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 California Mortgage and Refinance Rates
Find and compare current California mortgage and refinance rates on Bankrate.
6 min read Nov 12, 2025 -
Current Georgia Mortgage and Refinance Rates
Looking for home mortgage rates in Georgia? View loan interest rates from local banks, GA credit unions and brokers, from Bankrate.com.
6 min read Nov 12, 2025 -
New Jersey Mortgage and Refinance Rates Today
Looking for home mortgage rates in New Jersey? View loan interest rates from local banks, NJ credit unions and brokers, from Bankrate.com.
6 min read Nov 12, 2025 -
Current North Carolina Mortgage & Refinance Rates
Looking for home mortgage rates in North Carolina? View loan interest rates from local banks, WI credit unions and brokers, from Bankrate.com.
6 min read Nov 12, 2025 -
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 Nov 12, 2025 -
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 Nov 12, 2025 -
Mortgage rates retreat a bit this week
Mortgage rates edged back down a bit lower this week.
3 min read Nov 12, 2025