Natalie Todoroff

Hi! I'm Natalie Todoroff, a community reporter at Bankrate. It's my job to tell the actual, human stories behind the housing headlines. I'm looking to interview everyday people who recently bought a home when mortgage rates were high (6% and above). Buying a home is a both a personal and financial decision, and I want to hear from the people who couldn't afford to wait for the "perfect" market. While the data tells one story, I want to share the lived experiences behind it. Who I’m Looking to Interview: - The "Life Happens" Buyers: Did a new baby, a divorce, an aging parent or a sudden job relocation force your hand? - The Out-of-Options Renters: Were you facing astronomical rent hikes that made buying at +6% actually look reasonable? - The Weary Searchers: Did you decide that peace of mind and planting roots mattered more than waiting out the Federal Reserve? What I’ll Need From You: If you bought a home at 6%+ recently and are willing to chat for 15–20 minutes, please reply with: - Your name, location, and the rough mortgage rate you locked in. - A snapshot of your home-buying situation. - The "Why Now?": What was the exact tipping point that made you say, "We are doing this anyway"? Note: I am looking for everyday homebuyers, not real estate agents or brokers pitching on behalf of clients (unless you personally bought a home under these conditions!). Anonymous submissions cannot be accepted. Thank you so much for helping me put a human face on today's housing market. I look forward to hearing your story!

I'm Natalie Todoroff, a community reporter with Bankrate, where I cover the human stories behind the housing headlines. For many homebuyers, using the mortgage lender recommended by their realtor or a well-meaning friend seems like a safe bet. But sometimes, failing to shop around results in major "lender remorse"—whether due to surprise fees, poor communication, or a much higher interest rate that costs thousands over the life of the loan. I am working on a profile piece featuring everyday homebuyers who regret their choice of recommended mortgage lender. If this sounds like you, please reply with: - A brief summary of your experience (Who recommended the lender? What went wrong?). - Roughly how much you think that mistake cost you (in money, time, or stress). - Your contact info and availability for a quick 15-minute interview. Requirements: - Must be a homeowner who bought a primary residence within the last 1–3 years. - Must have used a lender based solely on a recommendation (from a realtor, friend, neighbor, or family member) without shopping around. - Must be willing to speak on the phone/Zoom for a brief 15-minute interview and be quoted by name. - No PR pitches for generic industry experts, please. I am only looking for first-person homebuyer stories!