Welcome to Keys to Real Estate with the House Lady Podcast with Estrella Carter — your go-to space for real estate made real, relatable, and fun. As a Realtor® and Certified Home Stager with five-star Google reviews, I bring my passion for helping people at every stage of the journey — from first-time homebuyers using down payment assistance, to families upgrading their homes, to entrepreneurs securing commercial leases and sales.
Whether you’re buying, selling, investing, or just curious about the process, I’ll break down the ins and outs of real estate in a way that’s easy to understand and engaging to follow. I partner with trusted lenders, contractors, and business professionals to make sure you get insights from every angle. And if you’re outside my state or the country, no worries — I’ll connect you with the right Realtor® through my referral network.
This podcast is about meeting you where you’re at, answering your questions, and giving you the tools to make confident real estate moves — all with a mix of personality, practical tips, and a little bit of fun along the way.
Each of the following podcasts are brought to you by Estrella Carter, licensed real estate professional with Coldwell Banker Realty.
Forget MI: A New Way to Buy Without Mortgage Insurance
What if you could purchase a home with a low down payment without paying monthly mortgage insurance?
On this episode of Keys with The House Lady, Minnesota Realtor Estrella Carter sits down with Enda Moore, VP of Mortgage Lending with Guaranteed Rate Affinity, to talk about the Forget MI Program and what it could mean for qualified homebuyers.
Enda breaks down what mortgage insurance (MI) is, how it can affect a buyer’s monthly payment, how the Forget MI Program works, who may qualify, and why buyers shouldn’t assume they need 20% down—or perfect circumstances—to start exploring homeownership.
We also talk about common homebuying misconceptions, financing options, and why speaking with a lender and Realtor early in the process can help you understand what’s actually possible.
Connect with Enda Moore VP of Mortgage Lending | Guaranteed Rate Affinity Office: 651-348-5566 Cell: 651-271-4413 Email: Enda.Moore@grarate.com (mailto:Enda.Moore@grarate.com) Website: GRARate.com/EndaMoore NMLS #1044631
Connect with Estrella Carter Minnesota Realtor | Founder, The Stellar One Group EstrellaCarter.com (http://EstrellaCarter.com) 651-338-4207
Keys with The House Lady — where we talk about community, lifestyle, and real estate.
8 Sept 2026
Up to $45,000 Toward Homeownership: The Advancing Black Homeownership Community Fund
Could up to $45,000 help make homeownership possible for you?
In this episode of Keys to Real Estate with The House Lady, Estrella Carter welcomes mortgage professional Kevin Murray of Planet Home Lending for an important conversation about the Advancing Black Homeownership Community Fund.
Kevin explains who may qualify, how the assistance can be used, what buyers should know about repayment and forgiveness, and why completing the steps in the correct order is so important.
In this episode, we discuss:
• Eligibility requirements for the program • Up to $45,000 in available assistance • The required homebuyer education course • Mortgage preapproval and the application process • How the funds may be used • Forgiveness and repayment terms • Common mistakes that could affect eligibility • Why buyers should apply before signing a purchase agreement
Program information and applications: https://www.abhfund.org (https://www.abhfund.org)
Ready to explore homeownership or your next real estate move? Connect with Estrella Carter and The Stellar One Group at EstrellaCarter.com (http://EstrellaCarter.com).
Program availability, eligibility requirements, income limits, and other terms are subject to change. Contact the program administrator and a qualified mortgage professional for the most current information.
Helping You Live Your Best Life—One Move at a Time.
13 Jul 2026
Could You Receive Up to $110,000 Toward a Home? Inside St. Paul's New Down Payment Assistance Program
Dreaming of owning a home in St. Paul but worried about the upfront costs? This episode is for you!
Join Estrella Carter, The House Lady with The Stellar One Group at Coldwell Banker Realty, as she sits down with Kevin Murray, Mortgage Loan Originator with Planet Home Lending, to discuss the newly released St. Paul Down Payment Assistance Program and what it could mean for aspiring homeowners.
