Math & Measurement

    Loan-to-Value Ratio (LTV)

    The ratio of the loan amount to the property value, used to size a loan and to decide whether PMI applies.

    Loan-to-value is the loan amount divided by the property value, expressed as a percentage. Lenders use it to measure risk. When the appraised value and the sale price differ, the lender uses the lower of the two.

    On a conventional loan, an LTV above 80 percent generally requires private mortgage insurance. A 20 percent down payment produces an 80 percent LTV and avoids PMI.

    On the exam

    LTV equals loan divided by value. When given both an appraised value and a sale price, use the lower number unless the question says otherwise.

    Worked example

    A 252,000 dollar loan on a 280,000 dollar value is a 90 percent LTV, so PMI applies.

    Exam trap

    Use the lower of appraised value and sale price for the denominator. Using the higher number inflates the loan the lender will make.

    Tested in

    Computations and Closing (6% of the exam)

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    This definition is Florida real estate exam-prep education, not legal, tax, or professional advice. Verify current rules against the official source before relying on them for a real transaction. Back to the full glossary.