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

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.

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.

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.

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.

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