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Mortgage insurance is a type of insurance that protects lenders against the risk of default on a mortgage loan. It is typically required when a borrower makes a down payment of less than 20% of the purchase price of a property.
There are two main types of mortgage insurance: private mortgage insurance (PMI) and mortgage insurance premiums (MIP). PMI is purchased by the borrower and is required for conventional loans, while MIP is required for government-insured loans, such as those backed by the Federal Housing Administration (FHA) or the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA).
When a borrower takes out a mortgage loan, the lender assumes the risk that the borrower may not be able to make their monthly payments. If the borrower defaults on the loan, the lender may not be able to recover the full amount of the loan, resulting in a loss. Mortgage insurance helps protect the lender against this risk by covering a portion of the loss if the borrower defaults.
In the case of PMI, the borrower pays a monthly premium to the mortgage insurance company. The premium is based on the size of the loan, the borrower's credit score, and the down payment made on the property. The mortgage insurance company then pays the lender a portion of the loan amount if the borrower defaults.
MIP works similarly, but it is funded through premiums paid by the borrower as part of the monthly mortgage payment. The premium is typically lower for MIP than for PMI, but it is required for the life of the loan, regardless of the borrower's equity in the property.
Mortgage insurance is generally required for borrowers who make a down payment of less than 20% because these borrowers are considered to be at a higher risk of default. However, mortgage insurance can also be a useful tool for borrowers who are unable to save for a large down payment but still want to become homeowners. It allows them to secure a mortgage loan and buy a home, even if they don't have a large down payment saved up.
In summary, mortgage insurance is a type of insurance that protects lenders against the risk of default on a mortgage loan. It is typically required when a borrower makes a down payment of less than 20% of the purchase price of a property and is available in the form of private mortgage insurance (PMI) or mortgage insurance premiums (MIP). It allows borrowers who are unable to save for a large down payment to secure a mortgage loan and buy a home.
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