In the state of Pennsylvania, PMI (Private Mortgage Insurance) is required for any home buyers possessing less than 80% equity in their home. Recently, I purchased a home using a state mortgage program for first-time home buyers through the PHFA. The purchase price of the home was $225,000 and I made a down payment of the minimum amount permitted by my mortgage (3%). Since I own less than 20% equity in my home, each month I'm required to pay an extra $100, added on to my mortgage payment, for PMI, to cover the insurance company's ass in the event that I default on my loan. However, once I have built up 20% equity in my home, I can request that the PMI be removed, which will mean I'll have an extra $100 each month to spend on heroin.

This page documents the money which I am putting into various home improvements to raise the property value of the house, thereby bringing me closer to satisfying the criteria to have the PMI payments removed from my mortgage.

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Waterguard® during installation, before concrete was poured:

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Trench-Drain® by the basement door:
Flood-Ring® for water heater

Triple-Safe® Sump pump

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