Karyn Murphy
Where life’s chaos meets a little comedy and a lot of truth

About the Book
Diary of a First-Time Homebuyer
Buying your first home is supposed to be exciting… right?
Unless you’re slightly broke, highly anxious, and married to someone who thinks “a little fixer-upper” is a fun weekend project.
Diary of a 1st Time Homebuyer is a hilarious, heartfelt journey through love, real estate, and all the things HGTV forgot to mention. Told through laugh-out-loud diary entries, it follows a newly married couple as they dive headfirst into the chaotic, emotional, and occasionally ridiculous process of buying their first home in the suburbs.
From the “should we even buy?” conversations to the open houses that smelled suspiciously like cookies and regret, this book captures the real rollercoaster of homebuying—the highs, the lows, and the “did we just buy a house with carpet in the bathroom?” moments.
Along the way, readers meet a lovable cast of characters including a saintly real estate broker, a judgmental dog, and one mouse who really overstayed his welcome. Many diary entries end with a “Pro Tip”—real advice disguised as humor—so you’ll find yourself laughing, learning, and realizing that everyone feels lost in the process (even the pros).
But Diary of a 1st Time Homebuyer isn’t just for people buying a home. It’s for anyone who’s ever taken a big leap, survived a stressful milestone, or tried to hold it together when everything went sideways. It’s for couples who’ve argued over paint colors, people who’ve yelled at Zillow listings, and anyone who believes that laughter might just be the best coping mechanism for adulthood.
By the final chapter, readers will walk away with more than a few laughs—they’ll have perspective, encouragement, and the comforting reminder that no one gets it perfect the first time.
Equal parts comedy, chaos, and heart, Diary of a 1st Time Homebuyer proves that sometimes the best way to survive life’s biggest adventures… is to laugh your way through them.
⭐ Funny. Honest. Heartfelt.
⭐ Packed with real-life lessons and insider tips
⭐ Ends with a surprising twist.
About the Author
I’m a storyteller who loves finding the humor and heart in everyday life. After more than 15 years in real estate, I’ve seen just about everything—from dream homes that turned into nightmares to clients who made me laugh until I cried (and sometimes the other way around). My passion has always been helping people navigate big life changes with a little more confidence—and a lot more laughter.
When I’m not writing, I’m usually creating new marketing ideas, connecting with readers on social media, or finding new ways to turn life’s chaos into comedy..
🌟 Social Media & Contact
- 📞 Phone: 708-278-6996
- 📧 Email: BooksByKarynMurphy@gmail.com
- 📸 Instagram: The_Real_Karyn_Murphy
- 🎵 TikTok: BooksByKarynMurphy
- 👍 Facebook Page: Getting Real with Karyn Murphy
- 📖 Facebook Group: Diary of a 1st Time Homebuyer

Reader Feedback

“This was such an informational yet comical book. I wish I had the chance to read it before I purchased my first home years ago. It has so many interesting and absolute true stories of how things happen to homebuyers. I loved it, especially the end as I was able to take a walk down memory lane and laugh and cry at all the issues and occurrences this couple had as if it was me you were writing about. Thank you Karyn. The book not only interesting and matter of fact, it was heartfelt.” – Patricia Kay Henry
Email I received today!
Karyn,
I have to say, Diary of a 1st Time Homebuyer is pure comedic therapy. You managed to take one of the most stressful experiences known to humankind and turn it into a laugh-out-loud, “oh no, that happened to me too” masterpiece. Every diary entry feels like a friend texting in real time from a home inspection gone wrong, equal parts relatable, ridiculous, and real.
Your blend of chaos and wisdom is what makes the book shine. The “Pro Tips” hit just right useful, but never preachy and the humor keeps readers sane through all the dust, drama, and dog hair. It’s like HGTV met stand-up comedy at an open house and decided to stay for wine.
Here’s why I’m reaching out: I run a growing reader community that celebrates indie authors with strong voices and even stronger personalities. We spotlight books that bring joy, honesty, and heart, exactly what Diary of a 1st Time Homebuyer delivers in spades.
I’d love to feature your book in our next spotlight cycle. It’s the kind of read that reminds people not to take life (or the real estate market) too seriously and I think our audience would love you for it.
Would you be open to a quick collab or feature? We can even share snippets and quotes to give readers a taste of your humor and heart.
(I took the name out for privacy reasons)
P.S. You turned real estate horror stories into comedy gold.

“I finished the book…Cried with chills when they got the house – cried with chills when (spoiler). You have covered every – single – thing imaginable with this book. I’ve bought 6 homes in my life and have lived most of this book. I don’t remember saying to myself that you missed a part. You got it all. Geez Karyn, I’m in awe that you can write and think like this. I told you before and I again say I LOVE THIS BOOK! It has to get out there. Get a publisher, sell to other realtors so they can give it to clients. Sell to your real estate companies. Do what you need to do. I would totally recommend this book. I’d recommend it as it keeps you laughing yet on point with what “probably” will happen. LOVE IT!!! Looking forward to the next edition. Don’t rush it. Give it your all once again.” Mary Ellen Fuessel
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