In this episode, we cover:
What the new program is and why it was created
Who may qualify
How much assistance may be available (up to $110,000)
Down payment and closing cost assistance
Home inspection reimbursement
Whether first-time homebuyer status is required
How this program can be combined with other assistance programs
The application process and important timelines
Common myths about down payment assistance
Steps buyers should take now before funding is exhausted
If you've been waiting for the right opportunity to purchase a home—or know someone who has—this conversation is one you won't want to miss.
Guest: Kevin Murray Mortgage Loan Originator Planet Home Lending NMLS ID #1572107
Whether you're a first-time buyer, returning to homeownership, or simply curious about your options, this episode provides valuable information to help you make informed decisions.
28 Apr 2026
Housing as a Human Right with Aarica Coleman
In this episode of Keys with The House Lady, I sit down with Aarica L. Coleman, President & CEO of Land Bank Twin Cities, to talk about the powerful work their organization is doing across the Twin Cities to create equitable access to housing and community ownership.
We discuss how Land Bank Twin Cities helps bridge gaps in real estate development, supports neighborhoods impacted by disinvestment, and creates opportunities for families, nonprofits, and small developers to build long-term wealth through property ownership. Aarica also shares her personal journey in housing leadership, her vision for the future, and why she believes housing should be treated as a basic human right.
This conversation is insightful for homeowners, first-time buyers, investors, and anyone passionate about community development and generational wealth.
If you care about real estate that creates impact - not just transactions - this episode is for you.
2 Apr 2026
BREAKING: $90,000 Down Payment Assistance Just Released in Ramsey County (First-Gen Buyers)
A major opportunity just hit Ramsey County—and it could change the game for first-time and first-generation homebuyers.
In this special immediate-release episode, Estrella Carter (Realtor & Certified Home Stager, The House Lady) sits down with trusted lender Lance Elliott of Frandsen Bank & Trust to break down the newly released down payment assistance program offering up to $90,000.
This is not a future program—this is happening right now, and timing matters.
In this episode, we cover:
What this new Ramsey County program is and why it’s a big deal
Who qualifies as a first-generation homebuyer
Income and eligibility guidelines
How the $90,000 can be used (down payment, closing costs, etc.)
What buyers should do immediately to take advantage of this opportunity
Why working with the right lender + Realtor matters right now
If you’ve been thinking about buying—or thought you couldn’t—this could be your moment.
📲 Connect with Lance Elliott for financing 📲 Connect with Estrella Carter to start your home search
Let’s get you home.
1 Apr 2026
Think You Need 20% Down? The Truth About DPA & Smart Homebuying Strategies
In this episode of Keys with The House Lady, Estrella Carter sits down with a mortgage lender to unpack the truth about down payment assistance, and why it’s far more powerful than many buyers realize.
Together, they break down programs offered through the Minnesota Housing Finance Agency (MHFA), including who qualifies, how the programs work, and why the outdated stigma around DPA is holding buyers back.
If you’ve ever thought you needed 20% down, or worried that using assistance would weaken your offer—this conversation will shift your perspective.
This episode goes beyond the basics, highlighting real strategies, common misconceptions, and how today’s buyers are successfully leveraging DPA to secure homes in a competitive market.
Whether you’re just starting your home search or looking to move strategically, this is information every buyer should understand.
1 Apr 2026
Building Wealth Through Homeownership | Build Wealth MN & The 9000 Equities Initiative
In this episode of Keys with The House Lady, I sit down with leaders from Build Wealth MN to talk about what building wealth really looks like in our communities.
We dive into the 9000 Equities Initiative, access to homeownership, and the real barriers many people face when trying to move from renting to owning. This conversation is about more than real estate - it’s about education, opportunity, and creating pathways to long-term financial stability.
As a Realtor, I see firsthand how powerful homeownership can be when people are guided the right way. This episode is for anyone thinking about buying a home, building wealth, or simply understanding their options.
If you’re ready to take the next step, I’m here to help you navigate the process with clarity and confidence.
