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 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 Mar 31, 2026 -
Current Texas Mortgage and Refinance Rates
Looking for home mortgage rates in Texas? View loan interest rates from local banks, TX credit unions and brokers, from Bankrate.com.
6 min read Mar 30, 2026 -
Compare 10-Year Refinance Rates Today
Find current 10-year refinance rates and compare lenders to get the best rate.
6 min read Mar 30, 2026 -
Compare Florida Mortgage and Refinance Rates
Looking for home mortgage rates in Florida? View loan interest rates from local banks, FL credit unions and brokers, from Bankrate.com.
6 min read Mar 30, 2026 -
Current California Mortgage and Refinance Rates
Find and compare current California mortgage and refinance rates on Bankrate.
6 min read Mar 30, 2026 -
Current Virginia Mortgage & Refinance Rates
Looking for home mortgage rates in Virginia? View loan interest rates from local banks, VA credit unions and brokers, from Bankrate.com.
8 min read Mar 30, 2026 -
Current Pennsylvania Mortgage & Refinance Rates
Looking for home mortgage rates in Pennsylvania? View loan interest rates from local banks, PA credit unions and brokers, from Bankrate.com.
6 min read Mar 30, 2026