How to get rid of FHA mortgage insurance premiums
FHA mortgage insurance removal is a possibility for many homeowners, despite common misconceptions that the mortgage insurance premium (MIP) is a permanent part of FHA loans.
While some homeowners may experience natural FHA mortgage insurance removal when their insurance lapses, most will need to actively refinance to eliminate it.
Here’s everything you need to know about FHA MIP removal.
Check your FHA mortgage insurance removal eligibility. Start hereIn this article (Skip to…)
- Remove PMI from an FHA loan
- Mortgage insurance removal
- Refinancing process
- Reduce FHA MIP payments
- FAQ
Can you remove PMI from an FHA loan?
Many homeowners often confuse MIP with private mortgage insurance (PMI) due to their similar functions in protecting lenders. However, MIP is specific to FHA loans and is required for all borrowers, regardless of their down payment, while PMI is associated with conventional loans and can typically be removed once the homeowner builds enough equity.
FHA PMI removal is technically impossible as FHA loans come with MIP. This distinction is crucial to understand, especially when considering options for reducing monthly payments.
Check your FHA MIP removal eligibility. Start here
How to remove FHA mortgage insurance
Fortunately, you have options for FHA mortgage insurance removal. Here’s what you need to know.
Check your FHA MIP removal eligibility. Start here1. Determine your eligibility for FHA MIP Removal
There are two main ways to remove FHA mortgage insurance: automatic termination and refinancing.
Option 1: Automatic FHA mortgage insurance removal
The eligibility criteria for automatic MIP cancellation depend on when you took out your FHA loan and your original down payment amount.
If you received your FHA loan before June 3, 2013:
- You can remove MIP after 5 years if your original down payment was at least 10% of the purchase price.
- If your down payment was less than 10%, you’re generally stuck with MIP for the life of the loan, unless you refinance.
If you received your FHA loan on or after June 3, 2013:
- You can remove MIP after 11 years if your original down payment was at least 10% of the purchase price.
- If your down payment was less than 10%, you must pay MIP for the life of the loan, unless you refinance.
Option 2: Remove FHA MIP by refinancing into a conventional loan
If you don’t meet the criteria for automatic MIP cancellation, refinancing to a conventional loan is usually the best way to remove FHA mortgage insurance.
When you refinance, you take out a new loan to pay off your existing FHA loan. If you have sufficient equity (generally 20% or more), you can refinance into a conventional loan without any mortgage insurance required.
FHA MIP removal criteria
Regardless of which option you choose, to be eligible for FHA mortgage insurance removal, you must meet the following requirements:
- Your loan must be in good standing, meaning you’ve made all mortgage payments on time
- You must have a good payment history over the previous 12 months
- You must not have any outstanding FHA loans or past-due federal debt
- Your property must be your principal residence, not a vacation home or investment property
2. Evaluate your FHA mortgage insurance removal options
Once you’ve determined your eligibility for FHA MIP removal, evaluate your options and decide which path is right for you.
If you qualify for automatic MIP termination after 11 years, the decision is easy—you can simply wait for the mortgage insurance to be removed automatically. However, if you don’t meet the criteria for automatic MIP cancellation, you’ll need to weigh the pros and cons of refinancing.
Here are some factors to consider when deciding whether refinancing is a good option for FHA mortgage insurance removal:
- Equity: Do you have at least 20% equity in your home? If so, you may be able to refinance into a conventional loan with no mortgage insurance required.
- Credit score: Is your credit score high enough to qualify for a conventional refinance? Most mortgage lenders require a score of at least 620, but a higher score can help you secure a lower interest rate.
- Debt-to-income ratio: Is your debt-to-income ratio below 50%? This is another key factor lenders consider when evaluating your refinance application.
- Interest rates: Are current mortgage rates lower than the rate on your FHA loan? If so, refinancing could help you save money on interest in addition to removing mortgage insurance.
- Closing costs: Can you afford the closing costs associated with refinancing? These typically amount to 2-6% of your loan amount, so it’s important to factor them into your decision.
If you have sufficient home equity, a strong credit score, and a low debt-to-income ratio, and current interest rates are favorable, refinancing to a conventional loan could be a smart way to remove your FHA mortgage insurance and save money over the long term.
On the other hand, if you don’t meet the equity or credit requirements for a conventional refinance, or if interest rates have risen significantly since you took out your FHA loan, refinancing may not make sense for you.
“After sufficient equity has built up on your property, refinancing from an FHA or conventional loan to a new conventional loan would eliminate MIP or PMI payments. This is possible as long as your LTV ratio is at 80% or less.”