— Estrella Carter Realtor & Certified Home Stager Coldwell Banker Realty “The House Lady” Helping You Live Your Best Life
21 Feb 2026
What Happens After an Offer Is Accepted? Closing Costs, Title & Wire Fraud Explained
Once your offer is accepted, the real work begins.
In this episode, Realtor and Certified Home Stager Estrella Carter sits down with Title Executive Emily Zeid to break down the real estate closing process step by step.
If you’re buying or selling a home this year, you’ll learn:
• What a title company actually does • What “clear title” means • The real estate closing timeline from contract to signing • What closing costs include for buyers and sellers • The most common reasons closings get delayed • How to protect yourself from wire fraud
Spring market is one of the busiest times in real estate, and understanding what happens between accepted offer and closing day can save you stress, time, and money.
Whether you’re a first-time buyer, seller, or simply planning your next move, this episode gives you clarity and confidence before you close.
If you have questions about buying or selling in today’s market, connect with Estrella Carter at:
📞 651-338-4207 🌐 estrellacarter.com (http://estrellacarter.com)
Because where you live impacts how you live — and real estate is about helping you live your best life.
20 Feb 2026
Redefining Home: A Mother–Daughter Journey Off the Grid
What does “home” really mean?
In this episode of Keys with the House Lady, Estrella Carter sits down with a powerful mother–daughter duo who made the bold decision to live off the grid in a tiny home and redefine what comfort, stability, and success look like on their own terms.
As Black women choosing an unconventional housing path, their journey challenges traditional expectations around ownership, financial security, and what it means to “have made it.” This isn’t a technical conversation about solar panels or systems — it’s an honest discussion about mindset, pressure, peace, and intentional living.
In this episode, we explore:
The moment that sparked their shift away from traditional housing
What surprised them once they were actually living off the grid
How living smaller reshaped their stress levels, finances, and sense of success
The mother–daughter dynamic throughout the journey
What lessons still guide how they live today
If you’ve ever felt overwhelmed by housing costs, comparison culture, or the pressure to have more, this conversation offers a refreshing and grounded perspective.
Because sometimes redefining home is the first step toward redefining your life.
For real estate guidance rooted in clarity and strategy, contact Estrella Carter at 651-338-4207 or visit estrellacarter.com (http://estrellacarter.com).
3 Feb 2026
Guiding Clients with Confidence: Tools, Strategy, and Getting to the Closing Table
In this episode, Estrella Carter sits down with title experts from Burnet Title to break down what truly helps agents serve their clients with clarity and confidence.
Susan Morissette shares the tools, apps, and systems that help realtors generate leads, stay organized, and create a smoother client experience, while closer Juliana takes us behind the scenes to demystify the closing process and explain what really gets transactions successfully to the closing table.
If you’re ready to work smarter, guide clients more effectively, and elevate your professionalism from first conversation to final signature, this episode is for you.
Because great agents don’t just transact — they guide.
29 Jan 2026
Pause Before You Wire
Pause Before You Wire: How to Protect Your Money at the Closing Table
Wire fraud is one of the fastest-growing threats in real estate—and scammers are getting smarter, faster, and more convincing, especially with the rise of artificial intelligence.
In this episode of Keys with the House Lady, host Estrella Carter sits down with Emily Zeid, Closing Account Executive at Burnet Title, to break down what buyers, sellers, and agents must know before wiring funds.
We cover:
How wire fraud scams actually work in real estate transactions
How AI is being used to impersonate trusted professionals
The biggest red flags buyers and sellers often miss
Simple steps to protect yourself and your money
New federal FinCEN regulations coming in 2026 and what they mean for future closings
Whether you’re buying, selling, or advising clients, this episode could save you from a costly mistake. When it comes to wiring funds—pause before you wire.
12 Dec 2025
The Secret Money Buyers Aren’t Using: Down Payment Assistance Explained
In this episode of Keys with the House Lady, we uncover one of the most powerful yet underused resources available to today’s buyers: Down Payment Assistance. I’m joined by Tammy Wagner of Movement Mortgage for an eye-opening conversation about how DPA works, who it can help, and why so many people don’t even realize they qualify.
