Ashley Estes Real Estate Agent

Ashley Estes Real Estate Agent 🏡 Hi, I’m Ashley! I’m a Realtor licensed in Missouri & Illinois, passionate about helping buyers, sellers, and investors feel confident every step of the way.

Whether you’re buying your first home, selling, or building wealth through real estate

🏡 **HOMEOWNERS — DID YOU KNOW THERE MAY BE PROGRAMS THAT CAN HELP PAY FOR HOME REPAIRS?** 🔨💰Before you put off that roof...
09/15/2026

🏡 **HOMEOWNERS — DID YOU KNOW THERE MAY BE PROGRAMS THAT CAN HELP PAY FOR HOME REPAIRS?** 🔨💰

Before you put off that roof, HVAC system, plumbing issue, accessibility modification or other major repair because of the cost… **let's talk about your options!**

There are programs in **Missouri and Illinois** that may help eligible homeowners with repairs through:

💰 Grants
🏠 Low-interest loans
🔨 Home rehabilitation programs
♿ Accessibility assistance
🔥 Health & safety repairs
💡 Energy-efficiency & weatherization programs
🌪️ Disaster-related repairs

Some programs can provide **thousands of dollars in assistance**, but eligibility depends on things like your income, location, age, property, type of repair and available funding.

And here's where **I come in.** 👋🏾

I'm **Ashley Estes, your Missouri & Illinois Realtor**, and I don't want to just help you buy or sell a home.

I want to **EDUCATE you about homeownership and help you understand the resources that may be available to you.**

Already own a home and need repairs?

🏡 **Let's see what programs may be available.**

Thinking about buying a home that needs work?

🏡 **Let's talk about your financing and repair options BEFORE you make a decision.**

Thinking about buying your first home?

💰 **Let's explore down-payment assistance and other homeownership programs.**

Your home is an investment.

**Let's make sure you know how to take care of it, improve it and build equity in it.**

📲 **Message me "REPAIR"** and I'll help you start figuring out what type of assistance you may want to investigate.

**Ashley Estes | Missouri & Illinois Realtor**
🏡 Helping you navigate the road to homeownership
💰 Educate. Navigate. Invest. Build Wealth.

*Program availability, funding and eligibility vary. Assistance is not guaranteed, and applicants must be approved by the administering agency/program.*

🏛 Statewide State Programs: Illinois Housing Development Authority (IHDA)The Illinois Housing Development Authority (IHD...
09/14/2026

🏛 Statewide State Programs: Illinois Housing Development Authority (IHDA)The Illinois Housing Development Authority (IHDA) manages the state’s primary homebuyer programs.

Funding Availability: Active & Ongoing.

These programs are funded through state bond issuances and annual budget allocations. They do not have specific "opening" or "closing" dates; instead, funds are continuously accessible via approved lenders until fully utilized. The flagship Access Home program launched on March 11, 2026.

[1] (https://www.ncsha.org/hfa-news/gov-pritzker-launches-down-payment-assistance-program-for-first-time-homebuyers/)

[2] (https://www.illinois.gov/news/release.html?releaseid=32626)

[3] (https://ccg-chicago.com/blog/illinois-just-launched-a-dollar15000-down-payment-assistance-program-heres-how-first-time-buyers-can-get-it)

Program Name Assistance Amount Structure & Repayment IHD Access Home6% of purchase price (Up to $15,000)0% interest, deferred second mortgage.

No monthly payments; repaid only when you sell, refinance, or reach 30 years.

Access Deferred 5% of purchase price (Up to $7,500) Repayment is completely deferred until you sell, refinance, or pay off your primary mortgage.

Access Forgivable4% of purchase price (Up to $6,000) No monthly payments.
The loan is completely forgiven monthly over a 10-year period.

Access Repayable10% of purchase price (Up to $10,000) Interest-free loan that is repaid monthly over a 10-year term.

Official Site for Details & Finding Approved Lenders: IHDA Mortgage Portal To see a breakdown of how the state's flagship $15,000 program works directly from the official announcement,

📲 Thinking about buying in Illinois? Send me a message that says “ILLINOIS” and let's talk about your homeownership goals.

Let's see what options may be available for YOU.

Ashley Estes | Realtor
🏡 Missouri & Illinois
314-354-0488
🔑 Let's House Hack!

Program availability, funding, income limits, credit requirements, purchase-price limits, and other guidelines apply and can change. Assistance is not guaranteed. Always verify current program requirements with an approved participating lender.

