Schedule a time with a Loan Officer
Apply Now

Mortgage Lenders in Raleigh NC

  • Buy A Home
  • Refinance
  • Learning Center
  • About
  • Contact
(919) 238-4934
CALL US TODAY! (919) 238-4934
  • Buy a Home
  • Refinance
  • Learning Center
  • About
  • Contact
  • Buy a Home
  • Refinance
  • Learning Center
  • About
  • Contact

How to cancel Private Mortgage Insurance | Martini Mortgage Group 

February 6, 2023 by Kevin Martini

Some borrowers need a lower down payment and some borrowers choose not to put a significant down payment. Private Mortgage Insurance (PMI) is a powerful tool used to help borrowers buy a home with a down payment less than 20%. Not only does PMI allow one to buy a home with a lower down payment, first-time and repeat homebuyers do not need to have PMI forever — it can either be automatically terminated or a borrower can request cancellation without the need to refinance.  

Homeowners Protection Act (HPA)

As a primer, lenders view an 80% loan-to-value (which is a 20% down payment) as a standard for making a mortgage for a borrower.  This 20% equity position was established to ensure the borrower has sufficient interest in the property to make timely payments and in the event the borrower was not able to make payments, there would be sufficient equity to cover the foreclosure costs. 

PMI was created to mitigate this risk for a lender when a borrower needed or wanted to put less than 20% down at time of mortgage origination. Over time, equity is accumulated through amortization and home appreciation and an 80% loan-to-value is established.  When this 80% loan-to-value is secured, PMI is truly no longer needed since it does not provide any material protection to the lender and does not benefit the borrower.  

Prior to July 1999, it was close to impossible to cancel or terminate PMI.  Courtesy of the Home Protection Act (a.k.a. HPA or PMI Cancellation Act) the framework was established on when and how PMI could be canceled or terminated. 

PMI Cancellation for Conforming Loans

Conforming Loans (a.k.a. Agency Loans or Conventional Loans) meet the Fannie Mae or Freddie Mac guidelines to include loan limits.  Conforming loans are covered under the HPA and one can petition to request to cancel PMI when you have reached and 80% loan-to-value based the original value (i.e. the price paid for the home or the appraised value, whichever is less). 

Per the HPA, all cancelation requests must be submitted in writing to the loan servicer. The loan servicer must take action to cancel if: the principal balance is scheduled to reach 80% of the original value based on initial amortization schedule or actual payments; the borrower has a good payment history (i.e. no 60-day lates or more in the first 12-months of the last 24-months prior to cancellation petition date and has not made a payment that was 30-days  or more past due within 12-months of cancelation petition date); evidence the value of the collateral has not declined, at the borrowers expense; and evidence the current collateral is not subject to subordinate liens. 

If the value of a home has increased since closing, you may be able to cancel your PMI early based on the current value and current balance.  Your loan servicer will likely require evidence of the value increase, at the borrowers expense.  The method of validating the collateral will be determined by the the loan servicer and may be in the form of Broker Price Opinion (BPO) or full appraisal. 

IMPORTANT: in addition to HPA, the loan investor may also have seasoning requirements and/or cancellation requirements.  Consult you PMI Disclosure provided at closing or contact your loan servicer for a copy. 

PMI Termination for Conforming Loans

Your PMI will automatically be removed at a certain point.  That point is once the borrowers loan balance is at 78% or the original amount borrowed.

Refinance to remove PMI

For some not all, a refinancing strategy is the best way to remove PMI.  Consult with a Mortgage Strategist with the Martini Mortgage Group to discuss this advanced strategy

Certified Mortgage Advisor and Raleigh Mortgage Broker Kevin Martini Summary

•Private Mortgage Insurance (PMI) is a powerful tool used to help borrowers buy a home with less than 20% down payment.

• The Home Protection Act (HPA) established the framework when and how PMI can be cancelled or terminated. 

• Conforming Loans are covered under the HPA and one can petition to request cancellation of PMI when they have reached an 80% loan-to-value based on original value. 

• If the value of a home has increased since closing, it may be possible for early termination of PMI subject to lender requirements.  

• Automatic removal occurs once loan balance reaches 78%. 

