All lenders have to disclose how this procedure is going to work but for the most part it goes like this. You have to have PMI until you get 20% equity in the home. I always advise people to watch their payment amortization schedule and start contacting the lender and bugging them when you hit that number. They are supposed to drop it automatically once you hit 20%. If you feel like your property has gone up in value, you can get an appraisal done to prove you have attained the 20% number. You don't HAVE to get an appraisal but sometimes it's worth it to get out of paying PMI.
LoneStarBQ
Fightin' Texas Aggie Band Class of 89
Midland, TX