Yeah, lenders definitely don't make it easy. When I refinanced last year, I thought ditching PMI would be straightforward since my equity was clearly over 20%. Nope... they kept asking for updated statements and even questioned the appraisal. It felt like they were just hoping I'd get tired and stop bothering them. Like you said:
"Honestly, it seems like some lenders count on homeowners being too busy or overwhelmed to push back."
Glad I stuck with it though—those savings really add up over time.
I feel your pain on this one. When I hit the 20% equity mark a couple years back, I thought it'd be a quick call and done deal. Nope... my lender dragged their feet too, kept asking for extra paperwork and even tried to dispute the appraisal numbers. Like you said:
"Honestly, it seems like some lenders count on homeowners being too busy or overwhelmed to push back."
Glad you stuck with it—it's definitely worth the hassle in the long run.
Had a totally different experience here... my lender actually reached out proactively once I hit 22% equity and dropped the PMI automatically. Maybe it's less about lenders being shady and more about individual company policies or even luck of the draw?
That's pretty lucky, actually. I've dealt with lenders who made me jump through hoops—appraisals, paperwork, the whole nine yards—even after clearly hitting the equity threshold. Curious if anyone's had success proactively requesting PMI removal before hitting 22%?
Yeah, lenders can definitely be sticklers about that 22% threshold. Have you checked your lender's specific guidelines on early PMI removal? Some are open to it if you've made significant home improvements or if the local market has boosted your home's value. Usually, they'll require a fresh appraisal (at your expense, unfortunately) and proof of upgrades. It's a bit of a hassle, but if you're confident your equity's there, it might be worth the effort...
