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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Guidance and Support Are Key When Buying Your First HomeIn June, the number of first-time homebuyers accounted for 35% of the existing homes sold, a trend that’s been building steadily throughout the year. According to the National Association of Realtors (NAR):“The...

Two Reasons We Won’t See a Rush of Foreclosures This Fall

Two Reasons We Won’t See a Rush of Foreclosures This Fall

Two Reasons We Won’t See a Rush of Foreclosures This FallThe health crisis we face as a country has led businesses all over the nation to reduce or discontinue their services altogether. This pause in the economy has greatly impacted the workforce and as a result,...

Mortgage Rates Fall to 50 year low

Mortgage Rates Fall to 50 year low

Mortgage Rates Fall Below 3% Some Highlights Mortgage rates hit another all-time low, falling below 3% this week. If you’re ready to buy a home, now is a great time to truly get more for your money at this historic moment. Let’s connect today to determine your best...

Buyers: Are You Ready for a Bidding War?

Buyers: Are You Ready for a Bidding War?

Utah Buyers: Are You Ready for a Bidding War?Hiring an Expert with 34 Years of experience might just be what you need to rise to the top!   With businesses reopening throughout the country and some experts indicating early signs of a much-anticipated...

Best Time to Sell? When Competition Is at an All-Time Low

Best Time to Sell? When Competition Is at an All-Time Low

Best Time to Sell? When Competition Is at an All-Time Low In a recent survey of home sellers by Qualtrics, 87% of respondents said they were concerned their home won’t sell because of the pandemic and resulting economic recession. Of the respondents, 51% said they are...

A Historic Rebound for the Housing Market

A Historic Rebound for the Housing Market

A Historic Rebound for the Housing Market Pending Home Sales increased by 44.3% in May, registering the highest month-over-month gain in the index since the National Association of Realtors (NAR) started tracking this metric in January 2001. So, what exactly are...

Is the Health Crisis Driving Buyers Out of Urban Areas?

Is the Health Crisis Driving Buyers Out of Urban Areas?

Is the Health Crisis Driving Buyers Out of Urban Areas? The pandemic has caused consumers to re-examine the components that make up the “perfect home.” Many families are no longer comfortable with the locations and layouts of their existing homes. The allure of city...

A Historic Rebound for the Housing Market

A Historic Rebound for the Housing Market

A Historic Rebound for the Housing Market Pending Home Sales increased by 44.3% in May, registering the highest month-over-month gain in the index since the National Association of Realtors (NAR) started tracking this metric in January 2001. So, what exactly are...

New Index Reveals Impact of COVID-19 on Real Estate

New Index Reveals Impact of COVID-19 on Real Estate

New Index Reveals Impact of COVID-19 on Real Estate Earlier this month, realtor.com announced the release of their initial Housing Recovery Index, a weekly guide showing how the pandemic has impacted the residential real estate market. The index leverages a weighted...

Real Estate Tops Best Investment Poll for 7th Year Running

Real Estate Tops Best Investment Poll for 7th Year Running

Real Estate Tops Best Investment Poll for 7th Year RunningEvery year, Gallup conducts a survey of Americans to determine their choice for the best long-term investment. Respondents are asked to select real estate, stocks/mutual funds, gold, savings accounts/CDs, or...

Are You Ready for the Summer Housing Market?

Are You Ready for the Summer Housing Market?

Are You Ready for the Summer Housing Market? As the health crisis started making its way throughout our country earlier this spring, sellers have been cautious about putting their homes on the market. This hesitation stemmed primarily from fear of the spread of the...

Is a Recession Here? Yes. Does that Mean a Housing Crash? No.

Is a Recession Here? Yes. Does that Mean a Housing Crash? No.

Is a Recession Here? Yes. Does that Mean a Housing Crash? No. On Monday, the National Bureau of Economic Research (NBER) announced that the U.S. economy is officially in a recession. This did not come as a surprise to many, as the Bureau defines a recession this way:...

Real Estate Will Lead the Economic Recovery

Real Estate Will Lead the Economic Recovery

Real Estate Will Lead the Economic RecoveryWith more U.S. states reopening for business this summer, and as people start to return to work, we can expect the economy to begin improving. Most expert forecasts indicate this economic recovery will start to happen in the...

Unemployment Report Blows Away Skeptics

Unemployment Report Blows Away Skeptics

Unemployment Report Blows Away Skeptics  Last Friday, the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics released their May Employment Situation Summary. Leading up to the release, most experts predicted the unemployment rate would jump up to approximately 20% from the 14.7% rate...