—Wendy Stockwell, VP of operations support and product development at Embrace Home Loans
Ultimately, the best way to evaluate your options is to crunch the numbers and see how much you could save by refinancing versus sticking with your current FHA loan and mortgage insurance. You can use an online refinance calculator to get a rough idea of your potential savings, but for a more accurate assessment, it’s a good idea to consult with a real estate or mortgage professional who can review your specific situation and provide personalized advice.
3. Contact your lender to start the FHA MIP removal process
If you think you’re eligible for FHA mortgage insurance removal, it’s wise to contact your loan servicer. Your servicer is the company that manages your loan and accepts your mortgage payments. You can find their contact information on your monthly mortgage statement or by searching the Mortgage Electronic Registration Systems (MERS) database.
When you call your servicer, let them know you’re interested in removing FHA mortgage insurance. They’ll be able to review your loan details and eligibility, and advise you on next steps.
If you’re eligible for automatic MIP termination after 11 years, your servicer should take care of the process for you. However, it’s a good idea to follow up with them a few months before your loan’s 11-year anniversary to ensure the cancellation is on track.
If you need to refinance to remove MIP, your servicer can help you explore your options and start the application process.
Refinancing your FHA loan to remove mortgage insurance
If you decide to refinance to get rid of FHA mortgage insurance, here’s what you can expect from the process.
Benefits of refinancing to remove FHA MIP
Refinancing from an FHA loan to a conventional mortgage can offer several advantages, such as:
- FHA mortgage insurance removal: With a conventional loan, you can avoid mortgage insurance altogether if you have at least 20% equity.
- Potentially lowering your interest rate: If mortgage rates have dropped since you took out your FHA loan, refinancing could secure you a lower rate and monthly payment.
- Tapping your home equity: If you have sufficient equity, you could opt for a cash-out refinance to access funds for home improvements, debt consolidation, or other personal finance goals.
Qualifying for a conventional refinance loan
To refinance into a conventional mortgage, you’ll need to meet the lender’s qualification criteria. Each mortgage lender has their own requirements, but in general, you’ll need:
- A credit score of at least 620
- A debt-to-income ratio below 50%
- Stable income and employment
- At least 20% equity in your home
If you don’t quite meet these criteria, you may still have options. For example, if you have less than 20% equity, you might qualify for a conventional loan with lender-paid mortgage insurance (LPMI). With LPMI, your lender pays for mortgage insurance on your behalf in exchange for a slightly higher interest rate.
How to refinance your FHA loan to remove mortgage insurance
If you’re ready for FHA mortgage insurance removal, here are the steps you’ll typically go through when applying for refinancing:
- Shop around and compare offers from multiple lenders. Look at interest rates, closing costs, and qualification requirements to find the best deal.
- Choose a lender and submit your mortgage refinance application. You’ll need to provide documentation of your income, assets, and debts.
- Get a new appraisal on your property. The lender will order a home appraisal to determine your home’s current property value and ensure you have sufficient equity to refinance.
- Go through underwriting. The mortgage lender will verify your financial and property information and make sure you meet their qualification criteria.
- Close on your new loan. If approved, you’ll sign the final paperwork and pay any required closing costs.
- Start making payments on your new conventional loan, free of FHA mortgage insurance premiums!
Refinancing to remove MIP payments can take anywhere from a few weeks to a few months, depending on your financial situation and lender efficiency.
Alternatives to FHA mortgage insurance removal
Not everyone is eligible for a conventional mortgage refinance, and that’s ok. Even if complete FHA mortgage insurance removal isn’t possible for you, there may still be options available to reduce your FHA mortgage insurance costs.
Check your FHA MIP removal eligibility. Start hereFHA Streamline Refinance to reduce MIP costs
An FHA Streamline Refinance allows you to refinance your existing FHA loan to a lower interest rate, without a new appraisal or income verification. While this won’t eliminate your MIP, it could lower your overall mortgage payment.
To qualify for an FHA Streamline, you must have made at least 6 months of on-time payments on your current FHA loan. You also need to demonstrate that the refinance will result in a “net tangible benefit,” such as a lower payment or shorter loan term.
FHA MIP refund for recent borrowers
If you opened your FHA loan relatively recently, you might be eligible for an MIP refund. When you pay your Upfront Mortgage Insurance Premium (UFMIP) at closing, the FHA places that money in an escrow account for a short period. If you refinance or sell your home within the first 3 years of your loan term, you may be able to get a partial refund of your UFMIP.
The amount of your potential refund depends on how far into your loan term you are when you refinance or sell. Here’s a breakdown of the refund percentages:
- If you refinance or sell within the first 12 months: 80% refund
- If you refinance or sell between months 13-24: 60% refund
- If you refinance or sell between months 25-36: 40% refund
Example: If you paid a $2,000 UFMIP at closing and refinance your loan after 18 months, you could be eligible for a $1,200 refund (60% of $2,000).
