Many lenders are offering a solution to this lack of down payment problem for those who want to eliminate the PMI variable from their mortgage loan payment equation: a combination of a mortgage loan and a home equity loan or personal loan to complete the 20% down payment. Is this really a solution? What are the benefits? What are the drawbacks?
Private Mortgage Insurance
Private mortgage insurance protects the lender against default by covering the mortgage payments in case the borrower cannot repay the loan for one of the reasons stated in the insurance policy.
Private mortgage insurance is not required for any mortgage loan but when it comes to all home loans where the amount is higher than the 80% of the purchase price of the loan, PMI payments are compulsory (with the exemption of VA loans and other preferred home loans).
Thus, in order to avoid paying private mortgage insurance charges, the borrower needs to obtain sufficient funds for a 20% down payment. As this is seldom possible, people usually cope with the higher payments and eventually they decide to refinance with better terms.
Yet, it is possible to get financing with advantageous terms and no PMI from the very beginning by using a combination of loans instead of a single mortgage loan with PMI payments.
Remember though, that if it is within your hands to obtain the necessary down payment in cash it is well worthy to do so even if you have to wait a few months because you will not only save yourself the PMI payments or the interests on the additional loan but you will also be able to obtain more advantageous terms on your mortgage loan.
Combination Loans Based On Equity
These home equity loans can provide you with the funding needed to obtain the 20% down payment to avoid Private mortgage insurance payments. Though the interest rates on these loans tends to be a bit higher than what is charged for the mortgage loan, in the long run, this implies lower payments than a single mortgage loan that would charge PMI fees. And sometimes, the costs are lower right away if you only need a smaller amount of money because you already have some savings for the down payment.
Whether it is advisable or not to obtain these loans instead of a single mortgage loan with PMI is a matter of discussion. But most importantly, it will depend on your particular situation and on market conditions. The smart way to go is to compare your options and have the lenders provide you with different loan quotes to see which one best suits your needs and desires. Sometimes the difference may not be too significant, but under certain circumstances you can save thousands of dollars in the long run.
Kate Ross is a professional consultant at Speedybadcreditloans.com. Read more useful articles on her website and contact her if you need financial help.