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Jeff Ostrowski

Principal writer, Home lending
Ribbon Icon EXPERTISE
  • Mortgages
  • Mortgage refinancing
  • Mortgage rate trends
  • Housing market
  • Real estate
Education Icon EDUCATION
  • Bachelor of Science, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign
  • Master of Arts, University of Illinois at Springfield
  • Continuing coursework, including NMLS Mortgage Loan Originator education and MLO SAFE Test

About the author

Jeff Ostrowski has closely covered two nationwide housing booms and one devastating bust. Before joining Bankrate in 2020, he spent more than 20 years writing about real estate, business, the economy and politics. He previously worked as a reporter at the Palm Beach Post and the South Florida Business Journal.

Since 2019, Jeff has served on the board of the nonprofit National Association of Real Estate Editors. He twice has won gold awards in the group’s journalism contest. His Bankrate coverage of housing affordability was also honored with a Best in Business award from the Society for Advancing Business Editing and Writing.

When he’s not working, Jeff enjoys surfing, biking and traveling, usually with a surfboard or bike.

Jeff is the author of How to Buy a Home in a Miserable Market, available in paperback and e-book on Amazon.

Cropped image of Jeffrey Ostrowski ebook

Jeff beyond Bankrate

CNN interviews Jeff Ostrowski about hottest and coldest housing market

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Schwab Network interviews Jeff Ostrowski about mortgage rates

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New York Times interviews Jeff Ostrowski about housing supply

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Washington Post cites Jeff Ostrowski about mortgage rates

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Jeff wants you to know

When you’re applying for a mortgage, shop around and do your homework — informed borrowers can save thousands of dollars over the life of their loan. Don’t fixate on finding the absolute perfect option, though, or timing your loan to a low point for mortgage rates. If you’re borrowing now, mortgage rates could go down in the future. Avoid worrying about all those things that are both out of your control and impossible to predict.

Jeff's latest articles

  • 20-Year Refinance Rates

    Compare 20-year refinance rates from lenders in your area. Get the latest information on current 20-year fixed refinance rates.

    8 min read Sep 14, 2022
  • 15-Year Mortgage Rates

    Compare 15-year mortgage rates and find your preferred lender. Check rates today to learn more about the latest 15-year mortgage rates.

    10 min read Sep 13, 2022
  • 15-Year Refinance Rates

    Compare 15-year refinance rates and find your preferred lender. Check rates today to learn more about the latest 15-year refi rates.

    8 min read Sep 13, 2022
  • 30-Year Refinance Rates

    Compare 30-year refinance rates and choose your preferred lender. Check rates today to learn more about the latest 30-year refinance rates.

    7 min read Sep 13, 2022
  • 30-Year Mortgage Rates

    Find and compare 30-year mortgage rates and choose your preferred lender. Check rates today to learn more about the latest 30-year mortgage rates.

    9 min read Sep 09, 2022
  • Condo Mortgage Rates

    Find and compare condo mortgage rates and choose your preferred lender. Check rates today to learn more about the latest condo mortgage rates.

    6 min read Sep 08, 2022
  • FHA Refinance Rates

    Compare FHA refinance rates. An FHA refinance loan is a refinance insured by the Federal Housing Association. Check our rates and lock in your rate.

    8 min read Sep 07, 2022