• Refinancing may also be an option for some in order to remove Private Mortgage Insurance (PMI).

certified mortgage advisor kevin martini

Filed Under: Homeowners Protection Act, Kevin Martini, Mortgage, PMI, PMI Cancellation, PMI Termination, Private Mortgage Insurance, Refinance Tagged With: Certified Mortgage Advisor, Homeowners Protection Act, How to cancel Private Mortgage Insurance, Kevin Martini, Martini Mortgage Group, PMI, PMI Cancellation, PMI Termination, Raleigh Mortgage Broker

What is “APR” and why does it matter?

August 17, 2022 by Kevin Martini

What is “APR” (Annual Percentage Rate), when is it useful and when is it not useful? 

APR is simply one of many measurement of the cost of your loan and it may not be the most accurate measurement in your situation since it is calculated a borrower will  pay over the life of the mortgage term. 

Kevin Martini, Certified Mortgage Advisor

WHAT IS APR?

The federal government requires all Raleigh mortgage lenders to disclose the “annual percentage rate” (APR) whenever they advertise a loan program. APR is calculated by adding some of the costs you pay at closing to the total interest that you’ll pay over the life of the mortgage. An annual interest rate, (a.k.a. APR) is then calculated based on that total number. 

What included in APR calculation?

 Origination Charges and Points, Processing and Underwriting Fees, Mortgage Insurance (monthly and upfront), Closing Agent Fees Retained by Mortgage Company, or Closing Fees in Excess of What You’d Be Charged if You Paid Cash, Tax-related Service Fees, Administrative and Wire Transfer Fees, Pre-paid Interest

What is NOT included in APR calculation?

Application Fees, Appraisal Fees, Credit Report Fees, Title Fees & Title Insurance, Pest or Flood Hazard Inspection Fees, Stamp and Transfer Taxes, Pre-paid Escrows for Taxes, and Insurance

WHEN IS APR USEFUL?

When you’re trying to compare two loan programs that may have different interest rates and/or closing cost scenarios, APR can help you turn the scenarios into an “apples-for-apples” comparison. For example, if one loan has a higher interest rate and lower closing costs, is that a better deal than another loan program with a lower interest rate and higher closing costs? Comparing the APR on both programs may be useful in that scenario.

WHEN IS APR NOT USEFUL?

The main problem with APR is that it doesn’t take into account how long you will keep the mortgage. Most people don’t keep the same mortgage for its entire term of 30-years. Chances are that you’ll probably refinance or sell your home at some point before the loan ends in 30-years. Therefore, when you compare your mortgage options, it’s probably smarter for you to look at what your total costs will be over 5, 7 or even 10 years vs. focusing entirely on comparing the APR. Remember, APR is simply one measurement of the cost of your loan and it may not be the most accurate measurement in your situation.

CERTIFIED MORTGAGE ADVISOR KEVIN MARTINI BOTTOM LINE 

Your mortgage is most likely your single largest debt, and your home is most likely your single largest investment. APR may not be the proper metric to measure is you have the lowest cost of borrowing. The best way to avoid traps and make smart choices is to work with a Certified Mortgage Advisor with the Martini Mortgage Group. Contact us so we can get started!

Filed Under: Annual Percentage Rate, APR, Buy a Home, Home Loan Rates, Home Loans, Mortgage, Mortgage Rates, Raleigh Tagged With: Annual Percentage Rate, APR, Certified Mortgage Advisor, Kevin Martini, Mortgage Tips, Raleigh Mortgage Broker, Raleigh Mortgage Lender

Your home search, things to consider.

March 28, 2022 by Kevin Martini

The first step to homeownership is the home loan and the second step is go find your home after you have price and cost clarity of the mortgage.  After getting approved for the mortgage and before the start of the home search one needs to create a list of  ‘must haves’, ‘should haves’ and ‘absolute with list’ with their real estate professional.  

Raleigh mortgage lender and Certified Mortgage Advisor Kevin Martin discusses your home search, things to consider in episode 135 of the Martini Mortgage Podcast.

A super easy & secure
mobile friendly application experience

Your homeownership experience starts here.

