How do I avoid PMI?

The classic way is putting 20% down on a conventional loan. You can also avoid monthly PMI with lender-paid PMI (a slightly higher rate), an 80-10-10 piggyback second mortgage, or a VA loan, which never charges it.

Each route trades off differently — a higher rate, a second payment, or eligibility requirements. We'll compare the true cost of each so you avoid PMI without overpaying elsewhere.

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