Getting Real with Karyn Murphy

10/12/2025

🔑 Be honest how many of you cried after reading your first inspection report?

09/19/2025

Sometimes is feels like this!

09/10/2025

It's Here! It's Available! It's Amazing! 16514 S. Mueller Cir. Plainfield $629,000 Move-In Ready New Construction

4 bedroom, 2.1 Bath, Full Basement, 3-Car Garage!

New Construction home is finished and ready for you. 4 Bedrooms, 2 1/2 bathrooms, 1st Floor office, 2 Story Living room and Foyer, Custom oak staircase, 3 car garage, Full basement with 9ft ceilings and rough-in bath. Master Bathroom is amazing with 2 shower heads and stand alone tub! Double Sink in master and hall bath.

MLS #12455878

Karyn Murphy / Dana Vorberg Managing Brokers HomeSmart Realty Group Orland Park, IL

09/09/2025

New Construction home is finished and ready for you. 4 Bedrooms, 2 1/2 bathrooms, 1st Floor office, 2 Story Living room and Foyer, Custom oak staircase, 3 car garage, Full basement with 9ft ceilings and rough-in bath. Master Bathroom is amazing (just wait for the pictures since words can not describe!). AVAILABLE 9/10/25

Karyn Murphy Dana Vorberg
708-278-6996 / 815-405-4911
Managing Brokers
HomeSmart Realty Group
Orland Park IL

09/09/2025

The Benefits of Buying a Newly Built Home That’s Move-In Ready

When it comes to new construction homes, many buyers picture picking out paint colors, flooring, countertops, and fixtures—essentially customizing every detail to their taste. But what if you find a newly built home that’s already complete and ready for move-in? While you may not get to choose the finishes, buying a new construction home that’s already built comes with plenty of advantages that are worth considering.

1. No Waiting on Construction Delays

Building a new home from the ground up can take months—or even longer—depending on the builder’s timeline, weather conditions, and supply chain issues. With a move-in ready home, all that waiting is eliminated. The house is finished, inspected, and ready for you to turn the key. This makes it a great option for buyers who need to move quickly.

2. A True “What You See is What You Get” Purchase

When you buy a home under construction, you’re relying on model homes, floor plans, and renderings to imagine the final product. With a finished home, there’s no guesswork. You can walk through every room, see the exact finishes, and know exactly what you’re purchasing—no surprises down the road.

3. Professionally Chosen Finishes

Builders typically hire professional designers to select the finishes in move-in ready homes. These experts choose timeless colors, durable materials, and popular styles that appeal to a wide range of buyers. Even if you didn’t pick them yourself, you’ll likely end up with a polished, modern look that’s move-in ready.

4. Less Decision Fatigue

Let’s face it—choosing every detail of a new construction home can be overwhelming. From paint swatches to cabinet hardware, the number of choices can quickly feel like too much. With a completed home, those decisions are already made for you, allowing you to skip the stress and enjoy the process of moving in.

5. Warranties and Energy Efficiency

Just like a custom-built home, a move-in ready new construction comes with brand-new systems, appliances, and builder warranties. Plus, new homes are built to today’s energy standards, which means lower utility bills and better efficiency compared to older homes.

6. Instant Gratification with Long-Term Benefits

There’s something satisfying about moving into a home that’s completely new but doesn’t require waiting or making countless design decisions. You get the fresh start of a brand-new home, combined with the convenience of moving in right away.

Final Thoughts

Buying a new construction home that’s already built can be the perfect blend of convenience and peace of mind. You won’t have to wait months for construction to finish, stress over design choices, or wonder how the final product will turn out. Instead, you’ll enjoy a brand-new home, modern features, professional design, and the ability to move in on your timeline.

For many buyers, that’s a win-win situation.

BTW....We have one in Plainfield, coming today!

Karyn Murphy
Managing Broker
HomeSmart Orland Park, IL
708-278-6996

Call now to connect with business.

08/14/2025

🚪🏡 Ever bought your first home?
Then you know it’s not all Pinterest boards and open houses with cookies.
It’s more like:
Trying to understand mortgage paperwork that looks like it’s written in code.

Falling in love with a house… and then finding out it smells like wet dog and regret.

Wondering if your spouse is still “the one” after 6 hours of IKEA arguments.

