Congress Makes PMI Tax Deductible

Millions of Borrowers Will Benefit

Shawn Kaplan - Licensed Mortgage Banker

The federal government's Private Mortgage Insurance legislation is great news for the real estate industry! Enacted on January 1st, 2007, the bill makes Private Mortgage Insurance (PMI) tax deductible for borrowers whose personal adjusted gross income is $100,000 or less. For millions of home buyers, the bill creates an amazing opportunity to finance a more expensive home or potentially obtain a lower payment for the same-priced home, while reducing annual income taxes by hundreds of dollars.

What is PMI?
Designed to protect lenders from defaults and foreclosures, Private Mortgage Insurance is required for loans exceeding 80% of the property's value or sale price. Prior to the legislation, PMI was generally viewed with contempt by home buyers because of its perceived high cost and the fact that it was not tax deductible. For many borrowers, PMI was the only means available for financing their mortgage.

It wasn't until the 1990s, when lenders began allowing "piggyback" financing, that homeowners and home buyers had an opportunity to finance a home without PMI. Under this scenario, buyers would take out two loans to cover the total amount borrowed. The first mortgage accounted for 80% or less of the purchase price or appraised value of the home; and the second mortgage, or "piggyback", covered the remaining amount required to fund the transaction.

Reconsidering PMI
Now, thanks to Congress, potential borrowers may want to reconsider their aversion to PMI. After all, PMI makes it easier for some borrowers to qualify for a loan. Consumers should be aware that when the primary loan is accompanied by a Home Equity Line of Credit (HELOC), the approval of the first loan is contingent upon the approval of the second. In most cases, the approval requirements for the second loan are more stringent than those for the first. Alleviating this obstacle may enable buyers to consider a more expensive home or the purchase of preferred upgrades today rather than years from now.

It's also important to remember that PMI doesn't last forever. If a home appreciates at a rate of 4% annually, borrowers will be in a position to remove PMI within four years, resulting in an automatic reduction in the mortgage payment.

What to Do Now
Whether consumers are considering purchasing a new home or restructuring their finances, the first thing they should do is call a mortgage professional. There is a wide variety of options to consider, beyond those that have been presented here, and a mortgage professional will help them to determine which scenario best fits their needs.

About the Author

Shawn Kaplan is an active, 50 state Licensed loan officer with Access National Mortgage. 

Email Shawn at skaplan@accessnational.com or call 615-426-3182.

Bonus: Click to get a free, no-obligation rate quote. I love to work with my readers!

The Truth About Appraisals

Knowing the Guidelines Solves the Mystery 
Shawn Kaplan - Licensed Mortgage Banker

The appraisal process often baffles consumers. They may feel that their home is worth a higher dollar amount, and so the appraised value doesn't always make sense to them. It is important to know that the appraiser is completely independent from lenders, buyers, sellers, and real estate agents, and that the guidelines to which they adhere are dictated by the Uniform Standards of Professional Appraisal Practice (USPAP) and Fannie Mae. In most states, the mortgage lenders must also disclose the purpose of the appraisal, as each transaction carries its own set of rules. 

In essence, these important guidelines help appraisers put a fair market value on homes based on comparable sales in the same area, and the home must be bracketed in size and value. 

For example, there is no set dollar figure associated with a great view, pool, spa, bathroom upgrades, etc. If a homeowner installs a custom pool that cost them $30,000, but the local marketplace supports the value of a pool at $15,000, then that item will be bracketed as [$15,000] on the appraisal. 

Upgrades can usually be expressed at a higher percentage of their value in newer homes because the only way to obtain those upgrades was to put more money into the cost of building the home. On the other hand, the upgrading or remodeling of an older home is rarely reflected in full in the final appraisal. This is because typically 25-40% of the project involves demolition and the fixing of issues that aren't uncovered until the project has already begun, such as plumbing or wiring that may need updating. 

Ultimately, the value of the upgrades must be supported by comparable examples within the same marketplace. These comparisons must be drawn from current market activity within the last six months. This is a safeguard to prevent appraisers from attaching too high a value to the home in question, and opening up the appraisal for review. This guideline further states that appraisers can only base their opinion on the value of home sales that have actually closed. 

As a loan professional, I make a point to follow the appropriate guidelines at all times, including the guidelines in the Home Valuation Code of Conduct, which among other things prohibits a lender from having any contact with or influence on how the appraiser values a home. Staying up-to-date on the rules of my industry promotes a good relationship with the lender, and helps to create easier and much smoother closings for my borrowers.

About the Author

Shawn Kaplan is an active, 50 state Licensed loan officer with Access National Mortgage. 

Email Shawn at skaplan@accessnational.com or call 615-426-3182.

Bonus: Click to get a free, no-obligation rate quote. I love to work with my readers!