For many people, the hardest part of buying a home is saving enough for the down payment. Mortgage insurance can enable you to buy a home without having to invest as much money in the beginning. Without mortgage insurance, millions of today's homeowners would still be renting.

Traditionally, mortgage lenders required a down payment of at least 20%. Then, insurance providers like Radian began offering mortgage insurance (or MI, as it's often called). With MI, a borrower can put down as little as 5% – and in some cases, even less.

What is MI used for?

Mortgage insurance protects the bank or lending institution if the homeowner stops making mortgage payments. When the unpaid principal balance of your loan reaches 80% of the home's original value, you can request cancellation of your MI.

Put less money down.

Saving a 20% down payment can take a long time. With MI, you can qualify for a mortgage with less money up front.

More flexibility.

Many homebuyers who could put 20% down prefer to use their money in other ways. MI helps them do that.

© 2005 Radian Group Inc.
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