FHA: Mortgage Insurance Changes now April 1, 2013

FHA has increased its annual mortgage insurance premium (MIP) for most new mortgages by 0.10%.  They have also increased premiums on jumbo mortgages of $625,500 or larger to 0.05%. 

As of April 1, 2013, FHA requires most FHA borrowers to pay annual premiums for the life of the mortgage loan.  Previously FHA would cancel the required MIP on loans when the outstanding principal balance reached 78% of the original principal balance. FHA would have remained responsible for insuring 100% of the outstanding loan balance throughout the life of the loan, regardless of the 78% threshold being reached and MIP being cancelled.

According to the FHA’s Risk Management and Regulatory Affairs office, it was estimated that they have lost billions of dollars in premium revenue on mortgages endorsed from 2010 through 2012 because of the automatic cancellation policy.  To minimize further loss, FHA will now collect MIP on unpaid principal balances for the life of the loan.  

Bottomline:  Some mortgages payments are more likely to increase.  The silver lining is that mortgage rates are low. It could all balance out.

For more on searching for your new home or to see what your home is worth contact me today!

Image courtesy of [Stuart Miles / FreeDigitalPhotos.net