Private Mortgage Insurance (PMI) is typically required on conventional loans when the borrower makes a down payment of less than 20% of the home’s purchase price. This insurance protects the lender if the borrower defaults on the loan. Borrowers with loan amounts exceeding conforming loan limits, categorized as large mortgages, often face different requirements and considerations regarding such insurance.
The significance of understanding insurance requirements with substantial mortgages lies in managing overall housing costs. Avoiding this insurance can free up funds for other financial goals. Historically, lenders have used insurance to mitigate risk, particularly when borrowers have less equity in the property. However, alternative risk-management strategies are often employed with mortgages that surpass standard loan amounts.