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

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 or call 651-338-4207.

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.

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.

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.

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.