Low- and no-down payment minority mortgages still present risks
As more lenders aim to address the racial housing gap, they offer generous terms. Borrowers still face risks.
4 min read
Oct 04, 2022
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
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Why Florida is Bankrate’s best state for retirement in 2022
The Sunshine State came out on top for retirees in 2022, here’s how.
3 min read Aug 18, 2022 -
Buying amid affordability squeeze? Here’s how homebuyers can cope
If you’re stretching to buy a home, here are some tips.
7 min read May 23, 2022 -
As affordability squeeze tightens, manufactured homes could offer some relief
“Grandma’s trailer” no longer, high-end manufactured homes are indistinguishable from site-built homes.
5 min read Feb 08, 2022 -
Millennials go their own way when it comes to tapping home equity, survey finds
Tapping equity for home improvements? Tap away. How about trips and electronics? Think again.
5 min read Oct 06, 2021 -
Why Georgia is Bankrate’s best state for retirement in 2021
Florida and Arizona rank high in Bankrate’s list of top places to retire, but they’re not No. 1.
2 min read Jul 07, 2021 -
Real estate commissions fall to new lows as homes fly off the market
Real estate commissions have fallen to a new low, and the reasons might surprise you.
4 min read Mar 02, 2021 -
The surprising reasons home prices have held up in this recession
U.S. home prices rarely fall during recessions, and the latest downturn follows that pattern.
4 min read Sep 25, 2020
