what is the mip
More On FHA Upfront MIP. MIP stands for mortgage insurance premium and is required to close an FHA loan. It is paid as an upfront cost and as an annual premium. MIP differs from PMI, or private mortgage insurance, in that there is no way to avoid the cost. PMI is required on conventional loans with a down payment of less than 20 percent to protect the lender in case the borrower were to default on the loan.