Think back to when you financed your home.  Oh, the excitement!  Oh, the paperwork.

One of the things you went through was probably an explanation about Private Mortgage Insurance (PMI).  If you didn’t start with 80% or more equity in your home, you probably are paying PMI in your monthly payment.  If you’ve had the loan for awhile and have earned equity, you may qualify to drop the PMI.

Look at what you owe on the house.  Do you owe less than 80% of what the home is worth?  If you think the answer is ‘Yes’, then call your lender and ask what their procedure is to request the removal of the PMI.  You’ll probably have to get an appraisal but it’s usually well worth it.

Good luck!