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FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
What are MIP and PMI? How do I know which one I have?
They are the two types of mortgage insurance. Mortgage Insurance protects lenders against financial loss when a default occurs on a
mortgage loan. MIP applies to Federal Housing Administration (FHA) insured loans, which is a type of government program. PMI
applies to loans that are not insured under a government program.
When can I request PMI be cancelled?
Generally, for loans closed on or after July 29, 1999, as a single-family primary residence, homeowners have the right to request the
PMI be cancelled on or after either of these dates:
(1) The date the principal balance of the loan is first
scheduled
to reach 80% of the original value of the property based solely
on the initial amortization schedule, or
(2) The date the principal balance
actually
reaches 80% of the original value of the property based on actual payments made.
When will PMI be automatically terminated?
For loans closed on or after July 29, 1999 as a single-family primary residence and the loan payments are current, PMI will
automatically terminate on the date the principal balance of the loan is first
scheduled
to reach 78% of the original value of the
property based solely on the initial amortization schedule. If the loan payments are not current as of that date, PMI will automatically
terminate the month after the payments are brought current. In any event, PMI will not be required beyond the date that is the
midpoint of the amortization period for the loan if the payments are current as of that date.
What if my loan closed before July 29, 1999, is not a single-family primary residence, or is a second home?
The conditions for cancelling mortgage insurance for mortgages closed before July 29, 1999 are not provided for under federal law and
may be changed at the lender’s discretion (unless otherwise restricted by state law).
How do I find the original value of my property or LTV?
The original value is either the purchase price or the appraised value of your property at closing, whichever is less. If the loan is a
refinance, then the original value is the appraised value used to refinance the loan. To calculate the original loan to value (OLTV),
divide the unpaid principal balance (including any deferred principal balance) of the loan by the property’s original value.
What is the difference between Original Loan to Value (OLTV) and Current Loan to Value (CLTV) calculation methods?
The Loan to Value ratio (LTV) is the relationship between the loan’s Unpaid Principal Balance (including any deferred amounts) and the
property’s expected price if sold. Because home prices fluctuate, there are two approaches to calculating LTV. The Original Loan to
Value (OLTV) method compares the current Unpaid Principal Balance (UPB) with the property’s value at closing. The Current Loan to
Value (CLTV) method compares the current UPB with the property’s expected price if sold in the near future. As a result, the CLTV
method is the only method that takes substantial improvements into consideration.
What is considered a substantial improvement?
A substantial improvement increases value, improves marketability, and/or extends the useful life of the property. Substantial
improvements include renovations, finishing a basement; addition of square footage; and/or additional feature(s), garage, deck, pool,
sprinklers. Improvements or repairs made to maintain functionality or improve cosmetics are not considered substantial. Some
improvements are considered substantial by Freddie Mac but not Fannie Mae.
Why can’t I use a past appraisal?
Appraisals consider the value of a property at a fixed point in time. Housing prices fluctuate so an updated valuation is required to
confirm the value of the property. Servicer-ordered appraisals are performed at arm’s length, meaning the appraiser is not influenced in
any way by either the servicer or homeowner. This practice ensures the most objective and precise measurement of the property’s
value. The valuation must be ordered by RoundPoint, and RoundPoint cannot reimburse homeowners for ordering their own valuation.
What if I miss my appointment?
If you miss your valuation appointment, please contact the appraiser or broker to reschedule the appointment.
What if I disagree with the results of the valuation?
You can dispute the valuation if you believe it contains factual errors. Any valuation dispute(s) requires evidence demonstrating factual
inaccuracies (e.g., miscalculations in square footage or lot size, dissimilar comparable properties used, etc.). Many popular internet
sites provide automated courtesy estimates of value, however, these estimates alone are insufficient to demonstrate factual
inaccuracies. Valuations ordered for the purpose of PMI removal are completed by certified brokers and/or appraisers and are more
precise than estimates provided publicly online. Valuation disputes are subject to additional processing costs up to $125 which will be
billed to your account upon completion of the dispute review process. Please contact us using the contact information above for details
on how to file a dispute.