Which organization typically requires private mortgage insurance when the loan-to-value ratio is high?

When a loan-to-value (LTV) ratio is high, lenders typically require private mortgage insurance (PMI) to mitigate their risk. The LTV ratio is a measurement that compares the amount of the loan to the appraised value of the property. When this ratio exceeds 80%, it indicates that the borrower has less than 20% equity in the property, which can be seen as a higher risk for lenders. Since borrowers are more likely to default on loans with low equity, lenders require PMI as a safeguard. This insurance protects them against potential losses if the borrower defaults on the mortgage.

State governments and financial regulators have roles in overseeing lending practices and ensuring consumer protection, but they do not directly require PMI. Additionally, while borrowers can be responsible for paying PMI, the requirement itself is initiated by lenders, not borrowers. Thus, it is the lending institutions that enforce the requirement of PMI in situations where LTV ratios signal increased risk. This understanding is critical for mortgage loan officers when advising clients about financing options and the implications of their loan-to-value ratios.