📖 In Diary of a First-Time Homebuyer, I spill the hilarious (and sometimes slightly horrifying) truths about house hunting, fixer-uppers, and surviving the rollercoaster of buying your very first place.
😂 It’s funny.
❤️ It’s relatable.
💡 And it’s packed with little nuggets of wisdom you’ll actually use.

Grab your copy here:
Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0FLYPRMR2
Barnes and Noble https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/diary-of-a-1st-time-homebuyer-karyn-murphy/1147999720?ean=2940181736979
Smashwords https://www.smashwords.com/books/view/1826123





Zillow

05/26/2025

506 NW 26th Pl Cape Coral - This beautifully maintained pool home boasts a fantastic layout, filled with natural light and an inviting open feel. It features both a spacious family room and a large living room that flows seamlessly into the attached dining area. The expansive screened lanai encloses a stunning in-ground pool, perfect for outdoor relaxation.

Inside, the home showcases gorgeous brown plank flooring throughout. The master suite is privately situated on one side of the house, separate from the two additional bedrooms and full bath. The master bathroom offers dual sinks, an oversized shower, and a large closet.

Glass French doors from the dining room and sliding doors from the family room provide easy access to the pool area, blending indoor and outdoor living effortlessly. The property sits on a generously sized lot and includes a two-car garage and a convenient laundry room.

Located in vibrant Cape Coral, you’ll be close to beautiful beaches, shopping, dining, and exciting nightlife. Whether you're looking for a full-time residence, vacation home, or rental investment (including VRBO potential), this home checks all the boxes. A side privacy wall adds an extra touch of seclusion. ALL THIS FOR ONLY $350,000!

Contact Me, Karyn Murphy (call or text) 708-766-SOLD for more details. Sales Associate with HomeSmart Tampa, Managing Broker with HomeSmart Realty Group Orland Park, IL

El agente inmobiliario no habla español. Si le gusta lo que ve, contacte a su agente inmobiliario. Gracias por su comprensión. (perdón si esta es una mala traducción, utilicé una aplicación de traducción)

Esta casa con piscina, impecablemente mantenida, cuenta con una fantástica distribución, llena de luz natural y un ambiente acogedor y abierto. Cuenta con una espaciosa sala de estar y una amplia sala de estar que se integra a la perfección con el comedor adjunto.

La amplia terraza acristalada rodea una impresionante piscina enterrada, perfecta para relajarse al aire libre.

En el interior, la casa luce hermosos pisos de tablones marrones. La suite principal se encuentra en un lateral de la casa, separada de los dos dormitorios adicionales y el baño completo. El baño principal cuenta con dos lavabos, una ducha extragrande y un amplio armario.

Las puertas francesas de vidrio del comedor y las puertas corredizas de la sala de estar brindan fácil acceso a la zona de la piscina, integrando a la perfección la vida interior y exterior. La propiedad se encuentra en un terreno amplio e incluye un garaje para dos autos y una práctica lavandería.

Ubicada en la vibrante Cape Coral, estará cerca de hermosas playas, tiendas, restaurantes y una vibrante vida nocturna. Ya sea que busque una residencia permanente, una casa de vacaciones o una inversión para alquilar (incluyendo la posibilidad de una casa de alquiler vacacional), esta casa lo tiene todo. Una pared lateral le da privacidad y le da un toque extra de privacidad.

¡TODO ESTO POR SOLO $350,000!

Publicado por: Karyn Murphy (call or text) 708-766-SOLD for more details. Sales Associate with HomeSmart Tampa, Managing Broker with HomeSmart Realty Group Orland Park, IL.

05/26/2025

05/24/2025

I am in the middle of Spring cleaning at its finest. I’m getting rid of EVERYTHING that is no longer use to me

I’m getting rid of it because I don’t know what to do with it, or I have no clue what it is.

I’m also looking for places to donate pillows and blankets who go directly to people who need them.  seriously who needs 10+ throw blankets? There are only so many people in our house.

I was thinking that homeless people need blankets year-round for padding, insulation and security. I just don’t want to give the blankets to places where people have to pay for them. I just want them donated to the end user so if you have somebody or know of places Im describing, please let me know.

 Other than that, I’m just trying to get rid of all my F”$&@ years of crap.

My regular spring cleaning would be screens for my windows and stuff like this, but this year is huge

Does anyone else to purge Sping cleaning like this?

05/14/2025

Hi All – Friendly (but honest) PSA from your favorite over-caffeinated real estate broker.

