PMI Group, the nation’s leading private mortgage insurer, has removed 105 markets effective June 18, including some of the nation’s largest, from its Distressed Markets List. Homebuyers in those markets will find it easier and less expensive to obtain mortgage insurance.

In a sign that conditions are improving for lenders and insurers, PMI removed Los Angeles, San Diego, Chicago, Boston, Seattle, Indianapolis, New York City and Washington, DC. Some 56 markets remain on the list, including Baltimore, Detroit, Oakland, Sacramento and New Haven.

Borrowers who don’t have enough cash for a 20 percent down payment are generally require to take out private mortgage insurance can’t get a home loan without it.

For borrowers who have to carry private mortgage insurance, buying in a distressed market can cost them an additional five percent down. PMI will only insure up to 90 percent of mortgage loans in distressed markets. That means buyers have to put 10 percent down instead of 5 percent down.

Many of the markets losing their distressed designation have been on the distressed list two years or more, and the down payment savings could be an important factor for first-time buyers.