Piggyback Loans Vs Private Mortgage Insurance

Home buyers at settlementNavigating the complex landscape of mortgage options often involves weighing the advantages of a piggyback loan against the alternative, private mortgage insurance (PMI). Piggyback loans, such as the 80-10-10 or 80-15-5 structure, allow borrowers to secure a second mortgage concurrently with the primary one, enabling a smaller down payment while avoiding PMI costs.

Understanding piggyback loan rates, their pros and cons, and exploring whether to utilize a Home Equity Line of Credit (HELOC) as part of the piggyback strategy adds layers of consideration.

Delving into why borrowers might choose a split or piggyback loan option sheds light on this nuanced financing approach, providing valuable insights for those seeking optimal mortgage solutions.

Key Takeaways:

  • A piggyback loan, or 80/10/10, involves two separate loans to finance a home purchase.
  • The first mortgage covers 80% of the home's value, the second loan covers 10%, and the remaining 10% is paid down.
  • Piggyback loans can help borrowers avoid paying private mortgage insurance (PMI) and potentially secure a lower interest rate on the first mortgage.
  • The drawbacks of piggyback loans include additional closing costs and a higher interest rate on the second loan.
  • Qualifying for a piggyback loan typically requires a higher credit score and a lower debt-to-income ratio.

What is a Piggyback Loan and How Does it Work?

A piggyback mortgage works by splitting the home loan into two separate loans. The first loan is the primary mortgage, typically covering 80% of the home price, while the second loan is the secondary mortgage, covering the remaining 20%.

The direct mortgage lender holds the first lien on the property, and the secondary lender has the second lien. These two loans are generally taken out concurrently to buy a home.

Common Types of Piggyback Loans

The most common types of piggyback loans are the 80-10-10 and 80-15-5 loans. The numbers in these loan types represent the loan structure. For example, in an 80-10-10 loan, the borrower contributes a 10% down payment, obtains an 80% first mortgage, and takes a secondary loan for the remaining 10%.

In an 80-15-5 loan, the borrower contributes a 5% down payment, obtains an 80% first mortgage, and takes a secondary loan for 15% of the home price.

Advantages of Using a Piggyback Loan

People choose piggyback mortgages to avoid paying PMI, which is required on conventional loans when the down payment is less than 20% of the home price. By getting a piggyback loan, borrowers can effectively make a larger down payment and avoid the additional cost of PMI. Piggyback loans may offer lower interest rates than jumbo or conventional loan options.

Benefits of a Piggyback Loan

Obtaining a piggyback loan offers several advantages for borrowers looking to purchase a home. Here are the key benefits to consider:

  1. Lower Interest Rates: One of the main advantages of a piggyback loan is the potential for lower interest rates on the first mortgage. Since the borrower is taking out a smaller loan amount, lenders may offer more favorable interest rates, resulting in long-term savings.
  2. No PMI: By putting down at least 20% of the home's value (10% as a down payment and 10% from the second loan), borrowers can avoid the additional cost of private mortgage insurance (PMI). This can lead to significant savings over the life of the loan, as PMI premiums can add up to thousands of dollars each year.
  3. Smaller Loan Size: Utilizing a piggyback loan allows borrowers to reduce the size of the primary mortgage. This can be beneficial in several ways. Firstly, it helps borrowers stay within the conforming loan limits, which can prevent the need for a more expensive jumbo mortgage. Additionally, a smaller loan size can result in lower monthly mortgage payments, offering increased financial flexibility.

Overall, a piggyback loan can provide borrowers with the opportunity to secure a lower interest rate, avoid paying PMI, and reduce the size of their primary mortgage. However, it's crucial to carefully evaluate the costs and potential drawbacks before deciding if this financing strategy aligns with your financial goals.

