FHA Mortgage Insurance Premium (MIP), Explained Like You're Buying Today
MIP is the FHA's mortgage insurance. There's an upfront piece and an annual piece. Here's the math on what it actually costs.

Upfront MIP, annual MIP and the monthly dollar amount — using HUD's published Mortgagee Letter 2023-05 rate tables, not estimates.
FHA mortgage insurance has two parts: an upfront premium of 1.75% of the base loan amount, usually financed into the loan, and an annual premium of about 0.55% of the balance, paid monthly. With less than 10% down the annual premium lasts the life of the loan; with 10% or more down it ends after 11 years.
MIP is a real, permanent part of most FHA payments, so price it in now rather than assuming it disappears at 20% equity.
Reviewed by the licensed mortgage team at Simply Approved Mortgages · Last verified August 23, 2026 against HUD Handbook 4000.1
See my full FHA paymentRates per HUD Mortgagee Letter 2023-05. Annual MIP is recalculated each year on the average outstanding balance, so the monthly amount declines slightly over time. Estimates only; your actual premium is set at endorsement.
Figures are illustrations based on the values you entered — not an offer, rate lock, or commitment to lend. Emailing your scenario sends it to a licensed loan officer in Florida or Colorado.
Every FHA-insured forward mortgage carries two separate mortgage insurance premiums. They fund the Mutual Mortgage Insurance Fund, which is what allows FHA lenders to approve 3.5% down payments and credit scores as low as 580.
1.75% of the base loan amount, charged once. Most borrowers finance it into the loan rather than paying cash, which is why an FHA loan balance is usually slightly higher than the purchase price minus the down payment.
Charged monthly as 1/12 of the annual rate. The rate depends on three things: base loan amount (above or below $726,200), loan-to-value, and loan term.
| Term | Base loan | LTV | Annual MIP |
|---|---|---|---|
| > 15 yrs | ≤ $726,200 | > 95% | 0.55% |
| > 15 yrs | ≤ $726,200 | ≤ 95% | 0.50% |
| > 15 yrs | > $726,200 | > 95% | 0.75% |
| > 15 yrs | > $726,200 | ≤ 95% | 0.70% |
| ≤ 15 yrs | ≤ $726,200 | > 90% | 0.40% |
| ≤ 15 yrs | ≤ $726,200 | 78.01–90% | 0.15% |
| ≤ 15 yrs | Any | ≤ 78% | None |
For loans endorsed on or after June 3, 2013, annual MIP runs for the full loan term when the down payment is under 10%, and for 11 years when the down payment is 10% or more. Paying the loan down does not cancel it — refinancing into a conventional loan once you have 20% equity is the usual way out.
The FHA upfront mortgage insurance premium (UFMIP) is 1.75% of the base loan amount on virtually all forward FHA mortgages. It can be paid in cash at closing or financed into the loan.
Under HUD Mortgagee Letter 2023-05, the annual MIP on a 30-year FHA loan is 0.55% for base loan amounts of $726,200 or less with LTV above 95%, and 0.50% at 95% LTV or below. Loans above $726,200 pay 0.75% and 0.70% respectively. Terms of 15 years or less use a lower schedule that starts at 0.15%.
For loans endorsed after June 3, 2013 with a down payment under 10%, annual MIP lasts for the life of the loan. With 10% or more down, MIP is cancelled after 11 years. Loans with a term of 15 years or less and LTV of 78% or below pay no annual MIP.
Everything on this page about FHA Mortgage Insurance Scenarios comes back to one question: what does the loan actually price at? FHA pricing is set per scenario, so your credit profile, base loan amount, loan-to-value, property type, term and lock period all move the number you actually get. Run your scenario below and compare real FHA options side by side: note rate, provider APR, points or lender credit, and the payment that goes with each one.
No current pricing snapshot — we never show sample rate figures.
Sample scenario: Florida primary residence, 30-year fixed FHA. Pricing is refreshed once every business day and can change between refreshes.
Snapshot pricing is an example for the sample scenario described above. It is not a quote, an application, a pre-approval, a rate lock, an offer of credit or a commitment to lend, and it is not personalized to you.