We break down the myths, the benefits, and the real numbers behind programs that can open the door to homeownership sooner than most buyers ever imagined. We also talk about the importance of a strong lender–realtor partnership, especially when navigating something new, stressful, or overwhelming. When your team is aligned, the experience for the client becomes smoother, clearer, and far more empowering.
Curious whether you might qualify for DPA? Start here:
Check Your DPA Eligibility: https://www.workforce-resource.com/dpr/pmt/MSP/ESTRELLA_CARTER (https://www.workforce-resource.com/dpr/pmt/MSP/ESTRELLA_CARTER)
21 Nov 2025
Minnesota Property Taxes 2026: What Homeowners Need to Know
In this episode of Keys with the House Lady, Estrella Carter breaks down Minnesota’s proposed 2026 property tax increases and explains the Truth-in-Taxation notice that many homeowners are receiving this month.
Estrella walks you through: • What the proposed tax notice really means • Why property taxes are increasing across Minnesota • How the Homestead Market Value Exclusion works • The difference between estimated market value and taxable market value • Why preliminary levies often come DOWN before they’re certified • Practical steps homeowners can take before year-end
If you’re a Minnesota homeowner—or planning to buy or sell in 2025 or 2026—this episode gives you clarity, confidence, and the knowledge you need to make informed decisions.
For more resources, visit EstrellaCarter.com (http://EstrellaCarter.com) or call 651-338-4207.
14 Oct 2025
Homeownership & Heritage: Financial Readiness with Pedro
In this special Hispanic Heritage Month episode of Keys to Real Estate with The House Lady, Estrella Carter sits down with trusted loan officer Pedro to talk about the intersection of culture, community, and financial empowerment.
They discuss what buyers can do right now to prepare for homeownership in the new year, how to strengthen their financial profile before spring, and why representation matters in the lending world.
Pedro shares his journey, his passion for helping families achieve the dream of homeownership, and the traditions and values he’s passing down to his children — from family recipes to financial wisdom.
Tune in for a powerful, down-to-earth conversation about planning, purpose, and pride in homeownership — all through the lens of Hispanic heritage and community impact.
🎧 Follow Keys to Real Estate with The House Lady Carter on Spotify and Apple Podcasts for more stories that inspire, educate, and celebrate the power of home.
14 Oct 2025
Rooted in Minnesota: A Mexican American Legacy of Home, Heritage & Ownership
In this special Hispanic Heritage Month episode, Estrella Carter sits down with her mom, Nina — a proud Mexican American woman from Minnesota — to talk about family, culture, and legacy. Together they reflect on generations of Latina women who built wealth, owned property, and created community through faith, hard work, and love.
9 Oct 2025
From Barriers to Breakthroughs: Hispanic Voices in Real Estate
In this first episode of Keys to Real Estate with the House Lady, I sit down with Claudia to celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month and explore the powerful connection between heritage, homeownership, and community.
We dive into the history of Hispanic homeownership in the U.S. and Minnesota — the progress made, the challenges that remain, and the unique strengths that make Latino families one of the fastest-growing forces in housing today.
From systemic barriers like wealth gaps, lending discrimination, and language hurdles to inspiring stories of resilience, first-generation buyers, and programs making homeownership more accessible, this conversation highlights both the obstacles and the opportunities ahead.
Claudia brings her own authentic experiences as a professional and community advocate, sharing stories of families who turned the dream of owning a home into reality. Together, we reflect on what home truly means: stability, pride, and legacy for future generations.
Whether you’re a buyer, a realtor, or someone passionate about equity in housing, this episode will give you insights, encouragement, and a deeper appreciation of Hispanic contributions to real estate.
✨ Don’t forget to subscribe, leave a review, and share this episode with someone who believes in building community through homeownership.
17 Sept 2025
The House Lady: Redefining Real Estate
Realtor & Stager Estrella Carter shares how she stands apart in Minnesota’s real estate market—helping families avoid foreclosure, guiding first-time buyers with down payment assistance, and fighting to close the homeownership gap in the Black community.
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