Click Here To Get Started

Transcript of Martini Mortgage Podcast (Episode 135)

There is no question, buying a home is a process not an event.  The process is not painful if you follow the proper steps.  The process always starts with getting approved for you home loan with a Certified Mortgage Advisor not with finding your home.   It is not just nice but required to have price and cost clarity about your home loan before you fall in love with a home.  

My name is Kevin Martini and I am not just a Raleigh mortgage lender, I am a Certified Mortgage Advisor with the Martini Mortgage Group which is located in Raleigh, North Carolina and I help families looking for the right mortgage strategy in all 100 counties of North Carolina and in many states across the U.S. 

Thank you for tuning into episode 136 of the Martini Mortgage Podcast.  I am calling this episode,  your home search, things to consider.

So, you are starting to look for a home.  There is no question that looking for a home today is materially different than when my parents purchased their first home and heck, it is very different from when I purchased my first home.  

When my wife and I purchased our first home it was 1991.  Now there was no internet like we know it today.  So no portal like Zillow or no portal like realtor.com — there was no custom search that my real estate agent could set me up with.  If there was she would have to have fax it to my wife and I.   So the question you must be asking is how the heck did we find our home?

You see,  back then, once a week my real estate agent would get a book that was maybe about an inch thick.  It showed all the listings…each page had about 4 or 5 listings.  I came out on Wednesday.  I recall that day of the week vividly  because we would know that Wednesday evening or Thursday was the day we need to preview the hot new listings.  Now sometimes my agent knew of an office listing so she used my beeper.  

OH MY GOSH am I old or what, I bet some people listening right now do not even know what a beeper is!  Let me share there was a beeper code that was used after a number — so when my agents number popped up and it was followed by a 911 that meant you best find a germ infested payphone and dumped a quarter into it and call your agent turbo fast.  OH MY GOSH AGAIN, I bet some listening have not ever used a pay phone — now I am really feeling old….however…being old beats the alternative!

Seriously some old school techniques that my wife, Ronni and  I created are timeless in todays digital world.  Ronni and I learned very quickly there really was not a need to see every house that hit the market — it was our job to educate our trusted real estate agent with what our wants were and what our needs were.   

It sounds supper simple doesn’t it? We made sure that our Realtor knew first our primary search area and secondary search area.  Then we made sure our Realtor truly understood our needs and wants.  Yes there is a difference between a need and a want.

It is my opinion and the opinion of my real estate partners that I partner that it is  REALLY important to know what you are looking for when you start your home search.  Now many can argue what the first step of your home search should be…I believe the first step is know that you are buyer able and to have clarity of the economics before you start determining what you need or want in a home.  

YES, before you log on to one of the many real estate sites like Zillow or Trulia, knowing first what you can afford AND knowing what you can afford fits into your personal family budget is not just nice but required in my opinion.  

At the Martini Mortgage Group we believe that pre-qualification letters are nice but irrelevant that is why, with the families we serve we get them pre-approved.  When you are pre-approved it is like making a ‘same-as—cash’ offer.

Can you imagine the pain of walking into a house that you simply love however you find out that it is out of your qualification zone?  

I have seen this happen and it is painful for a family.  Sure, buying a home is a process not an event however the process does not need to be painful it can actually be an amazing process and there is material value to know before you owe.  

An added benefit to understanding and having clarity of the economics is you will see all the homes that match your price point and when you fall in love with the right place that meets your needs and wants you will be able to communicate to the Seller that you are not just ready and willing…you are able! Sharing that you are able is exactly what a specific pre-approval letter from the Martini Mortgage Group at PCL Financial does.  

Now I have mentioned the term needs and wants a lot during this episode.  Here is a news flash……it is very rare that the home you select will check off all of your wants and needs.

There is no question…I would love to have a home theater with a comfortable couch and a popcorn machine.  Perhaps you may want a kitchen with a farm sink in your new home just like the one you saw on Pinterest last week.  Now do I really need to have a home theater and do you really need to have a farm sink to be happy in your home — the answer is no.  If you have been listening to the Martini Mortgage Podcast you know that I believe it does not matter how big the house is,  it is all about how happy the home is.  

I think the number one cause of money stress is when expenses exceed income.  To help relieve this stress for you and your family is why I believe the first step in your home buying process should be to get pre-approved for your mortgage.  

