Capital Briefs: Mortgage Insurance Bill Introduced in House

Mortgage servicers would be required to notify borrowers annually of their right to cancel private mortgage insurance under a bill introduced by Rep. Jim Hansen.

The Utah Republican said few homeowners know they can terminate their private mortgage coverage once they have sufficient equity.

Rep. Hansen's bill would amend the Truth-in-Lending Act to require mortgage servicers to disclose cancellation terms and procedures as part of annual loan statements.

Private mortgage insurance is ordinarily required of homebuyers who can't afford a down payment of at least 20%. Coverage generally costs between $50 and $100 monthly.

Rep. Hansen complained that mortgage servicers neglect to tell customers coverage can be dropped easily once 20% equity is built up. "PMI is a big money-maker," he told lawmakers when he introduced the bill June 3 on the House floor. "It's time to stop sticking it to hardworking homeowners."

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