Mortgage Archives - Altitude Home Loans

Can You Skip a Mortgage Payment?

Written by Altitude Home Loans on May 30, 2024. Posted in Mortgage.

When struggling to pay your bills and make ends meet, finding ways to cut expenses may require sacrifice and creativity. In dire circumstances, you might wonder, “Can you skip a mortgage payment?”

While it’s certainly possible to miss a mortgage payment and keep your home, not making the monthly payment can have significant consequences for your financial future. Here, the experts at Altitude Home Loans, the top mortgage lenders in Tucson, AZ, explain what can happen. You can get more insights by calling 520-500-1010.

What Happens When You Don’t Make a Mortgage Payment

First things first: Missing a single mortgage payment will not trigger foreclosure proceedings. Most lenders will not even consider foreclosure until borrowers miss two payments or are 90 days or more in arrears.

However, that doesn’t mean you can decide not to pay your home loan and expect everything to be fine. Missing just one payment can:

Affect your credit score. Most lenders report payments more than 30 days late, causing a drop in your score of up to 100 points or more.
Trigger late fees. Most lenders will charge a late fee for any payment received past the due date.
Make next month more expensive. Even when you don’t pay on time, you still have an obligation to make the payment. The mortgage company will expect you to pay the past due amount and your current payment the following month.

I Can’t Make My Payment This Month — Now What?

As soon as you realize you cannot make your monthly mortgage payment, get in touch with the lender to discuss the situation. You may be able to work out a payment agreement or other solution to prevent excess fees, damage to your credit, or foreclosure. If the issue is temporary and due to something like an emergency that drained your available funds, and you have a good track record of making payments, you should be able to arrange a workable solution.

If you find yourself asking, “Can you skip a mortgage payment?” more frequently and struggle to pay every month, you may need a more permanent solution.

Mortgage relief options to consider include the following:

Mortgage modification, which changes the loan terms to extend the life of the loan, switch from an adjustable to a fixed rate, or lower the interest rate.
Mortgage refinancing, in which you get a new mortgage at a lower interest rate to pay off the existing loan, reducing your mortgage payments every month.
Forbearance, which allows qualified buyers to reduce or suspend their payments temporarily.

If none of these options work, and your financial situation doesn’t allow you to make payments comfortably, it may be best to sell your home and find something more affordable.

Get Help From Altitude Home Loans

Choosing a local mortgage lender like Altitude Home Loans in Tucson, AZ, means you have someone close to home you can talk to when you’re having trouble with your mortgage. If you need to know “Can you skip a mortgage payment?” or are having trouble paying your loan, call 520-500-1010 for help.

How Many People Can Be On a Mortgage?

Written by Altitude Home Loans on April 30, 2024. Posted in Mortgage.

There are plenty of reasons a pair may want to co-own a property’s mortgage, whether they’re partners or just roommates. They may even want several people to take responsibility for the home’s mortgage repayments, but what are the rules about how many people can be a mortgage at once?

For the curious and those wanting to share the mortgage burden with those who share their home, here’s more from Altitude Home Loans, top-notch mortgage lenders in Tucson, AZ.

How Many People Can Be on a Home Loan Together?

There is no inherent mortgage applicant limit, but lenders’ mortgage applicant eligibility requirements will often complicate matters. If you and three of your friends would like to buy a house together, no mortgage co-applicant capacity rule can stop you. The real question is whether each of you has the credit history and financial means for the process to go through.

The approval process, especially for multiple people, comes with its own hurdles. While there’s no legal limit to your mortgage applicant count, more than four borrowers on a mortgage loan is rare. Conventional loans are less stringent about putting four maximum borrowers on mortgage loans, but for a higher mortgage co-signer allowance, you’ll likely need to manually underwrite the mortgage yourself.

So, if you’re wondering how many people can be on a mortgage, you have your official answer—as many as you want. The primary benefit of multiple names on a mortgage is the cost-sharing, which gives each title deed holder more financial flexibility. Still, the challenges of a four-way co-ownership can be fearsome, so seek expert mortgage advice beforehand.

What’s The Difference Between a Co-Borrower and a Co-signer?

The difference between a co-borrower and a co-signer on a mortgage comes down to ownership. While both parties will have a responsibility toward making the mortgage payments, only a co-borrower owns the property. A co-signer isn’t on the deed, and while this doesn’t make much of a difference in what these participants do each month, it makes a tremendous difference to other things like tax and credit.