So what is the next step? Step number two is to list all the features of a home that you would like  and to qualify them as follows:

  1. Must haves 
  2. Should haves
  3. Absolute-Wish List 

Let me define each of them for you.

What is a ‘Must Haves’ — if the home does not have these items, then it shouldn’t even be considered. For example, if you want to  have a commute no more than 20 minutes to work then you should not even look at homes that are 40 minutes from work.  If you need a first floor master, then there is no reason to look at homes where all the bedrooms are on the 2nd floor.  Does this make sense?

Then there is the ‘Should Haves’ – if and only if the property hits all of the ‘Must Haves’ — an example of the should have to me would be a split floor plan or an open kitchen. 

Finally, there is the ‘Absolute-Wish List’ – if you find a property in your budget that has your Musts and Shoulds and then has bonus features that you dreamed about  it is a winner.  An example would be the movie theater I spoke about earlier.  

Here is the Kevin Martini bottom line.  

Being ready and willing to buy a home is irrelevant unless you are able.  Know your options and get pre-approved.  If you are looking to call home in the Triangle of North Carolina or anywhere in North Carolina then the Martini Mortgage Group at PCL Financial  can help.  No let us say you live in Texas or Florida or California or South Carolina  or anywhere in the U.S. — you need to know that the Martini Mortgage Group has a community of trusted mortgage professionals so,  simply give me a call and I will help you and your family.

After you are pre-approved and before you start the search it would behoove you to have a you must-haves and your should haves prepped…this will save you time and a ton of frustration. 

It is as simple as this…get approved and have a laser focus on the economics first. Think about this for a hot second…when you purchased your car, did you buy your car based on the price on the window sticker or did you buy it based on the monthly payment you would have to make.  

When you work with a Certified Mortgage Strategist we can reverse engineer you desired payment into a price point.  Then you communicate that price point to your realtor by deploying this reverse engineering  and being transparent with your Realtor, you will see all home within your price range and you will never fall in love  with a home that is outside your comfort zone.  

Here is a crazy audio nugget, it is not what you qualify for, it is what you are comfortable paying every month.

Now that the economics are taken care of, it is critical to understand you what you home needs to have and what you want you home to have. 

Thank you for tuning in and remember our family is your family lender.  

In closing, getting qualified and ultimately approved for the right home loan and getting mortgage for your home is NOT like shopping for the lowest priced gas for your car. 

Listen, every mortgage company secures the money from the same source so everyone at the end of the day has the same mortgage rates however not everyone provides trusted advice with a secure digital mortgage platform that provides certainty like the Martini Mortgage Group provides.  In addition, our job is not done after closing since it is our obligation, duty and responsibility to manage your mortgage for you after closing.

Thank you for tuning in to episode 136 of the Martini Mortgage Podcast which is called your home search, things to consider.

Thank you in advance for sharing this episode with someone you care about that may benefit from its contact.

Remember this, it is never too soon to explore your homeownership options…it is never too late to explore your homeownership options either.  If homeownership is right for you and your family then know this…the first step is always the loan not the home.  

There is never a substitute for having price and cost clarity before you start looking for a home. Get pre-approved before your home search not just pre-qualified!  To a seller a pre-qualification says you are just ready and willing whereas a pre-approval with a Certified Mortgage Advisor with the Martini Group says you are ready, willing and able.  It also communicates to the seller you are making a ‘same-as-cash’ offer and that is important to share in any market, especially in a tight real estate market like we are in today.

If you want trusted advice with a digital mortgage process that offer a great rate with certainty check out my website by going to: www.MartiniMortgageGroup.com – you can find some real world information in the learning center  and you can also securely apply online or book an appointment with me.

