π Borrower Scenario: Purchased a home with 5% down using conventional financing with $210/month private mortgage insurance.
β οΈ Costly Mistake: Assumed PMI would automatically disappear only when their scheduled amortized balance reached 78% (scheduled for year 9).
π‘ Underwriting Lesson: After 3.5 years of steady home price appreciation and minor interior renovations, James requested a broker price opinion (BPO) through his servicer. The reappraisal verified an LTV under 75%, allowing immediate PMI cancellation and saving $2,520 annually.