In debate over mortgage ‘junk’ fees, lenders and regulators disagree
The government is stepping up scrutiny of “junk” fees — but are they really junk?
5 min read
Apr 16, 2024
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.
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.
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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What to do when your mortgage servicer gets hacked
Learn what to do if your mortgage loan servicer gets hacked.
5 min read Mar 18, 2024 -
Younger homeowners more likely to have used retirement savings for a down payment — should you?
Is it worth using retirement savings to fund a down payment on a home?
5 min read Mar 11, 2024 -
Survey: More than half of aspiring homeowners say cost of living, low income hold them back
More than half of aspiring homeowners in a new Bankrate survey say cost of living and low incomes prevent them from saving for a down payment and closing costs.
5 min read Feb 26, 2024 -
When financial infidelity hits home, prioritize your mortgage
If a hidden debt or other financial betrayal leaves you struggling to pay your mortgage, don’t wait.
3 min read Jan 23, 2024 -
Housing bills 2024: ‘Trigger leads,’ hedge fund homeowners, capital gains on home sales
Here’s a look at some of the latest housing-related proposals in Congress.
4 min read Jan 12, 2024 -
Is waiving a home inspection ever a good idea?
Non-contingent offers are appealing to sellers — but should you waive the inspection contingency?
6 min read Dec 06, 2023 -
Housing market fact or fiction: 49% believe now is a bad time to buy — but is it really?
We asked Americans how they view the current real estate market, and their place in it.
6 min read Oct 30, 2023
