Getting Real with Karyn Murphy

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?

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)