June is National Homeownership Month

June is National Homeownership Month

National Homeownership Month  Some Highlights National Homeownership Month is a great time to reflect on how we can each promote stronger community growth. Homeownership helps families build financial freedom, find greater happiness and satisfaction, and make a...

Three Things to Understand About Unemployment Statistics

Three Things to Understand About Unemployment Statistics

Three Things to Understand About Unemployment StatisticsTomorrow morning the Bureau of Labor Statistics will release the latest Employment Situation Summary, which will include the most current unemployment rate. It will be a horrific number. Many analysts believe...

Home Prices: It’s All About Supply and Demand

Home Prices: It’s All About Supply and Demand

Home Prices: It’s All About Supply and Demand As we enter the summer months and work through the challenges associated with the current health crisis, many are wondering what impact the economic slowdown will have on home prices. Looking at the big picture, supply and...

Interest Rates Hover Near Historic All-Time Lows

Interest Rates Hover Near Historic All-Time Lows

Interest Rates Hover Near Historic All-Time LowsSome HighlightsMortgage interest rates have dropped considerably this spring and are hovering at a historically low level.Locking in at a low rate today could save you thousands of dollars over the lifetime of your home...

Housing Market Positioned to Bring Back the Economy

Housing Market Positioned to Bring Back the Economy

Housing Market Positioned to Bring Back the EconomyAll eyes are on the American economy. As it goes, so does the world economy. With states beginning to reopen, the question becomes: which sectors of the economy will drive its recovery? There seems to be a growing...

Adapting Your Home As a Senior

Adapting Your Home As a Senior

Adapting Your Home Adapting with Age Most of us would prefer to age in our current home. But as health and aging issues make more areas of the home hard to access or pose a greater risk of injury, doing so can be difficult. We can begin to feel trapped and that...

A Day When Americans Can Return to Work

A Day When Americans Can Return to Work

A Day When Americans Can Return to WorkSome HighlightsTaking a moment to reflect upon what we’ve heard from historical leaders can teach us a lot about getting through the many challenges we face today.We're all eager for the day when every American can safely return...

Unemployment: Hope on the Horizon

Unemployment: Hope on the Horizon

Unemployment: Hope on the HorizonTomorrow, the unemployment rate for April 2020 will be released by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. It will hit a peak this country has never seen before, with data representing real families and lives affected by this economic...

Caremongering Spreads Goodness, Not Fear

Caremongering Spreads Goodness, Not Fear

Caremongering Spreads Goodness, Not Fear As news of Covid-19 started gearing up, Allison Bradley felt heartbroken when she spotted seniors running errands and grocery shopping around her town, Kelowna, B.C. “My goodness, you are risking so much by being out here. It’s...

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More Temporary Bumps in the Road to Recovery

​ We know there are bumps in the road when it comes to today’s economy and the housing market, and that’s to be expected under the current conditions. The good news is, experts are forecasting that home prices will continue to rise. DM me to discuss your plans in this...

Confused About the Economic Recovery? Here’s Why.

Confused About the Economic Recovery? Here’s Why.

Confused About the Economic Recovery? Here’s Why.As we continue to work through the health crisis that plagues this country, more and more conversations are turning to economic recovery. While we look for signs that we’ve reached a plateau in cases of COVID-19, the...

U.S. Homeownership Rate Rises to Highest Point in 8 Years

U.S. Homeownership Rate Rises to Highest Point in 8 Years

U.S. Homeownership Rate Rises to Highest Point in 8 YearsFor nearly two months, most of us have been following strict stay-at-home orders from our state and local governments. It is a whole new way of life that has put our daily lives on pause. On the other hand, many...

Why the Housing Market Is a Powerful Economic Driver?

Why the Housing Market Is a Powerful Economic Driver?

Why the Housing Market Is a Powerful Economic Driver?With businesses starting to slowly open back up again in some parts of the country, it’s important to understand how housing can have a major impact on the recovery of the U.S. economy. As we’ve mentioned...

Rise to the Top of the Pool by Selling Your House Today

Rise to the Top of the Pool by Selling Your House Today

Rise to the Top of the Pool by Selling Your House Today With the release of the latest Economic Pulse Flash Survey from the National Association of Realtors (NAR), results show that people selling their houses today are holding strong on price. According to the most...

What Impact Might COVID-19 Have on Home Values?