🏡 ILLINOIS HOMEBUYERS — DID YOU KNOW YOU MAY NOT HAVE TO COME UP WITH YOUR ENTIRE DOWN PAYMENT YOURSELF?💰Illinois has mu...
09/12/2026

🏡 ILLINOIS HOMEBUYERS — DID YOU KNOW YOU MAY NOT HAVE TO COME UP WITH YOUR ENTIRE DOWN PAYMENT YOURSELF?💰

Illinois has multiple down payment and closing-cost assistance options — and the right program depends on your income, credit, location, loan type, whether you're a first-time buyer, and other requirements.

Here are some programs you may want to know about 👇🏽

💙 IHDAccess Home
Potential assistance of 6% of the purchase price, up to $15,000 for eligible first-time buyers. The assistance is deferred, meaning payments aren't made monthly, but repayment can be due when you sell or refinance.
💙 IHDAccess Repayable
Potential assistance of 10% of the purchase price, up to $10,000. This is a 0% interest second loan with monthly repayment requirements.
💙 IHDAccess Deferred
Potential assistance of 5% of the purchase price, up to $7,500. There are no monthly payments, but repayment may be required when the first mortgage matures, is refinanced, or the property is sold.
💙 IHDAccess Forgivable
Potential assistance of 4% of the purchase price, up to $6,000. The assistance can be forgiven over the required 10-year period as long as program requirements are met.

🏙️ COOK COUNTY BUYERS — THERE'S MORE
The Cook County Down Payment Assistance Program reopened in July 2026 and can provide assistance equal to 5% of the first mortgage amount, up to $25,000, for eligible buyers purchasing in Cook County.

The assistance can be used toward the down payment, closing costs, or an interest-rate buydown. The program is structured as a forgivable second loan over five years. And there may be city, county, employer, veteran, or other specialty programs available depending on where you're purchasing.

🚨 BUT HERE'S THE IMPORTANT PART:

Not every program works for every buyer. That's why I don't want you guessing which program you qualify for.

As your Realtor, I can help you understand the homebuying process, identify potential assistance opportunities, connect you with the right lending professionals, and help you navigate the process from pre-approval → home search → contract → closing. 🏡🔑

📲 Thinking about buying in Illinois?
Ashley Estes | Realtor
🏡 Missouri & Illinois

🌟The MHDC First Place Loan Program is designed specifically to help first-time buyers and qualified veterans secure stab...
09/11/2026

🌟The MHDC First Place Loan Program is designed specifically to help first-time buyers and qualified veterans secure stable, affordable housing with incredible cost-saving incentives:

💰 What You Get: Lower Interest Rates: Secure a 30-year, fixed-rate mortgage with an interest rate set well below standard market trends.
4% Cash Assistance: Receive a cash advance equal to 4% of your total loan amount to cover your down payment and closing costs.
100% Forgivable: The down payment help is a 0%-interest second loan that is completely forgiven if you stay in the home for 10 years!
👤 Who Qualifies? First-Time Buyers: Anyone who hasn't owned a home in the last 3 years (this rule is completely waived for qualified military veterans or anyone purchasing inside a federally designated targeted area).

Credit & Finances: Applicants generally need a minimum credit score of 640 and must stay within regional household income limits.
Property Requirements: Valid for single-family homes, townhomes, condos, or duplexes located anywhere in the state of Missouri!
How to Apply & Sign Up: You cannot apply directly through the state. Instead, follow these steps to secure your funds:

Find a Certified Lender: Reach out to an authorized mortgage provider approved by MHDC to manage the program. They will review your credit and file the paperwork.

Don't wait! Program funds are distributed on a strict first-come, first-served basis. Let's turn your rent payment into a home investment today!
💰 Down payment assistance
🏠 Closing-cost assistance
📉 Affordable mortgage options
🎖️ Special programs for qualified veterans
🔑 Resources designed to help first-time homebuyers

But knowing these programs exist is only the first step—knowing how to access them is just as important!...That's where I come in. 🙋🏽‍♀️

I can help you understand the process, connect you with qualified lenders, explore available programs, and then help you find the home that fits your goals and budget.

Send me a message! Let's talk about your goals and explore what resources and programs may be available to help you on your journey to homeownership.

🏡 **STOP RENTING. START OWNING.****You may qualify for up to $50,000 in assistance to purchase your first home in St. Lo...
09/10/2026

🏡 **STOP RENTING. START OWNING.**

**You may qualify for up to $50,000 in assistance to purchase your first home in St. Louis City!** 🌟

But here’s the thing—**getting approved for assistance is only one part of the homebuying process. You still need the right Realtor in your corner to help you put the pieces together!** 🔑🏡

That’s where **I come in.**

From helping you understand the process and connecting you with the right resources to finding an eligible home and guiding you through negotiations, inspections, contracts, and closing, **I’m here to help you navigate the journey from start to finish.**

