When You Need Private Mortgage Insurance Posted By : Craig Elliott One of the biggest loans that most people in the United States take on during their lifetime is a for their house. Our system generally calls for a down payment of some type followed by a loan to cover the remainder of the house cost. The Mortgage Beginner Guide Private mortgage insurance is usually required by the lender when the buyer puts down less than 20% of the sale price of the home he or she may wish to buy. Looking for a home mortgage usually involves you, your money, and a bank officer or a mortgage broker. So what's the big deal? You ask. The end result is the same - you get a mortgage; you get a new house. But these two job types are different and it is important that you at least understand that difference.