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    3. Piggyback Loan (80/10/10)
    Conventional

    Piggyback Loan (80/10/10)

    "Skip PMI with a smart structure."

    Combine a first mortgage with a second mortgage to avoid PMI, even with less than 20% down. The 80/10/10 structure saves you money every month.

    3%

    Min Down

    680+

    Min Credit

    $766,550

    Max Loan

    Calculate My SavingsTalk to a Loan Officer
    Last reviewed: January 2026 · CMS Mortgage Editorial Team

    Is This Loan Right for You?

    This Loan is Perfect If You...

    • Have 10-15% down payment available
    • Want to avoid paying PMI entirely
    • Have good credit (680+ score)
    • Comfortable managing two loan payments
    • Want maximum tax deduction flexibility

    This Might NOT Be Right If...

    • Have less than 10% down payment
    • Prefer simplicity of a single loan
    • Credit score below 680
    • Planning to pay down mortgage quickly

    Piggyback Loan (80/10/10) Benefits

    Everything you need to know about your benefits

    No PMI

    Skip private mortgage insurance entirely by keeping first mortgage at 80% LTV

    Monthly Savings

    Save $183+/month compared to a single loan with PMI

    Better First Rate

    80% LTV qualifies you for the best first mortgage rates available

    HELOC Flexibility

    Use a HELOC for flexible access to your home equity

    Pay Off Second Early

    Aggressively pay down the second mortgage to save on interest

    Tax Advantages

    Both loan interest payments may be tax deductible (consult CPA)

    How It Works

    Your path to homeownership in just a few simple steps

    1

    Calculate Your Structure

    Determine your down payment amount and choose the right piggyback structure (80/10/10, 80/15/5, or 80/5/15).

    2

    Get Approved for Both

    Apply for simultaneous approval of both first and second mortgages with coordinated underwriting.

    3

    Close Together

    Both loans close at the same time with one closing appointment—streamlined and efficient.

    4

    Manage Two Payments

    Pay your first and second mortgages separately each month. Set up autopay for convenience.

    1

    Calculate Your Structure

    Determine your down payment amount and choose the right piggyback structure (80/10/10, 80/15/5, or 80/5/15).

    2

    Get Approved for Both

    Apply for simultaneous approval of both first and second mortgages with coordinated underwriting.

    3

    Close Together

    Both loans close at the same time with one closing appointment—streamlined and efficient.

    4

    Manage Two Payments

    Pay your first and second mortgages separately each month. Set up autopay for convenience.

    Types of Piggyback Loan (80/10/10)

    Choose the option that fits your situation

    80/10/10

    80% first mortgage, 10% second mortgage, 10% down payment. The classic piggyback structure for buyers with 10% down.

    80/15/5

    80% first mortgage, 15% second mortgage, only 5% down. Requires less cash upfront for buyers with limited savings.

    80/5/15

    80% first mortgage, 5% second mortgage, 15% down. Minimizes second mortgage costs for buyers with more down payment.

    Important to Know

    Things to Consider

    A reverse mortgage is a significant financial decision. Here's what you should understand before proceeding.

    Two Payments

    You will have two separate monthly payments to two different servicers. Set up autopay for both to avoid missed payments.

    Higher Combined Rate

    The second mortgage rate is typically higher than the first. Run the math to ensure savings vs PMI makes sense for you.

    HELOC Rate Risk

    If you choose a HELOC, the rate can adjust over time. Consider a fixed second if rate stability matters to you.

    HUD-approved counseling is required to ensure you fully understand these factors before proceeding.

    0

    Monthly Cost Comparison

    Single Loan + PMIPiggyback 80/10/10(This loan)
    First Mortgage$450,000$400,000
    Second Mortgage—$50,000
    Monthly P&I (1st)$2,994$2,661
    Monthly P&I (2nd)—$375
    Monthly PMI$225$0 ✓
    Total Payment$3,219$3,036 ✓
    Monthly Savings—$183/month

    * Rates and terms subject to change. Contact us for current offers.

    FAQ

    Frequently Asked Questions

    Common questions about Piggyback Loan (80/10/10)

    Last updated: May 12, 2026

    What is a piggyback loan?

    A piggyback loan combines two mortgages taken out at the same time to avoid PMI. The most common structure is 80/10/10: an 80% first mortgage, a 10% second mortgage, and a 10% down payment. Since the first mortgage is only 80% LTV, no PMI is required.

    Is a piggyback loan better than paying PMI?

    Usually yes, if you have good credit (680+). PMI can cost $150-$300/month and provides no benefit to you—it protects the lender. A piggyback structure eliminates PMI entirely, and the interest on the second mortgage may be tax-deductible. Run the numbers for your specific situation.

    What credit score do I need for a piggyback loan?

    Most lenders require a 680+ credit score for piggyback loans. The second mortgage lender is taking on more risk, so requirements are slightly higher than a standard first mortgage. Higher scores get better rates on both loans.

    Yes! Many borrowers aggressively pay down the second mortgage first since it typically has the higher interest rate. Once paid off, you are left with just the first mortgage at a great rate. Most second mortgages have no prepayment penalties.
    A HELOC (Home Equity Line of Credit) has a variable rate and works like a credit card—draw what you need, pay interest only on what you use. A fixed second has a locked rate and fixed monthly payment. Choose a HELOC for flexibility or a fixed second for predictability.
    Compare all loan types — Read our comprehensive mortgage guide
    Read the Compare GuideSee how Piggyback Loan (80/10/10) stacks up against other mortgage options
    Compare All Programs Side-by-SideDrop Piggyback Loan (80/10/10) next to up to 2 others and compare requirements line by line

    Get Rate Drop Alerts

    We'll notify you instantly when rates drop to your target.

    Get Started with Piggyback Loan (80/10/10) See Today's Rates
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    Skip PMI. Keep Your Money.

    See if a piggyback structure works for you

    Calculate My SavingsTalk to a Loan Officer

    Or call us directly: (757) 558-2603

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