| PMI is there to protect the lender, not you. Lenders require PMI on high loan-to-value (LTV) loans. As a condition of providing you a mortgage, you're required to carry PMI at your cost until the loan reaches 80% LTV. If you believe your home has appreciated enough since you purchased it to get you to 80% LTV or less, it might be worth it to spend the $ on a new appraisal. |