
Jeff Ostrowski
Writer and Housing Market Analyst at Bankrate
Business Reporter at Commercial Observer
Principal mortgage reporter @Bankrate | Alum @pbpost, @UofIllinois | Officer @nareenews | Jimi Hendrix: "The traffic lights, they turn blue tomorrow."
Articles
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1 week ago |
kptv.com | Jeff Ostrowski
In a real estate transaction, there’s always some level of negotiation. Homebuyers and sellers face haggling not only with each other, but also with the person they’re working with to seal the deal: their real estate agent. Thanks to a federal lawsuit that was settled in 2024, the way real estate commissions work has changed. If you’re looking to save some money, here’s what you need to know about how commissions work, and how to agree on a rate that both you and your agent can feel good about.
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1 week ago |
actionnews5.com | Jeff Ostrowski
Key takeaways Real estate agents earn a commission when a transaction closes, typically ranging from 2.5 to 3 percent of the home’s sale price. Each agent’s rate — and who pays it, buyer or seller — is negotiated and agreed upon in advance. Negotiating a lower percentage can save you serious money, especially on a higher-priced home. In a real estate transaction, there’s always some level of negotiation.
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1 week ago |
commercialobserver.com | Jeff Ostrowski
Dan Catalfumo, a longtime developer in Palm Beach County, Fla., has been building a variety of projects in Palm Beach Gardens. Catalfumo Companies recently put the roof on the Ritz-Carlton Residences, a luxury condominium complex on a 14-acre parcel at 2200 PGA Boulevard in Palm Beach Gardens. Elsewhere in the city, he’s developing office space and 620 apartments. The following conversation has been edited for length and clarity.
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1 week ago |
abc6onyourside.com | Jeff Ostrowski
How to successfully negotiate real estate commissionsby Jeff OstrowskiTue, April 15th 2025 at 3:36 PMxavierarnau/ Getty Images; Illustration by Austin Courregé/Bankrate
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1 week ago |
13wham.com | Jeff Ostrowski
Key takeawaysGovernment-backed loans like FHA, VA, and USDA loans, often touted easier to get, actually have higher denial rates than conventional loans. Government loans do offer lower down payment and credit score criteria. However, lender-imposed overlays, lengthy applications and more rigorous inspections or appraisals can make actually closing on a government-backed loan harder.
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Tariffs and mass deportations likely will lead to higher home prices, intensifying the challenges in an already-tough homebuying market. https://t.co/aMXYvwN5HA

Student loan payments are back, and borrowers not making payments risk credit score drops of up to 129 points. Before applying for a mortgage, contact your servicer and consider your options: https://t.co/9CVG7tl8x5

Public-sector layoffs have yet to crash the housing market in the nation’s capital. Home prices are 28.9% more than pre-pandemic levels, and the D.C. housing market remains stable despite layoffs: https://t.co/2icxp3r6BK