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.

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.

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.

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.