Both co-borrowers and co-signers will pay on the mortgage. There’s also the same evaluation process for these parties, alongside the same financial responsibilities. If either a co-borrower or a co-signer falls behind on the mortgage repayments, the consequences will be the same from a legal perspective.

Work With Altitude Home Loans For Your Home Buying

If you’re considering a loan, why not consider working with a local mortgage lender that you can trust? Altitude Home Loans is an expert source of information and assistance for your home purchasing, home refinancing, and loan affairs. Whether this is your first time buying a property or you’re trying to refinance one, our exemplary services can help.

How many people can be on a mortgage in your state? For these answers and much more, reach out to the industry professionals at Altitude Home Loans. Find out more about your potential future home loan options when you call 520-500-1010!

Can You Roll Closing Costs Into Mortgage?

Written by Altitude Home Loans on March 30, 2024. Posted in Mortgage.

When you save money to buy a home, that cash must cover more than the down payment. You also need to plan for the closing costs of the loan, which include the fees and expenses of issuing the loan. In most cases, these costs equal 2% to 5% of the loan amount, which has many homebuyers wondering, “Can you roll closing costs into mortgages?”

You can include these fees in your mortgage, but there are some caveats to consider before doing so. The homebuying experts of Tucson’s mortgage brokers at Altitude Home Loans can help you make the best decision for your budget. Call us at (520) 500-1010 to discuss your situation and find the best solution for your budget and financial goals.

What Does It Mean to Include Closing Costs in a Mortgage?

Closing costs can include a long list of charges, including:

Loan application costs
Loan origination fees
Underwriting and credit report fee
Title fees, including search and insurance
Home appraisal and inspection fees
Real estate agent commissions
Attorney fees
Prepaid mortgage interest
Home and mortgage insurance
Prepaid property taxes
HOA fees

Typically, the home buyer pays these costs at the loan closing.

When you see the final tally of all the charges, you might wonder, can you roll closing costs into mortgage loans to avoid paying closing costs upfront and draining your bank account? It is possible, depending on the type of loan. The lender will cover these costs for you in exchange for a larger principal amount or a higher interest rate.

Lenders can only include some closing costs in your mortgage loan. Typically, you cannot add the costs of homeowner’s insurance, prepaid taxes, or HOA fees to your mortgage.

Pros and Cons of Including Closing Costs in Your Mortgage

Rolling closing costs into a mortgage can help you keep more cash. However, doing this increases monthly mortgage payments and how much you’ll pay over the life of the loan since you pay interest on the entire amount. Ultimately, paying closing costs upfront costs thousands less than including them in the home loan.

Borrowing more money also increases the loan-to-value ratio, the amount you owe vs. the value of the property, reducing equity. You’ll have to pay for private mortgage insurance longer and have less leverage to take out a home equity loan or line of credit.

How to Reduce Closing Costs

Instead of rolling the closing costs into the loan, you can reduce them with a few proven strategies, including:

Negotiating with the seller to cover the costs
Shopping around for the best prices on services like inspections and title searches
Taking out a no-closing-costs loan

You will likely have to pay some closing costs, but the final bill will be lower.

Let Altitude Home Loans Help You Purchase Your Dream Home

Taking out a mortgage to buy a home can be complex, but Altitude Home Loans is here to help. Our experienced brokers can guide you through the mortgage process steps and answer questions like “Can you roll closing costs into mortgages?” Call (520) 500-1010 to learn more and start your mortgage application.

Benefits of Working with a Local Mortgage Lender

Written by Altitude Home Loans on February 29, 2024. Posted in Mortgage.

Buying a home means making several decisions — and not just about finding the perfect property. Choosing the right people to guide you along the path to homeownership also matters, as they’ll ensure you get the best information, service, and insights.

Your home buying team includes your mortgage lender, and you need one who wants to be your partner, not just a banker. Although national mortgage companies might seem appealing, they can’t offer the service and experience of a local mortgage lender. Here, the team at Altitude Home Loans, the best mortgage lenders in Tucson, Arizona, explains why a local company is your best choice.

Once you review this information, if you still have questions or want to start a home loan application, give us a call at (520) 500-1010.

Why You Should Choose a Local Mortgage Lender

There are many practical advantages to seeking a home loan from a lender in your community. Here are some of the most important.

