Keys with the House Lady

Estrella Carter
  • 5.0 (2)
  • Business

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.

  1. Sep 16

    Forget MI: A New Way to Buy Without Mortgage Insurance

    Got something to say to this podcast? Send a voicemail, and you might hear yourself on the next episode! 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 Website: GRARate.com/EndaMoore NMLS #1044631 Connect with Estrella Carter Minnesota Realtor | Founder, The Stellar One Group EstrellaCarter.com 651-338-4207 Keys with The House Lady — where we talk about community, lifestyle, and real estate.

    Forget MI: A New Way to Buy Without Mortgage Insurance

  2. Sep 8

    Up to $45,000 Toward Homeownership: The Advancing Black Homeownership Community Fund

    Got something to say to this podcast? Send a voicemail, and you might hear yourself on the next episode! 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 Ready to explore homeownership or your next real estate move? Connect with Estrella Carter and The Stellar One Group at 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.

    Up to $45,000 Toward Homeownership: The Advancing Black Homeownership Community Fund

  3. Jul 13

    Could You Receive Up to $110,000 Toward a Home? Inside St. Paul's New Down Payment Assistance Program

    Got something to say to this podcast? Send a voicemail, and you might hear yourself on the next episode! 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 createdWho may qualifyHow much assistance may be available (up to $110,000)Down payment and closing cost assistanceHome inspection reimbursementWhether first-time homebuyer status is requiredHow this program can be combined with other assistance programsThe application process and important timelinesCommon myths about down payment assistanceSteps buyers should take now before funding is exhaustedIf 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.

    Could You Receive Up to $110,000 Toward a Home? Inside St. Paul's New Down Payment Assistance Program

  4. Apr 28

    Housing as a Human Right with Aarica Coleman

    Got something to say to this podcast? Send a voicemail, and you might hear yourself on the next episode! 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.

    Housing as a Human Right with Aarica Coleman

  5. Apr 2

    BREAKING: $90,000 Down Payment Assistance Just Released in Ramsey County (First-Gen Buyers)

    Got something to say to this podcast? Send a voicemail, and you might hear yourself on the next episode! 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 dealWho qualifies as a first-generation homebuyerIncome and eligibility guidelinesHow the $90,000 can be used (down payment, closing costs, etc.)What buyers should do immediately to take advantage of this opportunityWhy working with the right lender + Realtor matters right nowIf 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.

    BREAKING: $90,000 Down Payment Assistance Just Released in Ramsey County (First-Gen Buyers)

  6. Apr 1

    Think You Need 20% Down? The Truth About DPA & Smart Homebuying Strategies

    Got something to say to this podcast? Send a voicemail, and you might hear yourself on the next episode! 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.

    Think You Need 20% Down? The Truth About DPA & Smart Homebuying Strategies

  7. Apr 1

    Building Wealth Through Homeownership | Build Wealth MN & The 9000 Equities Initiative

    Got something to say to this podcast? Send a voicemail, and you might hear yourself on the next episode! 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

    Building Wealth Through Homeownership | Build Wealth MN & The 9000 Equities Initiative

  8. Feb 21

    What Happens After an Offer Is Accepted? Closing Costs, Title & Wire Fraud Explained

    Got something to say to this podcast? Send a voicemail, and you might hear yourself on the next episode! 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 Because where you live impacts how you live — and real estate is about helping you live your best life.

    What Happens After an Offer Is Accepted? Closing Costs, Title & Wire Fraud Explained
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Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
2 Ratings

About

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.

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