Disadvantages and Considerations of a Piggyback Loan

A piggyback loan, while offering benefits, also has drawbacks and considerations that borrowers need to be aware of before deciding to pursue this mortgage strategy. Here are some essential points to consider:

1. Closing Costs for Two Loans

One of the drawbacks of a piggyback loan is the requirement to pay closing costs for both the first and second loans. This includes fees such as origination fees and administrative costs. These additional expenses can increase the overall cost of obtaining the loan and should be factored into the borrower's budget.

2. Higher Interest Rate on the Second Loan

Typically, the second mortgage in a piggyback loan arrangement carries a higher interest rate than the first mortgage. This can result in higher overall borrowing costs for the borrower. It's essential to carefully consider the long-term financial implications of paying a higher interest rate and assess whether the benefits of avoiding PMI outweigh this added expense.

3. Potential Refinancing Complications

Refinancing a piggyback loan can be more complicated compared to a traditional mortgage. The second-lien holder, who holds the second mortgage, may need to agree to subordinate their position to the primary mortgage lender for the refinancing to proceed. If the borrower cannot refinance, they may be required to pay off the second loan before pursuing a new loan, which can impact their financial plans and goals.

These drawbacks and considerations highlight the importance of carefully evaluating the costs and benefits of a piggyback loan. It is recommended that borrowers consult with a financial advisor to assess their unique situation and determine whether this mortgage strategy aligns with their long-term financial goals.

Requirements for Qualifying for a Piggyback Loan

Qualifying for a piggyback loan can be more challenging than a traditional mortgage. Lenders typically look for a higher credit score, usually in the very good to exceptional range (740–850 FICO range). A lower credit score or a history of late payments may make it difficult to qualify for a piggyback loan. In such cases, an FHA loan may be a better option.

In addition to the credit score, lenders consider the borrower's debt-to-income (DTI) ratio. This ratio should be below 43% and account for both mortgage payments. Lenders want to ensure that borrowers have sufficient income to cover their mortgage obligations and other debts.

Meeting these qualification requirements is essential to being approved for a piggyback loan. Borrowers need to understand their creditworthiness, review their credit reports for accuracy, and take steps to improve their credit if necessary. Additionally, managing existing debts and maintaining a low DTI ratio can enhance the chances of qualifying for a piggyback loan.

Exploring FHA Loans as an Alternative to Piggyback Loans

If borrowers have difficulty meeting the qualification requirements for a piggyback loan, an alternative option is an FHA loan. The Federal Housing Administration (FHA) offers loans with more flexible eligibility criteria, including lower credit score requirements and higher allowable DTI ratios. FHA loans can be a viable choice for individuals who cannot secure a piggyback loan due to credit or income limitations.

  • FHA loans have a minimum credit score requirement 580, although some lenders may have higher requirements.
  • The maximum allowable DTI ratio for an FHA loan is typically 43%, although higher ratios may be considered case-by-case.
  • FHA loans also require mortgage insurance premiums (MIP), but the cost and duration of MIP can vary depending on the loan amount and down payment.

Ultimately, borrowers should carefully evaluate their financial situation, credit profile, and long-term plans before deciding on a piggyback loan or an FHA loan. Consulting with a financial advisor can provide valuable insights and guidance to help borrowers make an informed decision that aligns with their unique circumstances and financial goals.

Final Thoughts and Considerations

Finally, a piggyback loan might help you avoid PMI and save money. By taking out two loans, consumers may cut their primary mortgage interest rate and remove PMI. However, piggyback loan downsides and requirements must be considered.

The higher interest rate on the second mortgage and two loan closing charges might raise borrowing costs. Piggyback loan refinancing may also be challenging. Consult a financial expert before taking out a piggyback loan.

They may tailor advice to your finances and aspirations. Consider if a piggyback loan fits your long-term goals and whether there are other solutions. Piggyback loans may save money, but you must examine the advantages and downsides before choosing one.

SOURCE:
Termination of Conventional Mortgage Insurance
MGIC rate cards
Mortgage Insurance Coverage Requirements

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