Personalized Service

When you choose a local mortgage lender, you’re more than an account number. You’ll enjoy face-to-face communication with an expert who’s on your side and ready to walk you through the complexities of taking out a mortgage. Instead of dealing with service lines or customer service representatives who can’t take the time to get to know you and work with you to find solutions, you get a community-focused partner committed to reducing the stress and anxiety of the process.

Impeccable Reputation

Working with a local mortgage lender can make you a more competitive buyer in multiple-offer scenarios. Some realtors and sellers won’t work with buyers who use huge national companies due to previous bad experiences. When a buyer has pre-approval from a trusted community source, they have more confidence that the transaction will go smoothly.

Local companies also recognize that their reputation matters and go the extra mile to ensure exceptional service. They know that customers will recommend their services to others, so they take care to nurture strong relationships that turn into referrals and repeat business. This means you can expect quick response times, fewer closing delays, and a smooth and streamlined experience from start to finish.

Local Knowledge

Working with a neighborhood broker means tapping into their breadth of local market knowledge and neighborhood expertise. This insight can mean access to products and solutions better tailored to your needs. Local companies also have established relationships with realtors and other professionals like appraisers, inspectors, and title companies, which can get you into your new home faster and with more confidence.

Discover the Advantages of Working with a Local Lender When You Call Altitude Home Loans

If you’re shopping for a home in the Tucson, Arizona, area, or you have questions to ask a mortgage lender, get in touch with Altitude Home Loans at (520) 500-1010. Our team of knowledgeable local mortgage lenders is happy to help you navigate the home buying process and find the best solutions for your needs and financial situation.

What Is an Origination Fee on a Mortgage?

Written by Altitude Home Loans on January 30, 2024. Posted in Mortgage.

One of the first things you’ll learn when buying a home is that the mortgage application process comes with several different steps and, unfortunately, fees. One of these is the origination fee.

As the best mortgage lenders in Tucson, Arizona, Altitude Home Loans knows that homebuyers tend to have a lot of questions about the mortgage application process. Here, we’ll answer, “What is an origination fee on a mortgage?”

Mortgage Origination Costs Defined

The origination fee helps cover different overhead costs that the lender has to pay when processing your loan. These can include payment for underwriters, appraisals, bankers, and more. By charging the origination fee, the mortgage company can earn more profit, generating enough money to provide mortgages to other homebuyers.

While an origination fee is common, not all mortgage lenders charge it. If you don’t see origination fees on your mortgage application, it’s likely because your loan has a higher interest rate.

Mortgage Origination Fee Explanation: How Does It Work?

What is an origination fee on a mortgage, and how does it work?

Unless you plan on paying with cash, you’ll likely need to apply for a mortgage when purchasing a new home. Like other types of loans, mortgages require you to pay additional fees during the application process, including the origination fee.

Understanding mortgage loan origination fees starts with knowing how much they cost. Typically, a mortgage lender will charge between 0.5% and 1% of the total cost of your loan. For example, if your mortgage is $300,000 and your origination fee is 1%, you’ll pay $3,000 for the fee.

A Breakdown of Origination Fees in Mortgages and Other Closing Costs

You will typically pay the origination fee with your other closing costs. Like the origination fee, the other closing costs are fees that help pay for the application process. Your lender determines the amount of these fees.

Although each lender will have a different fee structure, the following are the most common types of closing costs.

Application Fee

Separate from the origination fee, the application fee is a deposit that you get back when you close on your house. However, you may not get this money back if you don’t close, depending on the lender.

Credit Check Fee

This fee is typically only $30 and covers the cost of the lender checking your credit score for the application process.

Escrow Fee

During the application and underwriting process, your money goes into an escrow account to protect your funds from unauthorized access. The fees help cover the costs of holding this account.

Get Help Decoding Mortgage Origination Fees With Altitude Home Loans

While applying for a mortgage includes several different steps, understanding what fees you’re responsible for paying and why they’re necessary can help you budget and enjoy a smoother process.

What is an origination fee on a mortgage? To learn more about the importance of mortgage origination charges or the truth about mortgage loans, call Altitude Home Loans at (520) 500-1010. Get more information today.

What Is a Mortgage Credit Certificate?

Written by Altitude Home Loans on December 30, 2023. Posted in Mortgage.

Buying a home is an investment. The initial down payment plus closing costs often present substantial challenges for first-time homebuyers.

As a result, several programs exist to enhance homeownership prospects for Americans, especially those in the low- to moderate-income bracket.

