We're late in September now, and school is back in full swing.  While not peak season, there are still quite a few new listings for buyers to look at out there.  In fact, Cindy had a couple of clients find homes and go under contract just this past week.  The key for buyers, as always, is to have an agent who knows the neighborhood you're targeting, and to have your ducks in a row with the financing so you can move immediately on the house you want.   Cindy tours the new listings in and around the Lower Merion School District every week. Some of the homes in her tour notes from the last few weeks have already gone under contract, but most are still on the market, and all of them will give you some insight as to where the market is right now.  If you see something you like - or if you're still searching for a good fit, feel free to reach out to cindy@lowermerionhomes.com for help.

Cindy's tour started in Narberth Borough, with this 2587 sq ft, 3 bed/2.1 bath Victorian, listed for $749K. Extensively renovated and restored, it sits on a lush, professionally landscaped yard, walking distance to public transportation and the shops, restaurants and activities of downtown Narberth. The refurbished wrap-around porch converts from a fully enclosed sunroom to an open air front porch. The character details include a gracious wide entry hall, high ceilings, gleaming wood floors, cottage glass windows, wood moldings and interesting millwork.  The master suite has a charming office nook and generous walk-in closet & dressing area. A third floor has two considerable bedrooms, and a full bathroom with stunning clawfoot tub. See more at: 225 Price Ave, Narberth. 

Any home in Narberth Borough under $400K is going to get a few looks these days, and Cindy did take the opportunity to tour this Narberth home before it quickly went under agreement. It's a 1512 sq ft, 3 bed/1 bath twin that was listed "as-is" for $369K. ​"As-is" listings will typically need work somewhere, but this one had a  number of updates, too; there were Pella windows, a newer heater, and the second floor had central AC. Plus, the private driveway and garage are prized features inside Borough limits. See more at: 18 Sabine Ave, Narberth. 

Here's another Narberth Borough 3 bed/1 bath twin in the sub-$400K price range.  It's just a short walk from Narberth Park and the Borough's beloved downtown of shop and restaurants. This one has 1224 sq ft of living space, with a driveway, and is listed for $350K. There's a cute little backyard, a driveway,  and a clean basement with laundry, utility area, and storage. See the rest at: 412 Conway Ave, Narberth. 

Next up on Cindy's tour was this 3828 sq ft, 4 bed/2.1 bath split level, listed for $749K. It sits on a half-acre lot in a Penn Valley neighborhood next to Welsh Valley Middle School. The updated kitchen has granite counters with a center island,  stainless, appliances, and a distinctive "city brick" flooring. See all the details and the whole photo gallery of this home at: 346 Rosemary Ln, Penn Valley.

Just a few blocks away from that last one, Cindy toured this  2752 sq ft, 3 bed/3.1 bath Cape, listed for $399K. Seniors and other buyers looking for one-floor living will enjoy the layout with the master suite and two other bedrooms on the main level. The updated eat-in kitchen has stainless and granite, and a built-in workstation.  There's a bonus room on the second floor that could be converted to a bedroom.  The half acre lot gives the home a generous back yard.  Check it out at: 1224 Greentree Ln, Penn Valley. 

The next home on Cindy's tour was in the wonderful College Park Neighborhood, over by Cynwyd Elementary and Bala Cynwyd Middle School. It's a 2397 sq ft, 4 bed/3 bath Colonial.  It was listed for $459K, but has since gone under contract. The master is on the second floor, but the home also has a first-floor bedroom. When you look at the photo gallery here, don't be thrown by the appearance of duplicate rooms that appear to be both furnished and unfurnished. The computer-generated "virtual staging" is meant to give an idea what an empty house could look like. See for yourself at: 710 Harvard Rd, Bala Cynwyd. 

Also in Bala, but closer to City Line, is this 2272 sq ft, 5 bed/2.1 bath twin, listed for $465K. There's plenty of room for the family to spread out with three bedrooms on the second floor, and two more, with a full bath, on the third.  The lower level is finished too, with a carpeted family room, laundry and storage. The modern, white and grey  kitchen is updated with granite and stainless, and a tile backsplash. The back yard has a swingset and a shed. See more at: 9 Heckamore Rd, Bala Cynwyd. 

