What Is Lender-Paid Mortgage Insurance (LPMI) And How Does It Work?

When individuals secure a conventional mortgage without a 20% down payment, obtaining private mortgage insurance (PMI) is often a requirement. Typically mandated when the down payment is below 20% of the home's value, PMI can be arranged by the lender in certain situations, resulting in what is known as lender-paid mortgage insurance (LPMI). While LPMI can be advantageous for some home buyers, for others, the lender's involvement in obtaining private mortgage insurance may lead to additional costs.

Continue reading to delve into the details of LPMI, examining its benefits and drawbacks for prospective home buyers.

What Is LPMI?

LPMI is a mortgage insurance arrangement where the lender pays the mortgage insurance premium on behalf of the borrower. In this scenario, instead of the borrower paying a separate premium for PMI, the lender typically incorporates the cost into the overall interest rate or loan structure. While this approach may result in a slightly higher interest rate for the borrower, it eliminates the need for a separate PMI payment, making homeownership more financially manageable for some borrowers.

How Does LPMI Work?

In the LPMI process, the cost of mortgage insurance is seamlessly incorporated into the borrower's mortgage interest rate. Instead of the borrower making a separate monthly payment for PMI, the lender adjusts the interest rate to cover the anticipated expense associated with a higher loan-to-value ratio (LTV). While this may result in a slightly elevated interest rate compared to loans with borrower-paid PMI, it simplifies the payment structure for borrowers by consolidating the costs into a single monthly payment.

While LPMI can offer convenience and ease of budgeting, borrowers should carefully assess the long-term financial implications. The higher interest rate over the life of the loan may offset the benefits of not having a separate PMI premium. Borrowers must compare the overall costs and consider their individual financial goals when deciding between lender-paid and borrower-paid mortgage insurance options.

Lender-Paid Vs. Other Private Mortgage Insurance Types

Explore the chart below for a concise overview highlighting the key distinctions between LPMI and other types of mortgage insurance.

Pros And Cons Of LPMI

Gain a comprehensive understanding of the advantages and drawbacks to better assess if LPMI aligns with your financial goals and homeownership aspirations.

Pros

Before a homeowner writes off LPMI altogether, it’s best to look at a potential benefit the arrangement offers over traditional monthly mortgage insurance:

• LPMI could get you a lower monthly mortgage payment than BPMI. While LPMI may not save money overall, you may have smaller monthly payments because the additional payments for coverage are stretched out equally over the entire life of the loan rather than the start.
• LPMI may be tax-deductible. Homeowners with LPMI can deduct the interest payments associated with their mortgage, including the LPMI cost, from their taxable income.

Cons

In the right situation, LPMI can make sense. But there are potential downsides home buyers should know about as well:

• LPMI can’t be canceled unless you refinance. Unlike BPMI, which may be cancelable once a certain level of equity is reached, LPMI remains a consistent component of the mortgage unless the borrower chooses to refinance.
• LPMI results in a higher mortgage interest rate. While it simplifies the payment structure by incorporating insurance costs into the interest rate, borrowers often experience a slightly elevated interest rate over the life of the loan compared to traditional mortgages.

FAQs About LPMI

Whether you're a prospective home buyer exploring mortgage options or a homeowner seeking clarity on this unique insurance arrangement, these frequently asked questions will provide valuable insights into the workings, benefits and considerations associated with LPMI.

Why would a lender pay my mortgage insurance?

A lender might opt to pay your mortgage insurance, known as LPMI, to offer you a conventional mortgage without requiring a 20% down payment. By incorporating the cost of insurance into the interest rate, lenders can attract borrowers seeking to avoid a separate monthly premium for PMI. This arrangement benefits both parties by simplifying the payment structure for the borrower while mitigating the lender's risk in the event of default.

How much does LPMI cost?

The cost of LPMI is embedded in the interest rate of the mortgage loan. While it might not involve a separate monthly premium like BPMI, borrowers should be aware that LPMI often results in a slightly higher interest rate over the life of the loan. The specific impact on the interest rate varies depending on the lender and the terms negotiated, making it essential for borrowers to carefully assess the long-term financial implications before opting for LPMI.

When can you cancel LPMI?

Unlike BPMI, which can often be canceled once the borrower reaches a certain level of equity (usually 20% of the home's value), LPMI is typically not subject to cancellation. Since the cost of LPMI is integrated into the interest rate, borrowers may not have the option to remove this form of mortgage insurance. It's crucial for borrowers to thoroughly discuss the terms and conditions with their lender before opting for LPMI to understand the implications regarding cancellation and explore alternative options if long-term flexibility is a priority.

How do I decide if LPMI is worth it?

Deciding if LPMI is worth it involves carefully assessing your financial situation and priorities. While LPMI can eliminate the need for a separate monthly premium and facilitate a lower initial down payment, it often results in a slightly higher interest rate over the life of the loan. Consider factors such as your long-term homeownership plans, your ability to make a larger down payment, and whether the convenience of a consolidated payment structure outweighs the potential for increased overall costs. Your lender can help you compare the cost of LPMI and BPMI with a loan estimate.

What are some alternatives to LPMI?

Alternatives to LPMI include BPMI, where borrowers pay a separate monthly premium for insurance, typically cancelable once a certain level of equity is reached. Another option is exploring loan programs that don't require mortgage insurance, such as loans with a higher down payment or those backed by the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) or the Federal Housing Administration (FHA). Additionally, some borrowers choose to structure their loans with a piggyback mortgage or seek out lenders offering lender credits to offset the cost of BPMI.

The Bottom Line

When it comes to obtaining a loan that requires mortgage insurance, any prospective home buyer must comprehend the available options. This entails comparing LPMI to PMI. While LPMI might be perceived as a costly convenience by some, for others, it could emerge as a financially prudent choice.

Take the first step toward securing your dream home by applying for mortgage approval with Rocket Mortgage^®.