FHA Mortgage Insurance Premium: What You Need to Know

Buying a home is an exciting milestone for most people. It is a significant investment that requires careful planning, budgeting, and research. One of the essential steps in securing a mortgage loan is understanding the different types of mortgage insurance premiums (MIP). If you are considering an FHA loan, read on to learn more about FHA mortgage insurance premiums and how they can impact your homeownership journey.

What is FHA Mortgage Insurance Premium?

FHA mortgage insurance premium is a type of insurance that protects lenders against losses due to borrower default. This insurance is required for all FHA loans, and it is paid by the borrower. The premium is a percentage of the loan amount, and it can be paid monthly or upfront.

If you decide to pay the premium monthly, it is added to your monthly mortgage payment. On the other hand, if you decide to pay the premium upfront, it can be financed into the loan amount. The premium can be quite expensive, so it is important to understand the different types of MIP and how they can impact your loan.

Types of FHA Mortgage Insurance Premiums

There are two types of FHA mortgage insurance premiums that you need to be aware of:

Type
Description
Upfront MIP
This is a one-time premium that is paid when you take out the loan. It is usually 1.75% of the loan amount and can be financed into the loan.
Annual MIP
This is a monthly premium that is paid over the life of the loan. The amount varies depending on the loan term, loan-to-value ratio, and loan amount.

Upfront MIP

The upfront MIP is a one-time premium that is paid at closing. It is usually 1.75% of the loan amount and can be financed into the loan. This means that if you take out a loan for $200,000, your upfront MIP will be $3,500 ($200,000 x 1.75%).

The upfront MIP is a significant expense, and it can impact your loan amount and monthly payments. However, the advantage of paying upfront is that you will have a lower monthly payment since you are not paying a monthly MIP.

Annual MIP

The annual MIP is a monthly premium that is paid over the life of the loan. This premium is added to your monthly mortgage payment and can be quite expensive. The amount of annual MIP you pay depends on your loan term, loan-to-value ratio, and loan amount.

The annual MIP is calculated based on the outstanding loan amount, and it is adjusted annually. The amount of annual MIP you pay can vary over time, so it is important to understand how it can impact your monthly payments.

How is FHA Mortgage Insurance Premium Calculated?

The amount of FHA mortgage insurance premium you pay depends on several factors, including:

  • The loan amount
  • The loan term
  • The loan-to-value ratio
  • The upfront MIP rate (if applicable)

The upfront MIP rate is usually 1.75% of the loan amount, and the annual MIP rate varies depending on the loan term, loan-to-value ratio, and loan amount. The annual MIP rate can range from 0.45% to 1.05% of the outstanding loan amount.

Here is a table that shows the annual MIP rates for FHA loans based on loan term and loan-to-value ratio:

Loan Term
Loan-to-Value Ratio
Annual MIP Rate
Less than or equal to 15 years
Less than or equal to 78%
0.45%
Less than or equal to 15 years
Greater than 78%
0.70%
More than 15 years
Less than or equal to 95%
0.80%
More than 15 years
Greater than 95%
1.05%

FAQ

1. Do I have to pay mortgage insurance premium for the life of the loan?

If your FHA loan was originated after June 3, 2013, you are required to pay mortgage insurance premium for the life of the loan if you put less than 10% down at the time of purchase. If you put more than 10% down, you can cancel the MIP after 11 years.

2. Can I refinance my FHA loan to get rid of the mortgage insurance premium?

Yes, you can refinance your FHA loan to a conventional loan to get rid of mortgage insurance premium. However, you will need to meet the lender’s eligibility requirements and have enough equity in your home to qualify for a conventional loan.

3. Can I deduct FHA mortgage insurance premium on my taxes?

Yes, you can deduct mortgage insurance premium on your taxes if you meet certain criteria. The deduction is available if your adjusted gross income is less than $100,000 for married couples filing jointly or $50,000 for individuals.

4. Can I pay off the mortgage insurance premium early?

No, you cannot pay off the mortgage insurance premium early. You are required to pay the full premium for the life of the loan or until you meet the eligibility requirements to cancel it.

5. How can I cancel the mortgage insurance premium on my FHA loan?

If your FHA loan was originated after June 3, 2013, you can cancel the mortgage insurance premium after 11 years if you put more than 10% down at the time of purchase. If you put less than 10% down, you are required to pay the mortgage insurance premium for the life of the loan.

Conclusion

FHA mortgage insurance premium is an important aspect of securing an FHA loan. It is a type of insurance that protects lenders against losses due to borrower default. There are two types of MIP: upfront and annual. The amount of MIP you pay depends on several factors, including the loan amount, loan term, and loan-to-value ratio. Understanding how MIP impacts your loan can help you make informed decisions about your mortgage.