One such program, the mortgage credit certificate, lowers the barrier to entry for those planning to purchase a home for the first time. But what is a mortgage credit certificate? As the best mortgage lender in Tucson, Arizona, Altitude Home Loans explains what you need to know about MCCs if you’re ready to buy a home.

Mortgage Credit Certificate Described

Mortgage credit certificates are certificates that mortgage lenders issue to qualifying first-time homebuyers. An MCC allows you to offset a percentage of your mortgage interest via a tax credit. To qualify for the MCC program, you must have a low to moderate income.

An MCC may also help you qualify for a higher mortgage loan by increasing the monthly income that you can list on your application. You can use the credit to assist you in making monthly payments as long as the home remains your primary residence.

An MCC is not a loan but rather a federal tax credit. Participating lenders provide information to their clients about the tax credit and apply to the State Housing Finance Agency for the certificate on their behalf.

How MCCs Work

What is a mortgage credit certificate? Unlike tax deductions, MCCs provide a dollar-for-dollar tax credit to qualifying recipients to increase their ability to afford housing payments.

Sometimes, an MCC may help a borrower who might not otherwise qualify for a loan by reducing their net monthly mortgage payment. Qualifying home buyers who receive MCCs can then take a nonrefundable federal tax credit equal to a percentage of their annual mortgage interest.

You may opt to take the tax credit when filing your tax returns or amend your W-4 withholding form to reduce the amount of federal income tax withheld from your paychecks.

Tax credit percentages vary between states but typically range from about 10% to 50% of the total mortgage interest (up to a maximum of $2,000 for each MCC recipient). You may also deduct the remaining interest obligation as a standard home mortgage interest deduction.

Benefits of MCCs

Mortgage credit certificates offer advantages like:

MCCs increase a borrower’s payment affordability.
MCCs help lenders reach and qualify more borrowers with low-to-moderate incomes.
Borrowers can couple MCCs with most first mortgage loans

Potential Challenges of MCCs

Mortgage credit certificates come with some potential downsides for borrowers:

The application, benefits, and limitations of MCCs can be difficult to understand.
Borrowers may be subject to recapture tax.
State MCC programs depend on the availability of funds allocated to mortgage credit certificates.

Learn About the Mortgage Application Process With Altitude Home Loans

A tax or mortgage expert can ensure you properly take advantage of the MCC program and maximize your tax deductibility.

Call our Altitude Home Loans home-buying experts at (520) 500-1010 to learn the truth about mortgage loans or for answers to questions like, “What is a mortgage credit certificate?”

How Long Should You Keep Mortgage Statements?

Written by Altitude Home Loans on October 30, 2023. Posted in Mortgage.

Are you tired of papers piling up and file cabinets overflowing? If you’re looking to minimize your accumulating paperwork, you’re probably wondering, “How long should you keep mortgage statements?”

As some of the best mortgage lenders in Tucson, Arizona, Altitude Home Loans wants our borrowers to lead financially secure lives. Keep reading to discover when we advise getting rid of your mortgage statements, and to learn more, call 520-500-1010.

Types of Mortgage Statements

You likely have many of the following types of mortgage statements.

Monthly Statements

Your monthly statements are the least important document to keep, as your lender has copies as well. However, you should keep them for about three years — longer if you notice a mistake in one of them. While you can access your copies online, it’s always good to keep physical copies in a safe location.

Closing and Seller Disclosures

Keep these documents for at least a year after closing. The closing documents discuss the fees you paid, and in some cases, you can use them for tax deductions, which requires you to have the document in your possession.

The seller document reveals any problems with the home the sellers are aware of before closing. Keep this until you’re confident no existing problems will manifest in your home.

Deed

The government recommends you keep a physical copy of your deed for as long as you own your home. However, one exception is if you’ve paid off your mortgage and officials record your ownership in land records. Then, you can get rid of your deed’s physical copy.

Promissory Note

This document outlines your obligation to pay back your mortgage to your lender. Keep it for as long as you own the property or until you pay off your mortgage.

Purchase Contract

How long should you keep mortgage statements? Keep this document for two or three years in case you need to bring a case against the sellers. Along with the seller’s disclosure, it contains important information about the home’s condition.

Renovation Records

Keep all records of repairs and renovations as long as you own the home. You’ll need these documents if you sell your home to help calculate your capital gains tax.

Home Warranty

Keep your home warranty documents for as long as you have coverage, including if you renew the policy. The document is the quickest way to determine your policy covers and how to obtain help.

