BUYING A HOME IN ARIZONA
QUICK REFERENCE
®BENEFITS of Using a REALTOR
HOME COMPARISON
LOAN APPLICATION REQUIREMENTS
THE LOAN PROCESS
PMI FAQS
WHAT TO AVOID DURING THE LOAN PROCESS
TYPES OF LOANS
SAMPLE MORTGAGE PAYMENT
RENT vs BUY
THE ESCROW PROCESS
ESCROW SERVICES
CLOSING COSTS: WHO PAYS WHAT
CLOSING YOUR ESCROW
WHAT I S TITLE INSURANCE & WHY YOU NEED IT
TITLE POLICY CHART & WAYS TO TAKE TITLE IN AZ
RED FLAGS IN THE ESCROW/TITLE PROCESS
TERMS YOU SHOULD KNOW
DIRECTORY OF SERVICES
PLANNING YOUR MOVE
SAMPLE PURCHASE CONTRACT
SAMPLE BUYER ADVISORY
ARIZONA ZIP CODE MAP
PMI - "PRIVATE MORTGAGE INSURANCE" FAQS
WHAT IS PMI?
Buying a home is easier than ever, thanks to the availability of private mortgage insurance, or PMI. Private mortgage insurance has made it possible for qualifying buyers to obtain mortgages with a down payment as low as 3%. Such mortgages are
increasingly in demand in today’s home market because potential homeowners, especially first time home buyers, are unable to accumulate the 20% down payment that would be required without private mortgage insurance.
DEFINITION of PMI
PMI is a type of insurance required by the lender that helps protect lenders against losses due to foreclosure. This protection is provided by private mortgage insurance companies and enables lenders to accept lower down payments than would normally be allowed.
WHY DO I NEED TO CARRY PMI?
If you make a down payment less than 20% of the home sales price, your lender will require you carry PMI. This will protect the lender from a potential loss if you default on your low down-payment loan.
HOW LONG AM I REQUIRED TO CARRY PMI?
PMI can usually be canceled by the home buyer when they have at least 20% equity in the home, either due to payment of the principal or the appreciation of the property. When you believe your home has achieved 20% equity, contact your lender. Usually lenders will require an appraisal on the property to verify the equity.
HOW MUCH IS PMI GOING TO COST ME?
The House Banking Committee has estimated that the average cost of PMI is between $300 and $900 a year. Premiums are based on the amount and terms of the mortgage and will vary according to loan-to-value ratio, type of loan and the amount of coverage required by the lender.
WHAT ARE THE PAYMENT OPTIONS FOR PMI?
PMI can be paid on either an annual, monthly, or single premium plan.