What is FHA Mortgage Insurance?

FHA Mortgage Insurance is a type of insurance required for all FHA loans. It comes in two forms:

• Upfront Mortgage Insurance Premium (UFMIP): This is a one-time fee paid at closing, usually 1.75% of the loan amount. You can roll it into the loan amount or pay it directly.
• Annual Mortgage Insurance Premium (MIP): This is an annual fee divided into monthly payments and added to your mortgage payment. The amount varies based on factors like your loan term, loan-to-value ratio (LTV), and the initial loan amount.

Why Does FHA Mortgage Insurance Exist?

• Reducing Lender Risk: FHA mortgage insurance protects the lender in case you default on the loan. This makes lenders more willing to offer loans to borrowers who might not qualify for traditional mortgages due to lower credit scores or small down payments.
• Expanding Homeownership: By reducing lender risk, FHA programs make homeownership more accessible to a wider range of people.

How Does FHA Mortgage Insurance Affect You?

• Costs: MIP increases your overall borrowing costs, both in the upfront fee and the ongoing monthly premiums.
• Qualifying: FHA mortgage insurance makes it possible to get a loan even with less-than-perfect credit or a small down payment.
• Canceling MIP: The rules for canceling MIP depend on your loan’s start date and your down payment amount. In some cases, the only way to fully remove MIP is to refinance into a conventional loan once you have enough equity.

Example:

Let’s say you take out a $200,000 FHA loan with a 3.5% down payment.

• Your Upfront MIP would be approximately $3,500 (1.75% of $200,000).
• Your Annual MIP would depend on your loan term, but could be around 0.85%, meaning roughly $142 added to your monthly mortgage payment.

Important: MIP rates and calculations can change periodically. It’s best to consult with an FHA-approved lender for the most current information and personalized estimates.