Home Inspection Report

Keep your inspection report for two or three years. The report acts as evidence concerning the state of your home and appliances. It can help remind you how long these items should last and when you should start saving for repairs or replacement.

Learn More By Contacting Altitude Home Loans

So, how long should you keep mortgage statements? It depends on the document, the condition of your house, and mortgage repayment terms. The team at Altitude Home Loans maintains an open-door policy and collaborative approach to lending. From your mortgage commitment letter through to your last payment, our process relies on integrity and compassionate service.

Call 520-500-1010 to learn more about home loans.

When Is a Reverse Mortgage a Good Idea?

Written by Altitude Home Loans on August 30, 2023. Posted in Mortgage.

Is a reverse mortgage a good idea? For homeowners who don’t know the ins and outs of lending, this topic can be quite confusing.

Fortunately, this guide from some of the best mortgage lenders in Tucson, Arizona, can help you navigate your finances and settle any debates regarding a reverse mortgage loan. If you’d like some help, you can also contact experts like Altitude Home Loans to find some clarity on the matter.

What Is a Reverse Mortgage?

A reverse mortgage is a special type of home equity loan exclusively available for homeowners above the age of 62. Borrowers can tap their home equity (usually over 60% of the home’s value) to receive payments so that they can continue living in the house.

The lender you choose will calculate the loan-to-value ratio before making an offer. The figure indicates whether the home’s current market value could potentially cover the loan amount still outstanding on the mortgage. It’s important because you or your heirs will need to pay off the loan, and you’ll have no trouble repaying the lender up to the value of the house.

With a reverse mortgage, you get the equity portion back in monthly payments, a lump sum, or a line of credit from the lender. A financial planning professional can help you navigate which type of payment will suit your needs. However, note the following:

While you won’t have mortgage payments, you will still need to cover your property taxes, homeowners insurance, and other related expenses.
The balance of the loan will go up every month since fees and interest rates accrue.
Typically, you’ll have one year to repay the loan if you move out prior to closing out the reverse mortgage loan.

When Is a Reverse Mortgage a Good Idea?

So, when is a reverse mortgage a good idea if you’re an eligible homeowner? Consider taking out a reverse mortgage for the following:

Pay expensive medical bills or debts.
Cover your monthly expenses.
Make your home more accessible with costly home improvement projects.
Help your family with finances.

The supplemental payments you receive through this loan can be a significant help. You don’t need to be struggling financially to take out a reverse mortgage loan, either. For instance, you might choose to put the money toward paying for a grandchild’s college expenses.

Are There Drawbacks to a Reverse Mortgage?

While there are certainly times when a reverse mortgage is ideal, there are a few drawbacks. For example, these loans tend to come with higher fees and closing costs. They also cost more to pay off due to accruing interest fees, which are not tax-deductible.

Also, keep in mind that scammers who prey on seniors research this loan, too, so only turn to a trusted lender.

Speak With a Mortgage Specialist From Altitude Home Loans Today!

Is a reverse mortgage a good idea for you? Can you focus only on principal reduction in mortgage payments? Contact Altitude Home Loans at (520) 500-1010 or submit a request online today to connect with a specialist who can set you on the right financial path!

What Is Principal Reduction in Mortgage?

Written by Altitude Home Loans on July 30, 2023. Posted in Mortgage.

Falling on hard times makes diligent mortgage repayments more challenging. In the past, homeowners with negative equity were able to access principal reduction programs. But today’s property owners need to look elsewhere.

What is principal reduction when it comes to your mortgage loan? Below, Altitude Home Loans discusses mortgages and home purchasing in Tucson, AZ. Read on, and be sure to call us if you’d like to know more.

What Is Principal Reduction?

The idea of principal reduction involves decreasing the amount someone owes on a loan, not counting the interest portion. Finding ways to reduce the principal amount ensures borrowers have an easier time repaying the loan. It also alleviates the risk of foreclosure and reduces the total interest owed over the term.

During 2008’s subprime financial crisis, the market crash meant that many homes ended up with negative equity (they were worth less than originally invested). Lenders agreed to drop the principal balances of their loans to aid distressed borrowers. This move kept people in their homes and averted the foreclosures that mortgage companies might have had to deal with.

That’s also why programs like the Hardest Hit Fund (HHF), HAMP, and Principal Reduction Modification became available.

How Principal Reduction Helped Homeowners and Banks

So, what did principal reduction do for homeowners? And why did the government and banks encourage these programs?