Cindy toured a number of places in Wynnewood, including this 4270 sq ft, 6 bed/4.2 bath French Colonial, listed for $810K. The half acre lot is in Wynnewood's Indian Creek neighborhood, by St. Charles Seminary. The eat-in kitchen is pretty big, and connects to the large deck out back. While it looks like the home has an attached garage in the front, that space has actually been converted into a 2-bedroom suite, that could be used for an au pair, in-laws or guests. The finished walk-out lower level has a big carpeted entertaining/family room and a bathroom. see all the pics and details at: 780 Periwinkle Dr, Wynnewood. 

In Wynnewood's Shortridge neighborhood, Cindy toured this   2347 sq ft, 5 bed/2.1 bath ranch, listed for $455K. Originally a three bedroom with a garage, this one has been renovated to turn the garage into two bedrooms and a bath. The second floor master has a full bath, dressing area and two walk-in closets. The unique kitchen was described in the listing as "Open euro style kitchen with lacquer cabinets  for your finishing touches. . .". Someone must be ready to add their touches because this one has already gone under agreement! See what they saw at: ​1022 Cloverhill Rd, Wynnewood

Cindy keeps close tabs on this local market, so she knew this one was coming, and got her clients in to see it as soon as it hit the market.  Her clients liked it so much, that they went under contract to buy it! This 3023 sq ft, 6 bed/3 bath Colonial was listed for $920K, and received multiple offers. It sits on a quarter acre lot in that great Wynnewood neighborhood wedged between Narberth Borough and Suburban Square. The side porch was enclosed and updated with radiant heat to create a family room. The updated kitchen has granite and stainless, a a two-level center island, and a workstation. See more details and pics at: 253 Hathaway Ln, Wynnewood. 

In a Wynnewood neighborhood between South Ardmore Park and Lankenau Hospital, Cindy toured this 3455 sq ft, 4 bed/3.1 bath Colonial, listed for $875K. Updates include a new master bath and  walk-in closet, new mudroom with heated floor, new 2nd floor laundry room, updated lighting, and a new hot water heater. Outside is a new bluestone patio & retaining wall, BBQ & outdoor fireplace and upgraded exterior lighting​.  The updated kitchen has granite and stainless and a huge wine fridge.  See the rest at:  440 Witley Rd, Wynnewood. 

Also on Wynnewood leg of Cindy's tour, was this 3038 sq ft, 4 bed/3.1 bath, listed for $689,900. The eat-in kitchen has white cabinets and appliances, and granite counters. The roof and skylights are new in 2019. The original master was on the second floor, but the third floor has been renovated to include the master suite, with recessed lighting, office or nursery, walk-in closet, 2 additional closets, a main bath with a Jacuzzi, stall shower, double sinks, and skylights.  See for yourself at: 266 Barwynne Ln, Wynnewood. 

This 6398 sq ft, 5 bed/3.1 bath stone Tudor, with an acre+ lot on a private street, is listed for $1.199M. This 1932 home has the curb appeal of a grand Main Line estate (with an elegant pool out back) and has an interior full of classic character and charm. See all the details and the photo gallery at:      ​1118 Berwind Rd, Wynnewood. 

Next in Cindy's tour was this 1712 sq ft, 3 bed/2.1 bath Ardmore twin, listed for $349,900. The front porch was enclosed and the basement was finished to add living space. A walk-up attic may offer additional renovation potential. Classic features include inlaid hardwood floors,  moldings, and built-ins.  There's a cute, brick patio out back, and a detached one-car garage.  See for yourself at: 2928 Rising Sun Rd, Ardmore. 

Cindy's commute to the Berkshire Hathaway office would be pretty easy if she lived in this 2784 sq ft, 4 bed 3.1 bath Ardmore townhouse. Listed for $700k, this townhouse is just five years old, and includes a two-car garage. This is an upgraded end unit in the 14 townhouse Waterford Walk Community on Wyoming Ave, with a quarterly HOA for common area maintenance. Everything is modern and just five years old, so if you're searching for that rare newer construction in the inner ring suburbs, give this one a look. Check out: 5 S. Wyoming Ave, Ardmore. 

Next up on Cindy's tour were a few homes in Bryn Mawr, starting with this 3721 sq ft, 6 bed/4.1 bath stone Colonial, listed for $775K. It has a decent-sized yard and an attached garage. The renovated eat-in kitchen has granite and stainless, plenty of cabinets and wood floors. The master bedroom suite has an attached covered balcony. The two bedroom and full bath on the third floor deliver a bit of flexible separate living space.  Check it out at: 151 Pennsylvania Ave, Bryn Mawr. 

