PMI Removal Appraisals in Gilbert and the Phoenix Metro

Your home may be worth more than when you bought it. Find out if PMI can go. Full appraisals starting at $500 · Desktop $150 (only if your servicer accepts it) · About 5 business days.

Firebird Appraisals & Consulting · Gabe Trevizo, Arizona license 22146 · VA designated appraiser · over 20 years appraising Valley homes · Gilbert-based, serving the Phoenix metro and Pinal County (Apache Junction, Maricopa, Casa Grande, San Tan Valley) · USPAP-compliant · fee never depends on value

If you put less than 20% down on a conventional loan, you’re likely paying private mortgage insurance (PMI). PMI protects the lender, not you. As your balance falls and your value grows, many servicers will consider cancelling it based on a new appraisal.

How PMI removal generally works

Every servicer has its own rules — always call your servicer first.
– Automatic termination: for most conventional loans, federal law ends PMI once the balance is scheduled to reach a set percentage of the original value, if you’re current.
– Borrower-requested cancellation: usually available earlier at a lower LTV based on original value, with payment-history requirements.
– Based on current value: where an appraisal comes in. Servicers often require minimum seasoning, on-time payments and no other liens. Thresholds depend on your loan and investor (e.g., Fannie Mae/Freddie Mac).

FHA is different. FHA MIP follows HUD rules and an appraisal alone usually won’t remove it; some borrowers refinance to conventional instead. Ask your lender.

Full or desktop for PMI?

Most servicers specify the report type and many order through their own vendor. Ask before you order: Do you accept an independent appraisal? Which form (full, exterior or desktop)? What LTV and seasoning? Desktop ($150) is only an option if your servicer explicitly accepts it; otherwise choose the full appraisal (starting at $500). A desktop can also be a low-cost way to check whether you’re near the threshold before pursuing cancellation — confirm with your servicer whether they’d accept it for the actual request.

Step by step

1. Call your servicer and get their requirements in writing
2. Estimate: balance ÷ realistic value — if you’re close, an appraisal may pay off
3. Order the way your servicer requires; send us their instructions (form, intended user)
4. Inspection (full appraisals): we measure and note updates and condition
5. Report in about 5 business days
6. Servicer decides on cancellation

Give your home the best chance

List improvements with dates (remodels, flooring, roof, HVAC, windows, pool, solar — owned/leased); fix small visible issues; make the garage, attic hatch, yard and casita accessible; share HOA info; be home to answer questions. No appraisal can guarantee a number.

Is it worth it?

Compare your monthly PMI to the appraisal fee and how long you’ll keep the loan. We can’t predict your value beforehand, but we’re glad to explain the process.

FAQ

Can I hire Firebird directly? If your servicer accepts independent appraisals, yes.
What if the value isn’t high enough? Keep paying down the balance or ask your servicer about trying later.
Does it work for FHA MIP? Usually not by itself.
Cost? Full starting at $500; desktop $150 where accepted.

Get a quote

Request a Quote → (address, purpose, effective date, intended users, deadline) · Call 602-312-9571 · Email Orders@firebirdappraisals.com

Related: Non-Lender Appraisals · Refinance · VA & FHA · FAQ