Home Sellers, be prepared for some tough love (and I'm only doing this out of love and to help, no matter who represents you).

I've been showing a ton of homes lately, and I’ve got questions. Mainly: what is going ON with sellers right now?

Out of love for humanity (and my sanity), here’s some real talk—firm but fair advice based on feedback from buyers, fellow brokers, and my own eyeballs. If you want to up your odds to make your home to sell quickly and for top dollar, you’ll want to read this.

Then reread it.

Let’s go.

1. Clean. Your. House.

I mean really clean it. Clean like your in-laws are coming over and they judge silently. Buyers notice the layers of dust on vents, mystery stains, and... let’s call it “ambitious” smells.

Dishes in the sink? Nope. Dust bunnies throwing house parties in corners? Absolutely not. If you can’t make the house sparkle that day, reschedule the showing. A dirty house feels sad, unloved, and neglected—and that’s not the vibe that sells homes.

2. The Lawn Matters.

Buyers do drive-bys. If your yard looks like the set of Jumanji, they're not even booking a showing. Mow, edge, trim—whatever it takes. Can’t do it yourself? Hire someone. Think of it as investing in curb appeal... which is a fancy way of saying “don’t scare people off.” You may need to even give it care twice in the same week. Take it from Nike, “Just Do It”.

3. Professional Photos Are a Must.

Blurry iPhone pics taken from a car window while driving by? Hard pass. If your broker isn’t willing to spring for professional photos, I’m just gonna say it—maybe find a new broker. (Sorry not sorry.)
That said, don’t let the editing get out of hand. If your living room looks like a virtual reality rendering online but feels like a basement dungeon in person, buyers will feel duped. And duped buyers don’t make offers.

4. Flip Houses Are the Exception.

If the house is a total fixer-upper, don’t waste money making it look like an HGTV dream. Show the real deal. Let buyers see the potential, not a Photoshopped fantasy.

5. Dirty Laundry Goes in the Car.

Closets crammed full of clothes? Not a good look. Shove that laundry in a basket and toss it in the trunk during showings. No one wants to think about your socks—or how full that closet really is. Again, dream > chores.

6. Be Serious or Wait to List.

You can’t wing this. Either commit to making your home show-ready or wait until you're actually ready. Half-hearted listings just sit there. Like awkward first dates. And no one wants a second showing with a house that smells like regret and old onions.

And while we’re at it—price it right from day one.

Overpricing to “leave room to negotiate” isn’t a strategy, it’s a stall tactic. You get the most attention in the first few days on the market—don’t waste that golden window with a number you pulled out of Zillow’s imagination.

7. Smells Sell (or Don’t).

Do not make us play “What’s That Smell?” when we walk in. If you smoke indoors or love to cook with “fragrant” spices—this one’s for you. Pay for a deep odor removal service and stop the habit until your home is sold. Think of it as detox—for your walls.

8. Know Your Numbers – Yes, That Includes Commission.

Buyer’s agents don’t work for free. The media makes it sound like you don’t have to pay them. That’s technically true. But you know who else doesn’t have to pay them? Your competition down the block... except they are, and that’s who’s going to sell first.
Buyers approved for $400K can’t pay your price and the commission. So they move on.

Make life easy: build commission into your list price like every other smart seller for the past 40 years. Boom. Done.

9. Dual Agency ≠ Discount.

If your broker is representing you and the buyer, remember—they’re now doing double the work. The “great deal” you think you're getting? It's complicated. And not usually cheaper.

10. Post-Closing Possession = You’re Asking for a Favor.

Need to stay in your home for a few days (or weeks) after closing? Cool. But understand—you are asking the buyer for a favor. So when they ask for rent-back, or specific terms, don't act shocked or offended. They're helping you out. Be nice. Or the buyer will find a seller who is.

Final Thoughts:

Yes, selling is so very stressful, I get it. I really do. But if you follow this advice, your house won’t just sit on the market awkwardly collecting dust and weird smells. It'll sell faster and maybe for even more money.

Don't shoot the messenger—just vacuum, mow, and tuck that laundry into your car like a pro.

With tough love and a tiny bit of humor, Karyn Murphy

P.S. ALL of the above have come from showings in 2025. Don't let this be you.

Karyn Fuessel Murphy
Dana Lynn Vorberg - Realtor/Broker
Managing Broker with HomeSmart Orland Park
You can reach us at 708-766-SOLD (call or text)