In North Bryn Mawr, close to Harriton High School, was this 3951 sq ft, 4 bed/2.2 bath, listed for $1.1M. Aerial photography usually means a million+ price point, and in this case it also shows off the gorgeous pool and patios. Everything is high-end in the kitchen, including a big quartz center island, Sub-Zero fridge, six-burner Wolfe range, double sinks and double oven. Entertain guests with a built-in Sonos sound system and remote controlled lighting. The master suite has an impressive bathroom and walk-in closet. See more at: 900 Morris Ave, Bryn Mawr. 

​Just around the corner, in the same North Bryn Mawr neighborhood as the last one, is this 3199 sq ft, 4 bed/3.2 bath Cape, listed for $950K.  The eat-in kitchen has granite counters and island, and high end appliances, including a BlueStar 6-burner range, Theramador range hood, Thermador dishwasher and Sub-Zero Refrigerator. The first level also has two master suites. See for yourself at: 731 Great Springs Rd, Bryn Mawr. 

Just around the corner from the last two, on the other side of Harriton High School,  is this 4972 sq ft, 4 bed/3.1 bath stone Colonial, listed for $1.075M. Looking to entertain in a back yard with a pool and full-featured pool house?  This house has it, on the 1.5 acre lot, plus an attached two-car garage. The great room is big and light-filled, thanks to the walls of windows and big skylights.  See the details and more photos at:  ​355 Thornbrook Ave, Bryn Mawr.

Near Bryn Mawr's downtown, in a cul-de-sac close to Harcum College, is this 2160 sq ft, 3 bed/3 bath French-style Colonial, listed for  $625K. There's a two-car attached garage out front, and a slate patio in the back.  A main floor bed and bath could be used as a master if needed, and the two bedrooms on the second floor each have their own bath.   The upper level has a bonus room/bedroom, cedar closet, and attic storage. See more at:  ​542 Maison Pl, Bryn Mawr. 

In the real estate calendar, the first day of school means the start of the Fall Market. The rush to get settled in a new home, or even new school district, is mostly over for the year. People still need to sell their homes, but the inventory contracts a bit.  Buyers are still out there looking, too, but they often have less urgent deadlines or no timetable at all. 

Cindy always has buyers and sellers in every season, so she keeps on top of the market with her new listing tours in and around the Lower Merion School District.  Here are a dozen or so newly listed properties that Cindy toured in the last couple of weeks:

First up was this six-year-old custom contemporary home in Penn Valley, near General Wayne Park, and not far from Narberth Borough's northern border. It's a 4118 sq ft, 5 bed/4.1 bath, listed for $995K. Plenty of modern touches here, with the open floorplan, clean lines, and high ceilings. The first floor master is big with a cathedral ceiling, gas fireplace, and great en-suite bath, with access to an outdoor deck. See more of this unique house at: 423 S. Woodbine Ave, Narberth.

Just a few blocks from the last one, is this 3126 sq ft, 4 bed/3.2 bath, in the Merion Park neighborhood. The home has been extensively renovated, so everything looks clean, new, and modern. It has two master suites, one each on the first and second floors. The white kitchen has quartz countertops, wood floors, and stainless appliances.  The huge, finished lower level is a blank slate, with storage, laundry and a powder room. See more at 504 Lafayette Rd, Merion Station. 

Here's another new listing Cindy toured in a "Near-berth" Lower Merion neighborhood, just outside the Borough. This 2391 sq ft, 4 bed/2.1 bath Colonial ​ is listed for $715K.  The kitchen has granite and stainless, with cherry cabinets.  Looking for a master on its own floor? This one has a third floor bed and full bath with master potential. Someone else may have been interested in that feature, because this one went under contract since Cindy's tour! See more photos and all the property details at:  428 Anthwyn Rd, Narberth

Five years ago, the church buildings at the corner of Price and Essex, in the middle of Narberth Borough, were completely renovated and converted to a number of residences. One of them is this 2521 sq ft, 4 bed/3.1 bath condo, listed for $839K. With a side ramp that leads to ten front door and a main-floor master bedroom, this home offers real possibilities for one-floor living. The second first-floor bedroom has an en-suite bath and a gas fireplace. A modern,  all-white kitchen has quartzite counters and hardwood floors. See the rest at: 206 Price Ave, Apt#1, Narberth.