It’s important to note that this refund only applies to your upfront MIP, not your annual mortgage insurance premiums. Additionally, you must refinance or sell your home within the first 3 years of your loan term to be eligible for a refund.
If you think you may qualify for an MIP refund, contact your loan servicer or the HUD Resource Center for instructions on how to request one.
How long does FHA MIP last?
Most current FHA loans fall into two categories. Those with case numbers issued before June 3, 2013, and applications made on or after that date. Your FHA MIP removal will depend on this deadline because that’s when FHA rules changed.
Check your eligibility for FHA mortgage insurance removal. Start hereFHA loans for which you completed an application on or after June 3, 2013:
Modern FHA loans have simplified their MIP schedule. The size of your down payment determines whether MIP will expire.
| Loan Term | Original Down Payment | MIP Duration |
| All loan terms | Less than 10% | Life of loan |
| All loan terms | More than 10% | 11 years |
FHA loans for which you completed an application before June 3, 2013:
These older FHA loans use a more elaborate MIP schedule.
| Loan Term | Original Down Payment | MIP Duration |
| 20, 25, 30 years | Less than 10% | 78% LTV after 5 years |
| 20, 25, 30 years | 10-22% | 78% LTV after 5 years |
| 20, 25, 30 years | More than 22% | 5 years |
| 15 years | Less than 10% | 78% LTV |
| 15 years | 10-22% | 78% LTV |
| 15 years | More than 22% | No MIP |
FAQ: FHA mortgage insurance removal
Check your FHA MIP removal eligibility. Start hereFHA MIP is the mortgage insurance program for FHA loans. It includes an upfront charge (UFMIP) equal to 1.75 percent of the loan amount, and a monthly premium (annual MIP) included in your mortgage payment. MIP protects FHA lenders, allowing them to offer competitive rates even with low down payments and average credit.
MIP is calculated on your loan’s outstanding principal balance, which goes down as you make payments each month. Most FHA borrowers pay the same mortgage insurance rates: a 1.75 percent UFMIP and a 0.55 percent annual MIP. The annual premium is divided into 12 monthly MIP payments added to your mortgage payment.
FHA mortgage insurance rates do not go down each year, but your MIP insurance payments do. As your mortgage balance decreases, the dollar amount you pay for mortgage insurance decreases as well.
FHA can increase mortgage insurance rates at any time. But your existing MIP will not go up. As long as you stick with your original FHA loan (and don’t refinance into a new FHA mortgage), you’ll continue to pay your original mortgage insurance rate based on the home’s original value for as long as your MIP is due.
FHA loans require mortgage insurance premium (MIP) regardless of down payment size, even if you put down 20 percent or more. PMI (private mortgage insurance) is for conventional loans with less than 20 percent down.
No, FHA loan PMI removal is technically impossible because PMI is for conventional mortgages only. FHA loans have MIP, which usually lasts 11 years or the life of the loan. To remove MIP, you must refinance into a conventional loan once you have enough equity.
For FHA loans originated before June 3, 2013, you might qualify for MIP removal when your loan balance reaches 78 percent LTV. For newer loans, you must refinance into a conventional loan with no PMI once you have 20 percent equity.
FHA MIP removal without refinancing is only possible in certain instances, such as loans originated before 2013 or with at least 10% down payment. Otherwise, you must refinance out of your FHA loan to eliminate MIP.
Any lender that offers conventional loans by Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac can assist in FHA mortgage insurance removal through refinancing. Additionally, any FHA-approved lender can help you reduce your payments via an FHA Streamline Refinance loan. Speak with a loan officer to explore your options.
Yes, a conventional cash-out refinance allows you to take out up to 80 percent of the value of your home, while also avoiding PMI. An FHA cash-out refinance also allows 80 percent LTV, but you will still pay MIP.
To remove PMI or MIP on an existing loan, refinance once your home reaches 20 percent equity. For a new loan type, consider options like piggyback loans, lender-paid mortgage insurance, or specialized programs without PMI.
Yes, mortgage insurance allows you to buy a home with a smaller down payment and more lenient credit requirements. You can refinance to remove PMI or MIP once you have 20 percent equity.
Bottom line on FHA mortgage insurance removal
Now that you understand that when most people search for FHA PMI removal, they are really meaning FHA MIP removal, it’s important to explore your options.
And the best way to achieve FHA mortgage insurance removal is to refinance into a conventional loan or a government-backed loan, such as a VA loan or a USDA loan.
So contact a mortgage lender to get a refinance rate quote. Mortgage quotes come with an eligibility check and potentially an estimate of the home’s appraised value.
Get a quote and get started canceling your FHA MIP today.
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