What Impact Might COVID-19 Have on Home Values?

What Impact Might COVID-19 Have on Home Values?A big challenge facing the housing industry is determining what impact the current pandemic may have on home values. Some buyers are hoping for major price reductions because the health crisis is straining the economy.The...

New Technology Is Powering the Real Estate Process

Technology Is Powering the Real Estate Process Technology is the driving force behind many of today's real estate transactions. Let’s connect to discuss how working together to go digital can give you an edge when buying or selling your home.

Keys to Selling Your House Virtually

Keys to Selling Your House Virtually

Keys to Selling Your House VirtuallyIn a recent survey by realtor.com, people thinking about selling their homes indicated they’re generally willing to allow their agent and some potential buyers inside if done under the right conditions. They’re less comfortable,...

The Pain of Unemployment: It Will Be Deep, But Not for Long

The Pain of Unemployment: It Will Be Deep, But Not for Long

The Pain of Unemployment: It Will Be Deep, But Not for LongThere are two crises in this country right now: a health crisis that has forced everyone into their homes and a financial crisis caused by our inability to move around as we normally would. Over 20 million...

Today’s Homebuyers Want Lower Prices. Sellers Disagree.

Today’s Homebuyers Want Lower Prices. Sellers Disagree.

Today’s Homebuyers Want Lower Prices. Sellers Disagree.Utah Single Family Inventory has  risen from 5775 to 5940 from April 5th to April 16th.Utah County Single Family Inventory April 5th was 1401,  April  16th up a little to 1466Salt Lake County Single Family Home...

Think This Is a Housing Crisis? Think Again.

Think This Is a Housing Crisis? Think Again.

Think This Is a Housing Crisis? Think Again.With all of the unanswered questions caused by COVID-19 and the economic slowdown we’re experiencing across the country today, many are asking if the housing market is in trouble. For those who remember 2008, it's logical to...

What If I Need to Sell My Home Now? What Can I Do?

What If I Need to Sell My Home Now? What Can I Do?

What If I Need to Sell My Home Now? What Can I Do?Every day that passes, people have a need to buy and sell homes. That doesn’t stop during the current pandemic. If you’ve had a major life change recently, whether with your job or your family situation, you may be in...

Why Home Office Space Is More Desirable Than Ever

Why Home Office Space Is More Desirable Than Ever

Why Home Office Space Is More Desirable Than EverFor years, we’ve all heard about the most desirable home features buyers are looking for, from upgraded kitchens to remodeled bathrooms, master suites, and more. The latest on the hotlist, however, might surprise...

Will Surging Unemployment Crush Home Sales?

Will Surging Unemployment Crush Home Sales?

Will Surging Unemployment Crush Home Sales?Ten million Americans lost their jobs over the last two weeks. The next announced unemployment rate on May 8th is expected to be in the double digits. Because the health crisis brought the economy to a screeching halt, many...

The Housing Market Is Positioned to Help the Economy Recover

The Housing Market Is Positioned to Help the Economy Recover

The Housing Market Is Positioned to Help the Economy RecoverSome HighlightsExpert insights are painting a bright future for housing when the economy bounces back – and it will.We may be facing challenging economic times today, but the housing market is poised to help...

Looking to the Future: What the Experts Are Saying

Looking to the Future: What the Experts Are Saying

Looking to the Future: What the Experts Are SayingAs our lives, our businesses, and the world we live in change day by day, we’re all left wondering how long this will last. How long will we feel the effects of the coronavirus? How deep will the impact go? The human...

Does the News have you Scared

Does the News have you Scared

Don’t Let Frightening Headlines Scare YouThere’s a lot of anxiety right now regarding the coronavirus pandemic. The health situation must be addressed quickly, and many are concerned about the impact on the economy as well.Amidst all this anxiety, anyone with a...

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According to the Salt Lake Board of Realtors®Salt Lake home sales year-to-date are roughly the same as they were last year at this time. While everyday life has changed, the current economic quarantine could be short-lived, according to Lawrence Yun, chief economist...

A Recession Does Not Equal a Housing Crisis

A Recession Does Not Equal a Housing Crisis

A Recession Does Not Equal a Housing Crisis Some HighlightsThe COVID-19 pandemic is causing an economic slowdown.The good news is, home values actually increased in 3 of the last 5 U.S. recessions and decreased by less than 2% in the 4th.All things considered, an...

