Removing PMI / Home Assesment

[Christian Gibbs]

Hello BP family!-

We have had our condo in Oceanside for almost 2 years now and the value according to Redfin and some comps in the neighborhood have increased the value of the condo by at least $80,000 ( rough assessment ). 

We put 12% down on the property at a 5.99% rate and contribute another $120 or so every month towards the principle. 

We have a PMI of $250 a month and I'd love to get rid of it.

I contacted the bank for a request for PMI to be lifted and they denied it.

They said I could order an assessment of the house through them and then if house / condo come up with enough gained equity then it might be possible .

Does anyone know the best first initial steps to order a home assessment ?

Should I order it independently or go through the bank as they instructed?

I do have stocks that I could liquidate to throw at the principle but they have been performing great lately and I’d rather use those funds down the road as another down payment on a future property.

Any advice appreciated 

Christian