What insurance do you have to pay if you don't put 20% down?

Asked by: Otilia Bradtke  |  Last update: August 26, 2026
Score: 4.7/5 (29 votes)

If you put down less than 20% on a conventional home loan, you are required to pay Private Mortgage Insurance (PMI). PMI protects the lender, not you, if you default on the loan. It is typically added to your monthly mortgage payment and usually costs between $30 and $150 per $100,000 borrowed.

What fee do you have to pay if you don't put 20% down?

Putting down 20% eliminates the need for PMI with a conventional loan. PMI can range from 0.58% to 1.85% of your total loan amount. Assuming you purchase a home for $500,000 with a down payment of less than 20%, you might end up paying between $2,900 and $9,250 in PMI costs.

What is the insurance called when you don't have 20% down?

Private mortgage insurance (PMI) is a type of mortgage insurance you might be required to buy if you take out a conventional loan with a down payment of less than 20 percent of the purchase price. PMI protects the lender—not you—if you stop making payments on your loan.

What if I don't have 20% down payment?

Most lenders require that you purchase private mortgage insurance (PMI) if your down payment is less than 20%. This insurance, which typically runs about 0.5 to 1.5% of your loan amount per year, is designed to protect the lender's investment in your home, signaling your commitment to the purchase.

Do you have to pay mortgage insurance if you don't put 20% down?

In most cases, mortgage insurance is a requirement when a homebuyer's down payment is less than 20 percent. Some loans don't require it, and some down payment assistance programs can also contribute enough to cover the balance.

STOP Putting 20% down payment on a house. Banks Don't Want You To Know !

20 related questions found

How to avoid mortgage insurance without 20 down?

Private mortgage insurance (PMI) applies to most conventional loans with less than 20% down. PMI usually costs between 0.30% and 1.15% of the loan amount per year. You can avoid PMI without 20% down through options like piggyback loans, lender-paid PMI, VA loans, or special lender programs.

Does PMI go away once you hit 20%?

Yes, Private Mortgage Insurance (PMI) can go away once you reach 20% equity, but federal law mandates automatic cancellation when your loan balance drops to 78% of the original home value (22% equity), and you can request it at 80% equity (20% down) if you're current on payments. You can reach this 20% equity through regular payments, home appreciation (via appraisal), or even refinancing, but you must contact your lender to initiate cancellation at the 80% mark, as lenders need proof of value and good payment history.

What is the 3 7 3 rule in mortgage?

The 3-7-3 Rule in mortgages isn't a loan type but a federal timeline from the TILA-RESPA Integrated Disclosure (TRID) rule, ensuring borrower protection by mandating disclosures within 3 business days of application, a 7-business-day wait between the initial Loan Estimate and closing, and another 3-day wait if significant changes (like APR) occur, giving borrowers time to review costs before committing to a loan.

How to get around 20% down payment?

4 ways to buy a home with a lower down payment

  1. Conventional mortgages with Private Mortgage Insurance (PMI) ...
  2. VA loans for veterans and active service members. ...
  3. USDA loans for buyers in rural areas. ...
  4. FHA loans for flexible credit requirements.

What insurance pays off your mortgage?

But with mortgage life insurance, your mortgage lender is the beneficiary of the policy rather than beneficiaries you designate. If you pass away, your lender is paid the balance of your mortgage. Your mortgage will go away, but your survivors or loved ones won't see any of the proceeds.

At what point do you no longer need mortgage insurance?

If your payments are current and in good standing, your lender is required to cancel your PMI on the date your loan is scheduled to reach 78% of the original value of your home. If you have an FHA loan, you'll pay MIP for either 11 years or the entire length of the loan, depending on the terms of the loan.

How much is a 20% down payment on a $400,000 house?

Putting down 20% of the home's purchase price is a traditional down payment option. For a $400,000 home, a 20% down payment would be $80,000. This option may help you avoid private mortgage insurance (PMI) and can lead to more favorable loan terms.

What is the insurance called when you don't put 20% down?

Private mortgage insurance (PMI) is an extra fee for conventional mortgage borrowers putting down less than 20 percent. The amount you'll pay for PMI depends on your loan and down payment size, whether it's a fixed- or adjustable-rate mortgage and your credit score.

How much loan can I get on a $70,000 salary?

Based on a monthly salary of ₹70000 and assuming no existing financial obligations (like ongoing EMIs or outstanding credit card dues), you may be eligible for a home loan amount of approximately ₹34.51 lakhs. The interest rate could range between *9.25% and 15% or higher, with a loan tenure of up to 180 months.

What income do you need for a $400,000 mortgage?

To afford a $400k mortgage, you generally need an annual income between $90,000 and $135,000, but this varies significantly; with a larger down payment and less debt, you might qualify with around $100k, while higher interest rates or no down payment could push the need closer to $130k-$160k, with lenders focusing on keeping total monthly debts (housing + other loans) under 36-43% of your gross income.
 

Can I afford a 500k house on a 70K salary?

Most mortgage lenders recommend using no more than 28% of your monthly gross income on a mortgage payment. In addition to that, many lenders also recommend that you spend no more than 36% of your monthly gross income on all your debt payments combined, including your monthly mortgage payment and other house costs.

How much is PMI on a $300,000 house?

For a $300,000 house, Private Mortgage Insurance (PMI) typically adds about $115 to $375 per month, depending on your loan amount, credit score, and down payment, with rates generally ranging from 0.46% to 1.5% of the loan annually. A good estimate for a $300k mortgage is around $150-$225 monthly, based on common rates like 0.5% to 0.75%, but could be higher if you have poor credit or a very small down payment.
 

Is it worth putting 20% down to avoid PMI?

Yes, putting 20% down to avoid Private Mortgage Insurance (PMI) is often worth it because it saves thousands by eliminating that extra monthly cost, reduces your loan amount, and can help you get a lower interest rate, but it depends on your financial situation; if saving 20% would deplete your emergency fund, a smaller down payment with PMI might be better, as it keeps cash for emergencies and potential market opportunities, notes The Mortgage Reports and Ramsey Solutions. 

Can I cancel PMI after 5 years?

If you've owned the home for at least five years and your loan balance is no more than 80 percent of the new valuation, you can ask for PMI cancellation. If you've owned the home for at least two years, your remaining mortgage balance must be no greater than 75 percent.

What is the 2 2 2 rule for mortgages?

The "2-2-2 Rule" in mortgages isn't a single standard but refers to common guidelines lenders use, often involving two years of stable employment/income, two months of bank statements, two years of tax returns/W-2s, and sometimes two active, well-managed credit accounts, all to prove financial stability and reduce risk for a loan. Another "2-2-2" idea suggests refinancing if the rate drop is 2%, you'll stay >2 years, and closing costs <$2,000, while the "2% rule" for investors means rental income is 2% of the property's cost.