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FHA Wants to Raise Annual MIP from .55% to .85%

By
Mortgage and Lending with LoanOfficerSchool.com NMLS 291249

I have been hearing rumors that FHA wants to increase their annual mortgage insurance preimium (MIP) from .55% to .85% the only source I have found so far is this article in the Washington News section of National Mortgage News.

February 1, 2010  "The Federal Housing Administration is seeking congressional permission to raise the annual premium on FHA-single-family loans to 0.85%, up from the current 0.55% statutory limit, according to the President's fiscal year 2011 budget proposal. "If granted this statutory flexibility, FHA will lower the upfront premium to 1% and increase the annual premium from 0.50% to 0.85%," the budget document says. The discussion of FHA issues in the budget documents also indicates FHA might charge a 0.90% annual premium on low downpayment mortgages. FHA is in the process of raising the upfront premium to 2.25% this spring with the caveat that it will lower the upfront charge once Congress approves the increase in the annual premium. The budget documents also show that the FHA reverse mortgage program will need a $250 million congressional appropriation in FY 2011 to break even. The administration is proposing changes to the Home Equity Mortgage Conversion program that will raise premiums and "slightly lower loan limits."

If they decide to lower the up front mortgage insurance (UFMIP) and increase the annual premium it will make it more difficult for borrowers to qualify.

David Saks
Memphis, TN
Broker / Industry Analyst

These changes have been in the works for a long time because of the risks and the losses.

Feb 02, 2010 06:43 AM
Bill Ladewig
LoanOfficerSchool.com - Escondido, CA
Experience Is Your Advantage

David, FHA is over 75 years old and has, for the most part, been one of the few governmental agencies that was self sufficient.  FHA's losses are not out of line considering the economy and revising a program that has a long successful history is just stupid political tinkering.   

Feb 02, 2010 07:28 AM
Paul McFadden
Responsive Pest Control - Seattle, WA
Pest Control, Seattle, WA.

Bill: Thanks for the update. My biggest concern would be with affordability. A lot of first-time homebuyers just get in under the wire financing-wise. If the monthly premium is raised, it makes it even harder for them to make their payment. Again, thanks. I appreciate it!

Feb 03, 2010 02:28 AM