Lisa shares her incredible journey, starting all the way back at Acme Markets, where she spent over two decades climbing the ranks in customer service and store management. It was there that she learned how to listen, how to help, and how to solve problems—skills that now define her success in real estate. Her transition into the industry wasn’t planned, but it was sparked by a simple moment: watching a real estate agent walk off the beach, close a deal, and help someone find their dream shore home. Lisa knew then that she could bring something different to the business—something more grounded, more human.
When she entered real estate in 2002, Lisa quickly realized that her reputation would be her greatest asset. She talks candidly about walking away from deals that didn’t serve her clients, even when it meant losing a commission. For Lisa, it’s never about the transaction—it’s about the trust. And that mindset has paid off in more ways than one. Today, nearly 90% of her business comes from referrals and repeat clients. People don’t just work with Lisa once; they send their friends, family, and colleagues to her again and again.
In the episode, we talk about what it means to be a hyper-local expert—someone who doesn’t just sell homes but knows every street, alley, and personality of a neighborhood. Lisa grew up in Roxborough. She raised her children there. Her parents still live on Valley Avenue. Her daughter lives nearby. Her office is just up the road in Lafayette Hill. Her deep connection to the area gives her clients a level of insight and confidence that no Zillow listing or Instagram post can replicate.
One of the most moving parts of our conversation comes when Lisa reflects on helping a single mother, who was newly divorced and raising an autistic child, buy a home she never believed she could afford. The paperwork was tough. The financing seemed impossible. But Lisa and her mortgage partner made it happen. At closing, the client called Lisa and her team “angels.” That moment—Lisa says—is still one of the most rewarding of her entire career.
We also explore Lisa’s views on the rapidly changing landscape of Ridge Avenue and the surrounding community. She speaks openly about the tension between growth and preservation. While she acknowledges that new development brings opportunities, she also fears that overbuilding—particularly high-density apartments—is erasing the character of the community. For Lisa, it’s about balance: investing in small, local businesses, keeping the streets walkable, and protecting what makes Roxborough and Manayunk feel like home.
In the second half of the episode, we dig into the reality of running a real estate team—what works, what doesn’t, and how hard it can be to find the right people. Lisa talks about the challenge of hiring assistants in a post-COVID world. Virtual options have their perks, but she needs boots-on-the-ground help—someone who can print flyers, drop off lockboxes, and meet clients in person. Her best hires, she says, have come through friends of friends, not job boards.
Lisa’s story is full of wisdom for anyone building a business—whether you're in real estate, insurance, or any other client-facing industry. She proves that when you focus on doing the right thing, treating people with respect, and staying rooted in your community, good things follow. Her leadership style is heartfelt, her advice is gold, and her story will absolutely leave you inspired.
If you enjoy this episode, please like the video, subscribe to the channel, and leave us a comment with your thoughts. We’d love to hear what part of Lisa’s story resonated most with you. And if you’ve worked with a client-first professional like her, tell us about that experience too!
🌐 Learn more about Lisa Murphy and her team:
Website: https://www.lisamurphyhomes.com
Email: lisa@lisamurphyteam.com
Phone: (610) 322-1502
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lisamurphyhomes/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/lisamurphyhomes
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