Jeff Ostrowski
- Mortgages
- Mortgage refinancing
- Mortgage rate trends
- Housing market
- Real estate
- 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.
From 2019 through 2025, Jeff 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.
Jeff beyond Bankrate
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
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Current Refinance Rates - Compare Rates Today
Ready to refinance your mortgage? Compare today's refinance rates from trusted lenders and see how much you can save.
7 min read Jul 02, 2026 -
Compare 30-Year Mortgage Rates Today
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.
10 min read Jul 02, 2026 -
30-Year Refinance Rates | Compare rates today
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 Jul 02, 2026 -
Current Mortgage Rates: Compare Today's Rates
Compare personalized mortgage and refinance rates today from our national marketplace of lenders to find the best current rate for your financial situation.
10 min read Jul 02, 2026 -
Mortgage Rate Trends And Predictions For July 2 - 8, 2026
Follow weekly mortgage rate trends and expert opinions from the Mortgage Rate Trend Index by Bankrate.
1 min read Jul 02, 2026 -
Compare VA refinance rates today
Compare VA refinance rates. Most active-duty military and veterans qualify for VA refinances. Compare rates today and lock in your rate.
8 min read Jul 01, 2026 -
‘Buy now, refinance later,’ they said. Mortgage rates said otherwise.
“Marry the house, date the rate,” seemed sage advice. But mortgage rates never fell, sticking some borrowers with home loans they don’t love.
6 min read Jun 30, 2026