06/23/2026
🏡 FHA vs. Conventional Mortgage Insurance: What’s the Difference?
Many buyers assume mortgage insurance is the same on every loan, but it’s not!
🔸 FHA Loans
✅ Upfront Mortgage Insurance (1.75% of the loan amount)
✅ Monthly Mortgage Insurance (MIP)
• Less than 10% down? MIP stays for the life of the loan.
• 10% or more down? MIP is removed after 11 years.
🔹 Conventional Loans
✅ Monthly PMI when putting less than 20% down
• PMI can be removed once you have enough equity.
• Automatically terminates at 78% LTV if payments are current.
💡 Many buyers use FHA to get into a home with a lower down payment and then refinance to a conventional loan later to eliminate mortgage insurance.
Every situation is different. The best loan is the one that helps you achieve your homeownership goals!
Christina LeGaux
NMLS #2674157
OrangePath Financial Inc.
985-222-0860