When Does FHA Mortgage Insurance Go Away? The 11-Year Rule, the Refinance Exit, and the Math

When Does FHA Mortgage Insurance Go Away? The 11-Year Rule, the Refinance Exit, and the Math

Douglas Wilkerson
Published on: 08/11/2026

Less than 10% down on an FHA loan means mortgage insurance for the life of the loan — about $29,400 on a $300,000 home. Here is the 11-year rule, the refinance exit, and the math.

FHA mortgage insurance removalwhen does FHA MIP go awayFHA MIP 11 year ruleremove FHA mortgage insuranceFHA to conventional refinanceFHA MIP life of loanFHA loan JacksonvillePMI vs MIP
Read more
Refinancing to Drop PMI: The 20% Equity Trigger, the Appraisal Gamble, and When the Math Actually Works

Refinancing to Drop PMI: The 20% Equity Trigger, the Appraisal Gamble, and When the Math Actually Works

Douglas Wilkerson
Published on: 19/10/2026

Paying PMI every month? You may already have 20% equity and not know it. Fannie Mae's actual cancellation rules, the FHA life-of-loan MIP trap, the appraisal gamble, and Jacksonville math — plus when refinancing to drop PMI backfires at 7.4% rates.

how to remove PMIPMI cancellation requirementsFannie Mae PMI termination rulescancel PMI without refinancingFHA MIP removalFHA MIP life of loanrefinance to remove PMIPMI appraisalJacksonville mortgage refinance
Read more