Now it is time for the disclaimer: 

This material has been prepared for marketing purposes only. This is not a loan commitment or guarantee of any kind. Loan approval and rate are dependent upon borrower credit, collateral, financial history, and program availability at time of origination. Rates and terms are subject to change without notice. The Martini Mortgage Group at PCL Financial is a division of Celebrity Home Loans, NMLS # 227765 with a Branch address of 507 N Blount St Raleigh, North Carolina 27604. You can contract Certified Mortgage Advisor and Producing Branch Manager, Kevin Martini NMLS# 143962 by calling the Branch and that number is 919.238.4934. For a full list and more licensing information please visit: www.NMLSConsumerAccess.org or by visiting www.MartiniMortgageGroup.com – Equal Housing Lender

Filed Under: Mortgage Podcast, Real Estate, Real Estate Podcast, Uncategorized Tagged With: Buying a home, Certified Mortgage Advisor, Hoem Search, Kevin Martini, Mortgage Podcast, Podcast, Raleigh, Raleigh Mortgage Broker, Raleigh Mortgage Lender, Real Estate, Real Estate Podcast, Things to Consider when Buying a Home

    Contact Form


    to Terms of Use | Privacy Policy | TCPA Consent * By submitting you agree to our Privacy Policy, Online Policy, TCPA Disclosure & Consent for SMS/Texting. Msg/data rates may apply. This consent applies even if you are on a corporate, state or national Do Not Call list. By checking this box, you expressly consent that Martini Mortgage Group may call, text and email you about your inquiry. This may involve the use of automated means and prerecorded/artificial voices. This consent is not a condition to purchase any products or services. You are providing express written consent under the Telephone Consumer Protection Act (TCPA) to be contacted by Martini Mortgage Group. You may revoke this consent at any time by replying 'STOP' to any text message you receive or by contacting us at +1(919) 238-4934.

    Quick Links
    • Buy A Home
    • Refinance
    • Learning Center
    • Contact
    • About
    • Blog
    • Apply Now
    Loan Options
    • Conventional
    • FHA
    • VA
    • Jumbo
    • Reverse Mortgages
    • Cash-out Refinance
    • First Time Home Buyers
    • Bank Statement Loans
    • USDA
    • DSCR
    Resources
    • Home Purchase Qualifier
    • Refinance Analysis
    • Search Homes For Sale
    • Home Value Estimate
    • Mortgage Calculator
    • Mortgage Process
    • FAQs
    • Living in Raleigh
    • Podcast
    Contact
    • Martini Mortgage Group
      507 N Blount St
      Raleigh, NC 27604
    • Find us on Google

    • Phone: (919) 238-4934
    • NMLS# 143962
    Martini Mortgage Group at Gold Star Mortgage Financial Group

    Copyright © Martini Mortgage Group | All Rights Reserved.
    Terms of Use | Privacy Policy

    FacebookTwitterLinkedinYoutubeInstagram
    Equal Housing Lender

    Martini Mortgage Group at Gold Star Mortgage Financial Group, Corporation | NMLS # 3446 | For licensing information go to: www.nmlsConsumerAccess.org and/or www.GoldStarFinancial.com Please review our Disclosures & Licensing information | Gold Star Mortgage Financial Group Corporation has no affiliation with the US Department of Housing and Urban Development, the US Department of Veterans Affairs, the US Department of Agriculture or any other government agency. Equal Housing Lender. For further information about Gold Star Mortgage Financial Group, Corporation, please visit our website at www.GoldStarFinancial.com. Receipt of application does not represent an approval for financing or interest rate guarantee. Applicant subject to credit, acceptable appraisal, title, and underwriting approval. Not all applicants will be approved. Other terms and conditions apply. Contact Gold Star Mortgage Financial Group, Corporation for more information and up-to-date rates.

      Contact Form


      to Terms of Use | Privacy Policy | TCPA Consent * By submitting you agree to our Privacy Policy, Online Policy, TCPA Disclosure & Consent for SMS/Texting. Msg/data rates may apply. This consent applies even if you are on a corporate, state or national Do Not Call list. By checking this box, you expressly consent that Martini Mortgage Group may call, text and email you about your inquiry. This may involve the use of automated means and prerecorded/artificial voices. This consent is not a condition to purchase any products or services. You are providing express written consent under the Telephone Consumer Protection Act (TCPA) to be contacted by Martini Mortgage Group. You may revoke this consent at any time by replying 'STOP' to any text message you receive or by contacting us at +1(919) 238-4934.

      Copyright © 2025 · Martini Mortgage Group on Genesis Framework · WordPress · Log in