APR is supplied by our pricing provider for the exact scenario priced. Other lender or third-party charges listed separately may not be reflected, and the final APR can change. Your final mortgage disclosures control.
A lender credit reduces eligible closing costs only. It cannot exceed those costs and is never cash back to the borrower.
The three cards above are examples from the latest daily snapshot. Enter your own purchase price, down payment, credit score and location to see every eligible FHA option for your scenario, priced right now.
Upfront MIP is 1.75% of the base loan amount. Annual MIP is the applicable factor applied to the average outstanding balance for the year, then divided by 12 for the monthly figure.
Data year 2026. Program figures last checked against their source on 2026-01-01. Sources: HUD Mortgagee Letter 2023-05. Results are estimates for planning only — not a quote, rate lock, approval, or commitment to lend. Your binding numbers appear on the Loan Estimate and Closing Disclosure.
Talk with a licensed FHA broker about your scenario. Licensed in Florida and Colorado.
Complete the short form and we send back a full FHA breakdown: your county loan limit, the minimum FHA down payment, financed upfront MIP, monthly mortgage insurance, and an estimated payment — plus whether down payment assistance can cover your cash to close.
Takes about 3 minutes · No obligation · Summary emailed and shown on screen
Illustration only, generated from the information you enter. Not a Loan Estimate, pre-qualification, commitment to lend, or approval. Subject to appraisal, credit and income review, FHA guidelines, and final lender approval. Equal Housing Opportunity.
Sample figures for illustration only — not a quote, rate lock, offer of credit or commitment to lend. Simply Approved Mortgages · NMLS #2620881 · Equal Housing Opportunity
The trade-offs below are specific to FHA financing. Reviewed August 23, 2026 against HUD Handbook 4000.1 and the current HUD county loan limit file.
A $425,000 example shows the cash and loan structure FHA produces before pricing is added.
| Purchase price | $425,000 |
|---|---|
| FHA down payment at 3.5% | $14,875 |
| Base loan amount | $410,125 |
| Upfront MIP at 1.75%, financed | $7,177 |
| Conventional 20% down for comparison | $85,000 |
Illustration only — not a quote, rate lock, offer or commitment to lend. Subject to lender underwriting and approval.
This is the set an FHA underwriter typically asks for. Having it ready before you write an offer is the single biggest difference between a two-week and a six-week file.
Income documentation is where most FHA files slow down, and it depends on how you are paid. FHA does not apply a different credit score, down payment or county limit to self-employed borrowers — it applies a different documentation standard.
| Item | W-2 employed | Self-employed |
|---|---|---|
| History required | Two-year employment history, with gaps explained. A job change inside the same field is usually fine. | Generally two years of self-employment. A shorter history can sometimes be considered when there is documented prior experience in the same line of work. |
| How income is calculated | Base pay from pay stubs and W-2s. Bonus, overtime and commission generally need a two-year history to be averaged in. | Net income from tax returns, averaged and adjusted for allowable add-backs such as depreciation. Write-offs that reduce taxable income also reduce qualifying income. |
| Documents that open the file | 30 days of pay stubs, two years of W-2s, and a verification of employment. | Two years of personal and business returns, year-to-date P&L and balance sheet, and evidence the business is still operating. |
| Verification at closing | The employer is re-verified shortly before closing; do not change jobs mid-process without telling your loan officer. | Continued existence of the business is re-verified close to closing, typically through a third-party or licensing check. |
| Most common delay | Unexplained gaps, a new job with variable pay, or a VOE the employer never returns. | A declining year over year, or a large deduction that removes the very income needed to qualify. |
| What we suggest | Get the VOE moving on day one — it is the item most often outstanding at the end. | Have your accountant produce the year-to-date P&L before you shop, so qualifying income is known before you write an offer. |
General FHA documentation guidance per HUD Handbook 4000.1, including Update 18 changes to written and electronic verification of employment. Requirements vary by borrower, property, lender and program, and all loans are subject to lender underwriting and approval. Sources: HUD Handbook 4000.1
The annual MIP factor matters, but the term matters more. With 3.5% down, FHA mortgage insurance stays on the loan for its life, and the only way off is a refinance out of FHA. We model that exit up front — what equity and credit profile a borrower would need to refinance later — so MIP is a planned cost rather than a permanent surprise.
