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.

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.

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through the Minnesota Housing Finance Agency (MHFA), including who qualifies, how the programs work, and why the outdated stigma around DPA is holding buyers back.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.

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

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.

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.

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.

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.

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

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 or call 651-338-4207.

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.

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.