A Breakdown – The Difference Between FHA, VA and USDA Mortgages

Are you thinking about using mortgage financing to buy a new home? If so, you've likely heard about mortgage insurance policies requirements and you may be wondering how they will affect you. In today's blog post we'll explore mortgage insurance and explain the difference between conventional, FHA, VA and USDA mortgage insurance policies. How Does Private Mortgage Insurance or "PMI" Work? While there are a number of reasons that your lender may require mortgage insurance, in general you'll be required to purchase a conventional PMI policy if you are putting less than 20 percent of the home's value in as a down payment. Another way your lender might explain this is…
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What Is Mortgage Insurance?

When it comes to putting a down payment on a house, most lenders are going to ask for 20 percent; however, some lenders will be willing to accept a smaller down payment in exchange for something else. That something else is usually mortgage insurance. If a lender says they are asking for mortgage insurance, which is also shortened to PMI, it is important for everyone to know what this means. An Overview Of PMI PMI stands for private mortgage insurance and is usually required if the borrower is putting down less than 20 percent. The lender will usually go out and find private mortgage insurance before shifting the premium for the…
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