Know both your MIP factor and how many years you expect to pay it.
SAM is the Simply Approved Mortgages AI assistant, grounded in HUD Handbook 4000.1 and the 2026 HUD county limit file. It answers general FHA questions instantly. A licensed loan officer reviews every scenario before any terms are confirmed.
Hi — I'm SAM. Ask me about FHA loan limits, credit, mortgage insurance, down payment assistance or what an underwriter will need from you. General education only: I don't quote rates, and nothing I say is an offer or commitment to lend.
Ask Simply AI provides general educational information about FHA loan programs. It is an automated assistant, may be incomplete or out of date, and does not provide legal, tax or financial advice. Nothing it produces is a rate quote, APR, pre-approval, offer or commitment to lend. Simply Approved Mortgages LLC (NMLS #2620881) arranges residential mortgage loans in Florida and Colorado. Eligibility, terms, conditions and availability vary by borrower, property, lender, loan program and state, and all loans are subject to lender underwriting and approval. Equal Housing Opportunity.
Continue with the FHA topic that matches where you are, or talk to a licensed loan officer about your own numbers.
What FHA insurance is and who it fits.
Credit, income, DTI and property rules.
580 vs 500–579 and what they change.
3.5% minimum, gift funds and DPA options.
Upfront and annual MIP, and how long it lasts.
County-by-county HUD maximums.
What you pay and what a seller can cover.
203(b), 203(k), streamline, cash-out and more.
Payment, affordability, MIP and break-even tools.
Step-by-step from budget to closing.
Short on cash to close? Ask about the FHA DPA, offered through Simply Approved Mortgages: 2.5%, 3.5%, or 5% of your loan amount toward your down payment and closing costs, structured as a 10-year repayable second lien at your first-mortgage rate + 2%. FICO 580+, primary residence only — it's an option on every loan program on this site.
Enter a purchase price, pick an assistance tier, and confirm property and residency. Results are illustrative — not a quote or commitment.
Simply Approved Mortgages DPA
Estimate 3.5% assistance on the lesser of price or appraisal, layered over a 30-year fixed FHA first mortgage.
Illustrative only — not a quote, lock, offer, or commitment to lend. Binding figures appear only on your Loan Estimate and Closing Disclosure.
Documentable qualifying income?
Willing to complete homebuyer education before closing?
Property in NY, WA, USVI, Guam, MP, or AS?
Answer each question above to see your preliminary result.
Figures are illustrations based on the values you entered — not an offer, rate lock, or commitment to lend. Emailing your scenario sends it to a licensed loan officer in Florida or Colorado.
Preliminary self-check only — no credit pulled. Not a quote, lock, offer, or commitment to lend. Simply Approved Mortgages is not affiliated with HUD, FHA, VA, USDA, FHFA, or any government agency. Equal Housing Opportunity. NMLS# 2620881.
At Simply Approved Mortgages, we believe borrowers deserve clear information, professional guidance, and access to competitive mortgage solutions.
Our company is built around a straightforward philosophy: provide transparent mortgage guidance, maintain a consistent compensation structure on most transactions, and help borrowers make informed financing decisions based on their individual needs and goals.
For many mortgage transactions, Simply Approved Mortgages typically operates using a lender-paid compensation structure of approximately 1.50%. Actual compensation may vary based on lender requirements, loan program, state regulations, loan amount, and other transaction-specific factors.
We believe transparency helps consumers better understand the mortgage process and make informed decisions when comparing financing options.
Mortgage financing should be understandable, transparent, and focused on helping consumers make informed decisions.
Our goal isn't to maximize compensation per transaction. Our goal is to build lifelong client relationships through transparency, service, and competitive mortgage solutions.
Many borrowers spend significant time comparing interest rates, but may be less familiar with how mortgage companies and loan originators are compensated.
