Graduated Payment Mortgage (GPM)

A graduated payment mortgage (GPM) is a type of mortgage loan that starts with lower monthly payments that gradually increase over time. This type of mortgage can be a good option for borrowers who are just starting out and don't have a lot of money to put down on a down payment. GPMs can also be a good option for borrowers who expect their income to increase in the future.

Here is how a GPM works:

* The borrower makes a down payment of at least 5% of the purchase price of the home.
* The lender sets an initial interest rate that is lower than the market rate.
* The monthly payments start out low and gradually increase over time.
* The loan term is typically 30 years.

The interest rate on a GPM is usually fixed for the first few years of the loan. After that, the interest rate may adjust annually or semi-annually. The amount of the monthly payment increase is determined by the loan's amortization schedule.

There are a few things to keep in mind when considering a GPM:

* The monthly payments will increase over time, so it's important to make sure you can afford the higher payments in the future.
* GPMs typically have higher interest rates than conventional mortgages.
* GPMs may have prepayment penalties, which means you may have to pay a fee if you pay off the loan early.

If you're considering a GPM, it's important to talk to a mortgage lender to get a personalized quote and to make sure this type of mortgage is right for you.

Here are some additional details about GPMs:

* The initial interest rate on a GPM is typically lower than the market rate because the lender is taking on more risk. The lender is taking on more risk because the borrower's income may not be enough to cover the higher monthly payments in the future.
* The monthly payment increases on a GPM are typically based on a fixed percentage of the loan balance. For example, the monthly payment may increase by 2% each year.
* The loan term on a GPM is typically 30 years. However, some lenders offer GPMs with shorter loan terms, such as 15 years.
* GPMs can be a good option for borrowers who are just starting out and don't have a lot of money to put down on a down payment. GPMs can also be a good option for borrowers who expect their income to increase in the future.

If you're considering a GPM, it's important to talk to a mortgage lender to get a personalized quote and to make sure this type of mortgage is right for you.