💰 **HomeSTL may offer eligible buyers:**

✨ Up to **$50,000 in homebuyer assistance**
🏠 Assistance toward purchasing an eligible home in St. Louis City
📉 **0% interest with no monthly payments**
🎉 Potential forgiveness after meeting program requirements
🔑 Funds that may be used toward your down payment, closing costs, interest-rate reduction, or principal reduction

**And this is why having a knowledgeable Realtor matters!** 👇

Programs like these have requirements, timelines, participating lenders, property eligibility guidelines, contracts, and important deadlines. **You don't have to try to figure it all out by yourself.**

📲 **My job is to help guide you through the process, help you get connected with the right professionals, search for the right home, and make sure you have someone advocating for you every step of the way.**

**You focus on preparing for homeownership. Let me help you navigate the path to getting there.** 🏡❤️

⚠️ Funding may be limited, so don't wait until you're ready to buy to start preparing!

**Thinking about buying your first home? Send me a message today and let's talk about your next steps.**

🏠 **You may qualify for the assistance—but you need a Realtor who can help turn your homeownership goals into a real plan. Let's get started!**



https://www.developstlouis.org/homestl

MYTH vs FACT❌ Myth: Renting is always cheaper than buying.✅ Fact: Rent is an expense that ends every month. A home loan ...
09/09/2026

MYTH vs FACT

❌ Myth: Renting is always cheaper than buying.

✅ Fact: Rent is an expense that ends every month. A home loan EMI is an investment that helps you build ownership, long-term wealth, and a place to truly call your own.

Every EMI brings you one step closer to owning an asset that grows with time—not just paying for a roof over your head.

Make informed decisions. Build your future with confidence.

📩 Connect with me and take the first step toward your dream home.

🏡 STOP ASSUMING. START OWNING. 🔑If you’ve been telling yourself, “I can’t afford to buy a home,” you may be counting you...
09/08/2026

🏡 STOP ASSUMING. START OWNING. 🔑

If you’ve been telling yourself, “I can’t afford to buy a home,” you may be counting yourself out too soon.

The truth is, your current situation doesn't always tell the whole story. 👀

✨ Your rent payment may show that you're already capable of making a monthly housing payment.

✨ It’s not always just about having perfect credit—there may be programs and options available depending on your situation.

✨ You don't have to figure everything out alone. That's what the home-buying process is for!

As your Realtor, I can help you understand where you currently stand, connect you with the right professionals, and create a plan toward homeownership and building generational wealth.

💬 COMMENT “HOME” below or send me a message, and let's talk about what it could take to get you the keys to your own home! 🔑🏡

Stop assuming you can't. Find out what’s possible.

Wishing you a relaxing Labor Day filled with family, friends, and backyard BBQs! There’s truly no better place to unwind...
09/07/2026

Wishing you a relaxing Labor Day filled with family, friends, and backyard BBQs!

There’s truly no better place to unwind from your hard work than in a home you call your own. If you're looking for the perfect porch or backyard for next year's celebrations, I'm here to help you find it. 🍔❤️

🚨 Bad Joke Alert 🚨What’s a good sign you’re going to get a great price for your home?A for-sale sign with my name on it!...
09/06/2026

🚨 Bad Joke Alert 🚨
What’s a good sign you’re going to get a great price for your home?
A for-sale sign with my name on it!
But seriously, as your local real estate expert, it is my duty to make sure you get every penny you deserve out of your property.
Send me a DM for a free assessment.

🚨 **Thinking about buying a home? Don't make these mistakes before applying for a mortgage!** 🏡The decisions you make be...
09/05/2026

🚨 **Thinking about buying a home? Don't make these mistakes before applying for a mortgage!** 🏡

The decisions you make before applying can impact whether you're approved—and how much home you can afford.

❌ Buying a new car or financing furniture.
❌ Missing or making late payments.
❌ Opening new credit cards or personal loans.
❌ Quitting or changing jobs without talking to your lender.
❌ Making large cash deposits without documentation.
❌ Maxing out your credit cards.
❌ Spending your down payment or emergency savings.
❌ Skipping the pre-approval process before shopping for homes.

✅ The good news? Most of these mistakes are easy to avoid when you have the right guidance.

If you're planning to buy a home in Missouri or Illinois, I'd be happy to walk you through the process and connect you with trusted lenders so you're set up for success from day one.

📩 Comment **"BUY"** or send me a DM to schedule your FREE buyer consultation.

📱 Ashley Estes, REALTOR®
Missouri & Illinois
314-354-0488

Address

1254 University Drive
East Saint Louis, IL

Opening Hours

Monday 9am - 5pm
Tuesday 9am - 5pm
Wednesday 9am - 5pm
Thursday 9am - 5pm
Friday 9am - 5pm
Saturday 9am - 5pm
Sunday 9am - 5pm

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