Ready to stretch out a little more? If you love Murphy’s quiet streets and larger yards but need extra bedrooms, a bigger kitchen, or a backyard built for gatherings, you are not alone. Upsizing within Collin County can feel complex when you are selling and buying at the same time. In this guide, you will learn what larger homes in Murphy typically offer, how to budget for taxes and utilities, how to time a sell-and-buy move, and where to find floorplans that actually fit your life. Let’s dive in.
Why upsize in Murphy
Murphy gives you space without pushing your commute too far. You are about 24 miles from downtown Dallas and roughly 5 miles to Plano, depending on your route, which keeps major job centers within reach while you enjoy a quieter neighborhood setting. You can confirm typical drive distances with this simple distance tool for the route from Murphy to Dallas at Travelmath’s drive distance calculator.
Lot sizes in many Murphy subdivisions run larger than in some nearby suburbs. That extra land often supports covered patios, outdoor kitchens, or even a pool. If you want a home office, play loft, or multigenerational layout, Murphy’s floorplans make that easier to find.
Current market snapshot
- Pricing: As of February 2026, third-party market data placed Murphy’s median sale price around the high 500s, with one major portal showing about 579,000. Different sources track different metrics, so month-to-month numbers will vary. Use current MLS data for decisions.
- Pace: Recent notes show longer days on market compared with the prior year. A slightly slower pace can help if you plan to use a sale contingency or negotiate a rent-back.
- Tip: Always verify up-to-the-minute pricing, days on market, and sale-to-list ratios with your agent before you write offers.
Neighborhoods to know
Murphy’s larger-home inventory clusters in a handful of subdivisions. You will see a mix of established streets and more recent builds, many with sidewalks and nearby parks. School attendance differs by address, so always confirm the assigned district and campus directly.
Rolling Ridge Estates
- What you will find: Often larger lots, with examples in the 0.3 to 0.7 acre range, and homes that can exceed 4,000 to 5,000 square feet.
- Why it fits a move-up: Space for multi-car garages, outdoor living, and bigger gathering zones indoors.
Murphy Farms
- What you will find: Many lots in the 0.20 to 0.35 acre range, frequently 3 to 5 bedrooms with multiple living areas.
- Why it fits a move-up: Balanced price-to-size and neighborhood amenities nearby.
Maxwell Creek
- What you will find: A mix of established and newer builds, sidewalks, and community features that make daily life simple.
- Why it fits a move-up: Flexible floorplans with game rooms, studies, and open kitchens.
Daniel Crossing
- What you will find: Single-family homes with modern layouts and access to area parks and conveniences.
- Why it fits a move-up: Practical bedroom counts and indoor-outdoor flow.
The Ranch
- What you will find: Traditional Murphy lots that often support covered patios and play space.
- Why it fits a move-up: Room to add outdoor upgrades without sacrificing yard.
Aviary
- What you will find: Community amenities and home sizes that often reach well above 3,000 square feet.
- Why it fits a move-up: Large kitchens and open-concept living areas are common.
Glen Ridge Estates
- What you will find: Substantial two-story homes with multi-living layouts and generous primary suites.
- Why it fits a move-up: Separation of spaces for work, sleep, and play without feeling cramped.
Typical lots and floorplans
- Lot sizes: Many Murphy subdivisions offer about 0.18 to 0.35 acres. Premium pockets and older custom areas can reach 0.3 to 0.7 acres or more.
- Home sizes: Move-up listings often range from 3,000 to 5,000 plus square feet with 3 to 5 bedrooms, two or more living spaces, and multi-car garages.
- Outdoor living: Covered patios, outdoor kitchens, and pools are common upgrades, supported by the larger yards.
What buyers want in 2025–26
National trend data signals that modern efficiency and flexible living are front and center. According to a Realtor.com trends summary reported by Barchart, listing mentions for WaterSense fixtures, indoor-outdoor design, EV charging, and net-zero readiness are rising. Read the highlights in this recap of Realtor.com’s 2025 Hottest Home Trends.
Use this checklist as you shop or prep a sale:
- Flexible rooms: A dedicated office or a multifunctional room that can flex for guests or study.
- Main-level primary suite: If not on the main floor, look for a larger, updated bath and closet.
- Open kitchen: Large island, clear sightlines to living and dining, and an appliance package that avoids immediate remodels.
- Indoor-outdoor flow: Expanded patio, shade structure, and space for a grill or outdoor kitchen.
- Energy and water features: WaterSense fixtures, EV charging capability, efficient HVAC, solar or wiring that supports future upgrades.
Context matters too. With more new construction coming online nationally and equity-rich owners moving up, updated resale properties and new homes can both be attractive. See the National Association of Realtors’ coverage on how greater new construction is helping move-up buyers.
Budget for property taxes
Property taxes are a key part of your monthly budget in Collin County. Murphy’s city tax rate for FY 2025–26 was about 0.357514 per 100 of assessed value, and combined rates that include county, schools, and other entities often land around 1.6 to 1.8 per 100 depending on the school district. You can review the city’s rates and helpful resources on the City of Murphy’s tax page and the county’s Tax Rate Summary.
