When is a piggyback loan most commonly used?

A piggyback loan is most commonly used when a borrower wants to avoid mortgage insurance. This type of loan involves taking out a second mortgage that is used in conjunction with the first mortgage to finance a home purchase. Typically, the first mortgage covers a percentage of the home’s purchase price, while the second one, or piggyback loan, covers the rest up to the required down payment. By using a second loan instead of making a larger down payment, borrowers can keep their first mortgage under 80% of the home's value, allowing them to avoid private mortgage insurance (PMI), which can add significant monthly costs to a mortgage payment. This strategy is particularly attractive for those who may not have enough cash to put down 20% but still want to minimize their overall insurance costs.

The other options relate to scenarios where piggyback loans are less common or less relevant. Refinancing typically involves restructuring an existing loan rather than utilizing a second loan simultaneously. Buying a vacation home may not necessarily require a piggyback loan, as the need for a second mortgage would depend on the individual financial situation of the buyer and the specific loan products available. Moreover, needing a higher loan amount than the first mortgage limit reflects a potential scenario where additional borrowing is