A loan scenario involving a single-premium mortgage insurance (MI) policy, purchased upfront by the borrower, can sometimes present complexities upon early loan payoff or refinance. The unused portion of the initial premium may not be fully refundable. The lender or mortgage servicer may only provide a partial return of the premium, based on a declining balance schedule or other pre-determined formula.
This upfront payment aims to mitigate risk for the lender and potentially allows the borrower to qualify for a loan they might not otherwise receive. Historically, it was viewed as a potentially cost-effective strategy for borrowers intending to hold the mortgage for an extended period. However, fluctuating interest rates and unforeseen life events can lead to refinancing or the sale of the property sooner than anticipated, altering the financial outcome of this strategy. The ramifications and refunds were especially of high interest to policy holders during the housing boom and subsequent bust as many consumers refinanced when interest rates went up or down.