First-time homebuyers keep getting older, and that means they’re missing out
The median first-time homebuyer is 10 years older than they were 15 years ago. It’s another sign of the home affordability problem.
4 min read
Nov 04, 2025
Jeff Ostrowski
Writer and Housing Market Analyst
EXPERTISE
- Mortgages
- Mortgage refinancing
- Mortgage rate trends
- Housing market
- Real estate
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.
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
-
-
Mortgage rates dip again to lowest level in a year
Mortgage rates hit their lowest level of the year after another Fed cut.
3 min read Oct 29, 2025 -
Guide to Fannie Mae’s HomeReady mortgage program
It can be a route to homeownership for those with lower incomes.
4 min read Oct 24, 2025 -
Mortgage rates fall again, reaching lowest level in a year
Mortgage rates hit their lowest level of the year in anticipation of another Fed cut.
3 min read Oct 22, 2025 -
What is the draw period on a HELOC?
It’s the fun part, when you get your money. But you have to be ready when it ends.
5 min read Oct 20, 2025 -
Mortgage rates fall slightly amid hopes for another Fed rate cut
After holding steady for three straight weeks, mortgage rates edged a bit lower.
3 min read Oct 15, 2025 -
What is a HELOC?
A HELOC works like a big credit card — one that uses your home as collateral for cash you borrow.
12 min read Oct 13, 2025 -
Mortgage rates continue to hold steady, despite Fed rate cut
Despite a rate cut, mortgage rates have held steady for three straight weeks.
3 min read Oct 08, 2025