Here is a simple way to estimate taxes for planning:
- Formula: total tax rate per 100 x assessed value, then divide by 100.
- Example: If the total rate is 1.70 per 100 and the assessed value is 650,000, your estimated annual tax is 1.70 x 650,000 ÷ 100, which is 11,050.
Always verify your home’s exact assessed value and exemptions. When you compare two Murphy homes in different school districts, update your tax math since total rates can differ.
Schools and attendance zones
Murphy is primarily served by Plano ISD, with portions in Wylie ISD. Attendance zones can shift and may vary by street, so confirm the assigned campus for any specific address. You can see a neutral overview of local school service areas at NeighborhoodScout’s Murphy schools page. Use official district tools to verify attendance for your property.
How to coordinate sell and buy
Most move-up buyers need to sell before or while they buy. Each path has tradeoffs for competitiveness and risk. Here is a quick guide, with deeper explanations from trustworthy consumer resources.
- Sell first, then buy: Lowest financial risk since you have cash from your sale. You may need temporary housing or storage between closings.
- Buy first, non-contingent: Most competitive if your dream home appears, but you need to qualify to carry two mortgages or use short-term financing. See Bankrate’s overview on how to buy before you sell.
- Sale-contingent offer: Your purchase depends on selling your current home first. This protects you but can be less competitive if the seller has multiple offers.
- Rent-back after closing: Negotiate to stay in your sold home for 30 to 90 days post-closing. This gives you move-out breathing room. Terms must be clear in writing.
- Buy-before-you-sell services: Companies such as Homeward and similar firms can make a cash-style purchase possible, then help you sell your current home. These are convenience tools with fees and eligibility rules. Learn what to ask by reviewing Homeward’s education resources.
Bridge loans and alternatives
A bridge loan is a short-term loan that taps your current equity to help fund the next down payment. They can raise your offer strength but often carry higher rates and fees. See Experian’s explainer on what a bridge loan is. Alternatives include a HELOC, a home equity loan, or a sale-advance program. Discuss qualification and timing early with your lender.
A sample 90-day timeline
Use this as a starting point, then adjust to your home and financing.
- Weeks 1 to 4
- Meet with your agent for a pricing and prep plan.
- Get full lender pre-approval, not just pre-qualification.
- Order a pre-listing inspection if advised. Complete targeted repairs, declutter, and stage.
- Weeks 5 to 8
- List your home. Begin touring Murphy neighborhoods that fit your wish list.
- Choose your sequencing path: contingency, bridge loan, or buy-before service.
- Track days on market and pricing shifts so you can time offers with confidence.
- Weeks 9 to 12
- Negotiate aligned closing dates and, if needed, a short rent-back.
- Finalize loan conditions and appraisal timing for the purchase.
- Schedule movers, utilities, and final walk-throughs. Close, then move.
Your move-up team
A smooth upsizing plan is a team effort. Here is who does what:
- Listing agent: Pricing, marketing, staging guidance, and rent-back negotiation.
- Buyer’s agent: Neighborhood search, comps, and strategy for contingencies or non-contingent offers.
- Lender: Pre-approval, loan options, bridge or equity products, and rate lock timing.
- Title and transaction coordinator: Critical dates, title work, and closing logistics.
- Stager, photographer, and repair pros: Raise perceived value and help reduce time on market.
- Movers and storage: Keep the move aligned with closing and occupancy dates.
Next steps
If you are aiming for more space in Murphy this year, start with three moves: define your must-haves, confirm your financing path, and get a clear market and pricing plan for both homes. When you are ready, reach out to a local, high-touch team that can coordinate the entire process from valuation to keys. Connect with Sarah Naylor to map your upsizing plan and get an instant home valuation.
FAQs
What is the median price for larger homes in Murphy?
- As of February 2026, third-party data placed Murphy’s median sale price in the high 500s, with one portal near 579,000. Always confirm live MLS data before making offers.
How do Murphy property taxes affect my budget?
- Total tax rates often range about 1.6 to 1.8 per 100 of assessed value, depending on district. Estimate taxes by multiplying the total rate by your assessed value and dividing by 100, then verify with the city and county.
Which Murphy neighborhoods commonly have bigger lots?
- Rolling Ridge Estates often features larger lots, and many areas of Murphy Farms, Maxwell Creek, Aviary, The Ranch, and Glen Ridge Estates offer lots around 0.20 to 0.35 acres with flexible floorplans.
What features add the most value in a Murphy move-up home?
- Buyers look for open kitchens, a dedicated office or flex room, upgraded primary suites, indoor-outdoor living, and efficiency upgrades like WaterSense fixtures and EV charging.
Is it better to sell first or buy first when upsizing?
- It depends on your finances and market pace. Selling first reduces risk but can require temporary housing. Buying first is more competitive but may need a bridge loan or a buy-before service.
How far is Murphy from Dallas and Plano?
- Murphy is roughly 24 miles to downtown Dallas and about 5 miles to Plano, depending on your route. Use a drive distance tool to confirm the paths you will take.