Compensation structures can vary among lenders, mortgage brokers, banks, credit unions, and other mortgage providers. Compensation is only one component of a mortgage transaction and should be evaluated alongside interest rates, APR, lender fees, discount points, closing costs, loan features, and overall loan suitability.
At Simply Approved Mortgages, we believe consumers benefit from understanding all aspects of the financing process before making a decision.
Move the slider to compare a hypothetical 1.50% Simply Approved Mortgages compensation structure with a hypothetical 2.75% used by some other lending options. For educational purposes only.
For illustration only. Figures are hypothetical and not a quote, offer, rate lock, or guarantee of savings. Lender compensation is one component of closing costs; actual loan terms, interest rates, fees, APR, and total costs vary by program, loan amount, credit qualifications, property, occupancy, state, and market conditions.
The example below compares a hypothetical 1.50% compensation structure used by Simply Approved Mortgages to a hypothetical 2.75% structure used by some other lending options, solely for educational purposes.
| Loan Amount | Simply Approved Mortgages (1.50%) | Other lending options (2.75%) | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| $250,000 | $3,750 | $6,875 | $3,125 |
| $350,000 | $5,250 | $9,625 | $4,375 |
| $500,000 | $7,500 | $13,750 | $6,250 |
| $750,000 | $11,250 | $20,625 | $9,375 |
| $1,000,000 | $15,000 | $27,500 | $12,500 |
These examples are illustrative only and are intended to demonstrate how different compensation percentages may produce different compensation amounts based on loan size.
These examples do not represent borrower fees, interest rates, APR, closing costs, loan terms, pricing, or savings, and should not be interpreted as a guarantee that any borrower will receive lower costs or better loan terms.
Whether you're purchasing a home, refinancing an existing mortgage, consolidating debt, or financing an investment property, our team is committed to helping you evaluate available options and make informed decisions.
The most appropriate mortgage solution depends on each borrower's individual financial circumstances, objectives, qualifications, and preferences.
Important Disclosure: Simply Approved Mortgages LLC typically utilizes a lender-paid compensation structure of approximately 1.50% on many mortgage transactions; however, compensation may vary based on lender requirements, loan program, state law, loan amount, borrower qualifications, and other transaction-specific factors. Compensation is only one component of mortgage pricing and does not, by itself, determine interest rates, APR, lender fees, closing costs, loan terms, or overall borrower costs. The information provided on this page is for general educational and informational purposes only and should not be construed as mortgage advice, a commitment to lend, an offer to extend credit, a rate quote, a loan approval, or a guarantee of savings. All mortgage loans are subject to credit approval, underwriting requirements, property approval, and program eligibility guidelines. Borrowers should carefully review all disclosures, including the Loan Estimate and Closing Disclosure, before proceeding with any mortgage transaction. Simply Approved Mortgages LLC • NMLS #2620881 • Equal Housing Opportunity.
Talk to a licensed Simply Approved Mortgages loan officer. We'll review your goals, walk through FHA, Conventional, VA, USDA, and DPA options, and give you straight answers — same day.
Simply Approved Mortgages • NMLS #2620881 • Licensed in Colorado and Florida
Share a few details and a licensed loan officer will follow up within one business day. No obligation.
Related FHA topics for this page — tap any question to jump straight to the answer.
MIP is the FHA's mortgage insurance. There's an upfront piece and an annual piece. Here's the math on what it actually costs.
FHA loan limits rose for 2026, with a floor of $541,287 and a ceiling of $1,249,125. Here's how to find your limit and why it matters.
The FHA's minimum is 500, but lender overlays push the real-world minimum to 580 or 620. Here's what scores actually get approved.
Twice-a-month updates for buyers and homeowners: rate movement, FHA guideline changes, new down payment assistance programs, and the deals we're closing. No spam, unsubscribe anytime.
FHA rate updates, market trends, and program changes. No spam.
By subscribing, you consent to receive FHA rate and program update emails from Simply Approved Mortgages LLC. This is not an application for credit and not an offer or commitment to lend. Unsubscribe any time. Read our Privacy Notice.