Foreclosures leave property owners without homes and banks financing losses. Homeowners of the past would usually take mortgages they couldn’t afford, betting on getting more money for selling their property as real estate prices increased from year to year. However, when property values decreased instead, there was a collective inability to pay, and countless homes dipped into negative equity.

With principal reduction programs, struggling homeowners remained in these houses and tried to get back on their feet.

Two Principal Reduction Programs Examples

The main principal reduction programs were the Principal Reduction Modification Program and Home Affordable Modification Program.

Principal Reduction Modification. The Federal Housing Finance Agency began this program in 2016 for Fannie Mae or Freddie Mac loans. The borrowers had to owe $250,000 or less and meet several criteria.
Home Affordable Modification Program (HAMP). Borrowers had to show they were experiencing financial hardship. And the property could not be unlivable or condemned. This program ended in 2016.

What to Do If You’re Struggling to Pay Your Mortgage

While previous principal reduction programs are no longer an option, it isn’t only loan forgiveness that potentially reduces how much you have to pay back. Some property owners are able to pay their mortgages off early. If that’s not you, looking into ways to reduce your mortgage payment or get help with your mortgage is still essential.

Why not ask for a loan modification or loan forbearance for a short period? Refinancing can also lower monthly repayments.

Learn More About Mortgage Assistance

What is principal reduction able to achieve for today’s homeowners? Altitude Home Loans would love to tell you more about it. We have extensive knowledge about how inflation affects housing prices, home refinancing, mortgages, and more, so call 520-500-1010 today for more information!

Understanding the Difference Between MIP and PMI

Written by Altitude Home Loans on July 25, 2022. Posted in Mortgage.

Owning a home remains a significant aspect of the American dream, but it’s more complicated than many realize. As potential homeowners begin obtaining a mortgage, they quickly discover that they need mortgage insurance, a good credit score, and a regular income. To help simplify some of this, here’s a look at the difference between MIP and PMI and how they may affect home loans in Tucson by Altitude Home Loans.

What Is Mortgage Insurance?

When speaking with a mortgage company for the first time, many home seekers expect to pay a minor downpayment on their ideal home. Sticker shock sets in when they learn that most lenders need at least a 20% downpayment on the total of their home’s purchase price. Lenders know that most people don’t have that kind of money, using mortgage insurance to fill that gap.

Mortgage insurance allows you to put a lower downpayment on your home. However, a lower downpayment makes you look less invested in the long-term ownership and payment on a home or property. With mortgage insurance, your mortgage lender has protection if you can no longer make your monthly mortgage payment.

Defining MIP, or Mortgage Insurance Premiums

MIP protects federally backed loans. Typical loans covered by MIP include FHA (Federal Housing Administration) loans and first-time home buyer loans. Borrowers with low credit, low income, and an inability to pay a significant downpayment benefit from MIP.

An upfront mortgage insurance premium, or UFMIP, equals 1.75% of a home loan’s total amount and tacks that additional amount onto loan closing costs. Your monthly mortgage payment includes an equally-divided annual premium for your mortgage insurance, usually .45% to 1.05% of your loan split into 12 payments.

With mortgage insurance premiums, borrowers may pay as little as 3.5% down on their home purchase. They may also receive a better interest rate on their loan, though they may pay more for their mortgage insurance than PMI borrowers. Understanding the difference between MIP and PMI helps you choose which option fits you best.

Defining PMI, or Private Mortgage Insurance

PMI offers greater term flexibility to eligible home buyers who qualify for conventional mortgages. The cost of private mortgage insurance depends on factors such as loan amount, credit score, and annual household income. Generally, PMI borrowers present a lower foreclosure risk to mortgage lenders.

If you choose to pay for a home with a conventional loan, know that PMI may range from .5% to 2% of your initial loan amount. Most homeowners can expect their PMI to be around 1% of their loan. PMI payments typically cost significantly less than MIP.

Can I Cancel Mortgage Insurance?

You can request the removal of PMI after you’ve reached 20% of your home equity. FHA MIP requires that you make a down payment of more than 10% of the home loan to qualify you for cancellation. If you don’t pay at least 10% down, you must pay for MIP throughout your loan’s lifetime.

Are you interested in purchasing a home in Tucson, AZ? Contact Altitude Home Loans to pre-qualify today. Learn more about Private Mortgage Insurance and about the difference between MIP and PMI.