whether it’s timing your purchase as a buyer based on home prices and mortgage rates or knowing what to upgrade or...

Why This Housing Market Is Not a Bubble Ready To Pop

Why This Housing Market Is Not a Bubble Ready To Pop

Why This Housing Market Is Not a Bubble Ready To Pop Homeownership has become a major element in achieving the American Dream. A recent report from the National Association of Realtors (NAR) finds that over 86% of buyers agree homeownership is still the American...

State of Utah Market Update – Residential Homes

How the Appraisal and Inspection Empower You as a Homebuyer

Buy or Sell with Marty Gale "Its The Experience" Principal Broker and Owner of Utah Realty™ Licensed Since 1986 General Contractor 2000 (in-active) e-pro (advanced digital marketing) 2001 Certified Residential Specialist 2009 Certified Negotiation Expert 2014 Master...

Where Are Mortgage Rates Headed?

Where Are Mortgage Rates Headed?

Where Are Mortgage Rates Headed? There’s never been a truer statement regarding forecasting mortgage rates than the one offered last year by Mark Fleming, Chief Economist at First American: “You know, the fallacy of economic forecasting is: Don't ever try and forecast...

Why a Real Estate Professional Is Key When Selling Your House

Why a Real Estate Professional Is Key When Selling Your House

Why a Real Estate Professional Is Key When Selling Your House With today’s real estate market moving as fast as it is, working with a real estate professional is more essential than ever. They have the skills, experience, and expertise it takes to navigate the highly...

Balancing Your Wants and Needs as a Homebuyer Today

Balancing Your Wants and Needs as a Homebuyer Today

Balancing Your Wants and Needs as a Homebuyer Today Since the number of homes for sale is low today, it can feel challenging to find one that checks all your boxes. But if you know which features are absolutely essential in your next home and which ones are just nice...

The Many Benefits of Homeownership

The Many Benefits of Homeownership

The Many Benefits of Homeownership The past two years have taught us the true value of homeownership, especially the stability and the feeling of accomplishment it can provide. But homeownership has so much more to offer. Here’s a look at a few of the non-financial...

11 Must-Do Actions To Ensure A Smooth Transition Into Your New Residence

Why It’s Critical To Price Your House Right

Why It’s Critical To Price Your House Right When you make a move, you want to sell your house for the highest price possible. That might be why many homeowners are eager to list in today’s sellers’ market. After all, with record-low inventory and high buyer demand,...

This Spring Presents Sellers with a Golden Opportunity

This Spring Presents Sellers with a Golden Opportunity

This Spring Presents Sellers with a Golden Opportunity If you’re thinking of selling your house this year, timing is crucial. After all, you’ll want to balance getting the most out of the sale of your current home and making the best investment when you buy your next...

Key Terms for Homebuyers 

Key Terms for Homebuyers 

Key Terms for Homebuyers Some Highlights Knowing key housing terms and how they relate to today’s market is important. For example, when mortgage rates and home prices rise, it impacts how much home you can afford. Terms like appraisal (what lenders rely on to...

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