Mortgage insurance

Different loan programs handle mortgage insurance differently.

PMI is not a universal mortgage charge. Conventional, FHA, VA, and USDA financing use different insurance and fee structures.

Conventional PMI

Private mortgage insurance may apply when conventional loan-to-value exceeds certain thresholds. Cost varies by credit, LTV, coverage, and other factors.

FHA MIP

FHA financing generally includes upfront and annual mortgage insurance premiums. Duration and cost depend on the loan structure and applicable rules.

VA funding fee

VA loans do not use conventional monthly PMI. A VA funding fee may apply unless the borrower qualifies for an exemption.

USDA fees

USDA financing generally uses an upfront guarantee fee and annual fee rather than conventional PMI.

Why it matters

Mortgage insurance affects both monthly payment and total loan cost, so it should be included when comparing programs.

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