PMI Removal & Equity Calculator
Find out when you'll hit 20% equity and can drop PMI — with or without home appreciation.
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When Can You Remove PMI?
Under the Homeowners Protection Act (HPA), lenders must automatically cancel PMI when your balance reaches 78% of the original purchase price. You can request cancellation at 80%. If your home has appreciated significantly, a new appraisal may qualify you earlier.
How to Speed Up PMI Removal
- Make extra principal payments each month
- Request a new appraisal if values have risen (lender may require 2+ years of ownership)
- Refinance if you now have sufficient equity and can get a better rate
- Can my lender refuse to remove PMI at 20% equity?
- For conventional loans, lenders must comply with HPA requirements. However, FHA MIP has different rules — if you put less than 10% down on an FHA loan after June 2013, MIP lasts the life of the loan.
- Does a refinance remove PMI?
- Yes — if you refinance with at least 20% equity, your new loan will not require PMI. However, factor in closing costs (typically 2–5%) against the PMI savings to ensure it's worthwhile.