Karla Murtaugh is one of Ridgefield’s most recognized names in real estate—so much so that it’s hard to believe she didn’t start her career in the field.
Karla’s journey to Fairfield County began in 1987. When her company relocated to Dallas, she stayed in New York after meeting her now-husband, Greg Murtaugh. She then took a position at an international optical company in Connecticut, where she managed marketing, business development, and licensing across North America.
“That was one of the best decisions I ever made,” she says. “We were living in Bronxville. To make my commute easier, we moved to Connecticut. Greg wanted to be on the Metro-North Harlem line, and we fell in love with Ridgefield!”
Then came 9/11.
“Greg missed his train that morning for the first time in 13 years,” Karla recalls. “I was on the runway at Westchester Airport heading to Detroit for a meeting. With our son in elementary school, traveling was really starting to eat away at me. That day made me realize how fragile life is.”
The Murtaughs had dabbled in real estate investments, but after 9/11, Karla began considering it as a full-time career. She wanted something flexible that aligned with her corporate skillset.
“I thought, why not try residential real estate?” she says.
After undergoing orthopedic surgery, she used her recovery time to take a real estate licensing course.
“I passed the test and thought, ‘What a leap of faith this is!’ I was leaving something I was very comfortable with, but my family was the most important thing. So I gave myself one year. If things didn’t work, I’d go back to corporate life.”
Over two decades later, she’s never looked back.
As Founding Agent of Compass Ridgefield, Karla has leveraged her corporate experience to assemble a powerhouse team. Jay Graygor serves as Art Director, Architectural Photographer, and Graphic Designer. Sally Walter is a skilled Realtor, Accredited Buyer’s Representative, and Equestrian Property Specialist. Kate Fitzpatrick manages Social Media. Diana Valdovinos oversees Operations and Marketing. Tatiana Palylyk handles Staging and Design, while Laurie Costa-Mendez is a dedicated Realtor.
“You’re only as good as the people you surround yourself with,” Karla says. “There’s no ‘star’ on our team. I’m able to do this because of the amazing people around me.”
Of course, part of Karla’s success is tied to Ridgefield itself.
“This town has so much vibrancy,” she says. “Ridgefield Playhouse, The Prospector, Ridgefield Theater Barn, Guild of Artists, A.C.T., The Aldrich. We have amazing restaurants, a farmers market, a fantastic fitness scene—barre, yoga, running and cycling clubs. The list goes on!”
With so much to offer, it’s no surprise Ridgefield’s real estate market has been booming for the past five years. Karla says the spring 2025 market is especially brisk, with demand far outpacing supply.
“Suburban life is back. The pandemic changed everyone’s priorities. If homes are priced properly and move-in ready, they’re selling within days.”
For buyers feeling frustrated by the competitive market, Karla urges patience.
“We worked with a young couple for nearly two years. They were so frustrated, but then, the right house came along. They even said, ‘This is where we were meant to be!’ It’s strange how that happens—I see it all the time. The right home will find you.”
For sellers, the biggest question is knowing when to list.
“I always tell clients, I can’t make the decision for you,” Karla says. “If it’s not the right time, it’s not the right time. You can’t time the stock market, and you can’t time the housing market. But sometimes, for some people, the stars align.”
Karla and her team focus on maximizing value and minimizing time on the market.
“I feel a tremendous responsibility to get my clients the best price in the shortest time possible. Experience, attention to detail, and a talented team help us do that.”
Karla is so ingrained in the Ridgefield community that her name is as likely to appear on a philanthropic sign as a real estate one.
“I love giving back to the community that has been so good to me,” she shares. “I feel very strongly about that. There are so many great organizations here, and I like to do what I can to help.”
Karla actively sponsors Run Like a Mother, Ridgefield Farmers Market, Boys & Girls Club, Lounsbury House, Tiger Hollow House Tours, and many other local organizations.
Whether helping sellers get the best price for their homes or guiding first-time buyers, Karla and her team have built a reputation for excellence, work ethic, and trust.
“A home is often the largest financial decision of someone’s life,” she says. “We take that responsibility very seriously.”
With a thriving business and an unwavering love for Ridgefield, Karla has proven that sometimes, the best career moves aren’t planned—they just find you.
Visit karlamurtaugh.com and follow @karlamurtaughhomes for new listings and real estate insights.
“You’re only as good as the people you surround yourself with. I’m able to do this because of the amazing people around me.”
“I love giving back to the community that has been so good to me. I feel very strongly about that. There are so many great organizations here, and I like to do what I can to help.”