Private Mortgage Insurance (PMI) protects the lender when a borrower puts down less than 20% on a conventional loan. Because the lender is taking on extra risk, PMI is required until the loan reaches a safer loan‑to‑value (LTV) ratio.
How Nevada’s community‑property rules can help
Nevada is a community‑property state, meaning that for married borrowers, both spouses’ assets are counted toward home equity. This can help you reach the 20% equity threshold faster, especially if you have savings or other property that can be considered in the equity calculation.
Key milestones for PMI removal
- 80% LTV request: Once your balance drops to 80% of the original loan amount, you can voluntarily ask the lender to cancel PMI. You’ll need to provide proof that the home’s value hasn’t fallen.
- 78% automatic cancellation: By law, the lender must automatically terminate PMI when the loan reaches 78% LTV, provided you’re current on payments.
- Two‑year rule: If you’ve made at least two years of on‑time payments and the loan’s amortization schedule shows you’re on track to reach 78% LTV, the lender must automatically cancel PMI, even if the balance is still above 78%.
Steps to request removal
- Check your latest mortgage statement or log into your online account to see the current balance.
- Order a home appraisal (or use a reputable automated valuation) to confirm the property’s current market value.
- Gather supporting documents, such as proof of any additional payments you’ve made toward principal.
- Submit a written request to your lender, attaching the appraisal and any other required paperwork.
Nevada‑specific considerations
- Because Nevada has no state income tax, many borrowers use the money saved on taxes to make extra principal payments, speeding up the equity buildup.
- Most closings in Nevada are handled by title companies rather than attorneys, so you’ll likely receive the necessary payoff statements directly from the title agent.
Remember, each lender may have slightly different procedures, so it’s wise to review your loan’s original agreement and ask the loan servicer about any fees associated with the cancellation request.
This article provides general information and should not be considered personalized financial or legal advice.