Here's another newer Narberth home on Cindy's tour. Like the last one, it's an example of the premium price that is commanded in this local market when you combine newer construction with a highly desirable location. Narberth's combination of desirable features makes it incredibly competitive already; the few homes in the Borough that are relatively new are highly sought after by bigger-budget buyers, and are pushing the high end of Narberth's historical top-end prices. This unique home is a 4203 sq ft, 3 bed/3.1 bath craftsman, listed for $1.25M. It is gorgeous inside and out, with every feature you'd expect at the price point. Check it out for yourself at: 1 N. Sabine Ave, Narberth.

The next home on Cindy's tour was this 4 bed/2.1 bath split level, listed for $525K. It sits on a 1/4 acre lot in the Belmont Hills section of Bala, right around the corner form the Belmont Hills Pool and Library.  There are custom built-ins throughout the house, in bedrooms and the walk-out lower level. There's an attached one-car garage, and also a patio out back.  See more details and photos at:  115 Harvest Cir, Bala Cynwyd. 

Cindy next toured this 2649 sq, 5 bed/3.1 bath renovated Mid-Century Modern Ranch style home, listed for $949K.  It sits on a half-acre lot a few blocks away from Penn Wynne Elementary School. The ranch floorplan makes one-floor living possible for those buyers who need it or just want it! It has a modern kitchen with white cabinets, granite counters and new stainless appliances. Updates include a new roof, garage,  windows, hot water heater, and flooring. See the rest at: 267 Tomkenn Rd, Wynnewood. 

Here's another home that went under agreement fast - this one in a  neighborhood by South Ardmore Park. It's a 3453 sq ft, 4 bed/3.1 bath center hall stone colonial, that was listed at $789,900. This one has a newer kitchen, finished basement and unfinished attic.  You probably missed your chance to buy this one, but you can still see the details and all the pics at: ​1301 Grenox Rd, Wynnewood

In nearby Ardmore, not far from Merion Golf Club, Cindy toured this 3078 sq ft, 3 bed/2.2 bath contemporary twin, listed for $475K.  The kitchen is modern, with white cabinets, granite counters and stainless appliances. There are two bedrooms and baths on the second floor, including the master.  The third floor is an open loft with skylights that could easily serve as a bedroom or a home office.  See for yourself at: 507 Haverford Ct, Ardmore. 

The next home on Cindy's tour was located on almost an acre of land in a North Bryn Mawr neighborhood between Ashbridge Park and Bryn Mawr College. It's a 6632 sq ft, 6 bed/6.2 bath stone estate home, listed for $1.35M. The interior has all the classic Main Line touches you'd expect once you see the impressive exterior. There are hardwood floors, exposed beam ceilings, a grand front staircase, and dark wood features throughout. The vintage touches come with modern updates like a thoroughly modern white kitchen and a big, beautiful master suite. ​See more details and the rest of the pictures at: 1120 Ashbridge Rd, Bryn Mawr. 

Next up, on 3/4 of an acre in Gladwyne, was this 2520 sq ft,  3 bed/2.1 bath split level, listed for $724,999. It has a renovated kitchen with custom whine cabinets and countertops. The all-season glass sunroom and added sunroom are nice features, as is the attached two-car garage.  The room that is currently a home office could easily be converted to be a fourth bedroom. See the whole photo gallery and more info at: 1611 Winston Rd, Gladwyne. 

If it's big and it's new , and it's located in Villanova, you know it won't be for the faint of budget!  But new construction isn't easy to come by in Lower Merion, and this gorgeous, brand new home has every feature you'd want and expect at this price point. The kitchen and the bathrooms are large and luxurious, and even the mudroom is smart and attractive. The bedrooms come with plenty of space and plenty of closets.  Check this one out at:  ​1914 Stoneridge Ln, Villanova

This last home was in Wayne, further west on the Main Line from Lower Merion. It's a 3800 sq ft, 5 bed/4 bath updated stone colonial, listed for $1.49M. This one is perfect for the buyers looking for classic main line charm on the outside, with updated conveniences and amenities on the inside. The interior has both beautiful vintage elements  where you want them, like wood floors, moldings and built-ins, along with modern touches like a killer kitchen and bathrooms.  Outside there's a detached garage and a gorgeous covered back porch on the .8 acre lot.   304 Orchard Way, Wayne.