"Mortgage Yoga" - MI Balancing Act
Wed Dec 17 2025
Many homebuyers stretch and twist themselves into painful positions trying to save 20% down — and listing agents often (incorrectly) view down payment size as a measure of a buyer’s qualification. In this episode, Louis Chinappi of Arch MI explains why low-down payment loans with private mortgage insurance (PMI) can be a smart homebuying strategy. Louis breaks down what mortgage insurance really is, how PMI pricing works, and how homebuyers can balance cash on hand vs. monthly payment to improve affordability and opportunity cost. We discuss how MI can be a tool to help balance the scale of monthly payment vs. available cash — keeping reserves to strengthen offers, cover appraisal gaps, or handle renovations and repairs. If you think PMI is a deal-breaker, this episode may change your mind.
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Many homebuyers stretch and twist themselves into painful positions trying to save 20% down — and listing agents often (incorrectly) view down payment size as a measure of a buyer’s qualification. In this episode, Louis Chinappi of Arch MI explains why low-down payment loans with private mortgage insurance (PMI) can be a smart homebuying strategy. Louis breaks down what mortgage insurance really is, how PMI pricing works, and how homebuyers can balance cash on hand vs. monthly payment to improve affordability and opportunity cost. We discuss how MI can be a tool to help balance the scale of monthly payment vs. available cash — keeping reserves to strengthen offers, cover appraisal gaps, or handle renovations and repairs. If you think PMI is a deal-breaker, this episode may change your mind.