Three Reasons Why This Is Not a Housing Crisis

Three Reasons Why This Is Not a Housing Crisis

Three Reasons Why This Is Not a Housing Crisis In times of uncertainty, one of the best things we can do to ease our fears is to educate ourselves with research, facts, and data. Digging into past experiences by reviewing historical trends and understanding the peaks...

Two Big Myths in the Homebuying Process

Two Big Myths in the Homebuying Process

Two Big Myths in the Homebuying Process The 2020 Millennial Home Buyer Report shows how this generation is not really any different from previous ones when it comes to homeownership goals: “The majority of millennials not only want to own a home, but 84% of...

5 Simple Graphs Proving This Is NOT Like the Last Time

5 Simple Graphs Proving This Is NOT Like the Last Time

5 Simple Graphs Proving This Is NOT Like the Last Time With all of the volatility in the stock market and uncertainty about the Coronavirus (COVID-19), some are concerned we may be headed for another housing crash like the one we experienced from 2006-2008. The...

Yes, You Can Still Afford a Home

Yes, You Can Still Afford a Home

Yes, You Can Still Afford a Home The residential real estate market has come roaring out of the gates in 2020. Compared to this time last year, the number of buyers looking for a home is up 20%, and the number of home sales is up almost 10%. The increase in purchasing...

Equity Gain Growing Across Utah and in Nearly Every State

Equity Gain Growing Across Utah and in Nearly Every State

Equity Gain Growing in Nearly Every State Rising home prices have been in the news a lot lately, and much of the focus is on whether they’re accelerating too quickly and how sustainable the growth in prices really is. One of the often-overlooked benefits of rising...

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Mortgage rates fell to their lowest level March 2020

Mortgage rates fell to their lowest level on record Thursday, pulled down by fears that the spread of coronavirus could weigh on the U.S. economy. The average rate on a 30-year fixed-rate mortgage fell to 3.29 percent from 3.45 percent last week and down from 4.41...

10 Steps to Buying a Home

10 Steps to Buying a Home

10 Steps to Buying a Home Some Highlights: If you’re thinking of buying a home and you’re not sure where to start, you’re not alone. Here’s a guide with 10 simple steps to follow in the homebuying process. Be sure to work with a trusted real estate professional to...

Thinking of Selling? Now May Be the Time

Thinking of Selling? Now May Be the Time

Thinking of Selling? Now May Be the Time. The housing market has started off much stronger this year than it did last year. Lower mortgage interest rates have been a driving factor in that change. The average 30-year rate in 2019, according to Freddie Mac, was 3.94%....

Income Rates Over Time

Income Rates Over Time

Some Highlights: With interest rates hovering at near historic lows, now is a great time to look back at where they’ve been, and how much they’ve changed over time. According to Freddie Mac, mortgage interest rates are currently hovering near a five-decade low. The...

Entry-Level Homeowners Are in the Driver’s Seat

Entry-Level Homeowners Are in the Driver’s Seat

Entry-Level Homeowners Are in the Driver’s Seat One thing helping homeowners right now is price appreciation, especially in the entry-level market. In the latest Home Price Insights report, CoreLogic reveals how home prices increased by 4% year-over-year and projects...

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Whats Trending in Outdoor Kitchens?

  Outdoor kitchens have been popular for years. Not only do they give you an excuse to enjoy beautiful weather outdoors but they’re also great for entertaining. Having a nice outdoor kitchen can even improve the overall value of your home! While these kitchens...

You May Have More Home Equity Than You Think

You May Have More Home Equity Than You Think

You May Have More Home Equity Than You Think​ With home values appreciating, there's a good chance you have more home equity than you think. Let's connect to explore how you can use your equity in your next move.

The #1 Misconception in the Homebuying Process

The #1 Misconception in the Homebuying Process

The #1 Misconception in the Homebuying Process After over a year of moderating home prices, it appears home value appreciation is about to reaccelerate. Skylar Olsen, Director of Economic Research at Zillow, explained in a recent article:  “A year ago, a combination...

The Many Benefits of Aging in a Community

The Many Benefits of Aging in a Community

The Many Benefits of Aging in a Community There’s comfort in being around people who share common interests, goals, and challenges. That comfort in a community doesn’t wane with age – it actually deepens. Whether it’s proudly talking about grandchildren or lamenting...

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Adapting Your Home

Adapting with Age Most of us would prefer to age in our current home. But as health and aging issues make more areas of the home hard to access or pose a greater risk of injury, doing so can be difficult. We can begin to feel trapped and that selling our home is the...

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