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Jeff Ostrowski

Principal writer, Home Lending
Ribbon EXPERTISE
  • Mortgages
  • Mortgage refinancing
  • Mortgage rate trends
  • Housing market
  • Real estate
Education 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 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

  • Colorado Mortgage and Refinance Rates

    Looking for home mortgage rates in Colorado? View loan interest rates from local banks, CO credit unions and brokers, from Bankrate.com.

    8 min read Aug 14, 2024
  • New Jersey Mortgage and Refinance Rates

    Looking for home mortgage rates in New Jersey? View loan interest rates from local banks, NJ credit unions and brokers, from Bankrate.com.

    8 min read Aug 14, 2024
  • Bankrate Awards - Best Home Equity Lenders of 2023

    Home equity

    Pay for school the smart way. Find a winning lender with our list of the latest and greatest so you can focus on your school, not your school loans.

    2 min read Aug 13, 2024
  • Bankrate awards 2024 home equity banner featuring a house with a large pile of money positioned in front of it

    Home equity

    Bankrate’s Home Lending editorial team assessed U.S. home equity lenders in the areas of affordability, availability and borrower experience, assigning each a Bankrate Score out of five stars. The winners represent lenders with both high Bankrate scores and favorable marks in one or more of the three assessment areas.

    1 min read Aug 13, 2024
  • VA Loan Rates

    Find and compare VA mortgage rates. Most active-duty military and veterans qualify for VA mortgages. Compare rates today and lock in your rate.

    8 min read Aug 09, 2024