Cindy hits every new listing she can in and around the Lower Merion School District. That means tons of broker open houses and scheduled showings, with and without clients. But sometimes it's hard to get all her tour notes collected before a number of the homes are already under agreement. The Spring market in  this area is always pretty active, but the 2020 Spring market seems to have gone from 0-60 before the groundhog even made his annual prediction. Some price points are particularly competitive this year. Properly marketed homes in the $800K-$1M range are receiving multiple offers from agents whose clients have dropped normally-standard contingencies. Unrepresented buyers and slow-moving represented buyers are going to miss a few opportunities when things move at a  frenzied pace like this.  It remains to be seen whether things ease up a little bit as the buyer pool thins, or whether it's just going to be a very active market this year. 

This first Wynnewood home was a "quiet listing" when Cindy toured it, but is now listed as "Coming Soon". It sits on a third of an acre in that cute little English Village neighborhood next to Lower Merion High School. This just-built, new construction home is a 3900 sq ft, 4 bed/5 bath, listed for $1.25M. Hardwood floors and a neutral color scheme finish the open concept first level. The large modern kitchen is right on trend, with white shaker cabinets, stainless range hood and high end appliances, big center island, and oversized subway tile backsplash. The second floor laundry area is a dream, with counter and storage space, plus a sink. A walk-in closet/dressing room is a highlight in the master.  Catch the open house this weekend, or see more at: 603 Loves Ln, Wynnewood. 

Next, Cindy toured this 4838 sq ft, 5 bed/4.1 bath, listed for $899K.  The house sits on a half-acre lot in a cul-de-sac, in Wynnewood's Indian Creek neighborhood. Since Cindy toured it, the listing was changed to "active under contract", which means an offer has been accepted. There's a two-car attached garage, and a balcony deck off the master.  The kitchen has a warmer look than the typical modern whites and greys. It has granite and stainless, and includes a big pantry, and a wonderful high-ceilinged breakfast area. The finished walkout lower level has plenty of flexible space and a full bath. You may have missed your chance at this one, but you can check it out at: ​920 Honeysuckle Ln, Wynnewood. 

This Narberth Borough twin  has been split into three separate rental  apartments. Listed a week ago for $749K, the 2767 sq ft twin has living spaces that are 1077 sq ft, 949 sq ft, and 741 sq ft, with a basement for storage. It has a private drive, two-car garage and wrap-around porch. The North Narberth location is positioned between the Montgomery Ave business district, and Narberth's downtown area, making it walkable to the train and just about everything else. If you're interested in an investment/rental property, or if you think you might like to tackle a project converting it to a single-family home, see more at:   ​305 N Narberth Ave, Narberth

In a Penn Valley neighborhood between Welsh Valley Middle School and Gladwyne Elementary, Cindy toured this 5890 sq ft, 6 bed, 5.2 bath, listed for $1.505M. It sits on a one-acre fenced lot with a double circular drive, and six oversized garage spaces. As you would expect at this price point, everything on the inside feels spacious, including the living areas, bedrooms and baths.  There's even a big lower level with space for entertaining, a gym, and another bed and bath.  See more details and photos at: ​107 Fairview Road, Narberth.

One home Cindy toured hasn't hit the market yet.  It's a 4 bed/3.1 bath in Penn Valley that is projected to hit the market ay $749K. If you want Cindy to keep you updated on this one, reach out to cindy@lowermerionhomes.com. 

Cindy Ridgway knows Lower Merion real estate. One reason she's such an expert, is because she is constantly touring all the local new listings.  That keeps her up to date on everything that's out there, informed on trends and pricing, and arms her with first-hand info to give her clients every edge she can. Hot spring markets are nothing new in this area.  What might be a surprise is that this 2020 Spring market seems to have already picked up considerable speed, and we haven't even hit March yet. Well-priced homes, marketed by good realtors in desirable neighborhoods, are being quickly scooped up by eager buyers. That's why many of the homes Cindy has toured in the last two weeks, and even the last couple of days, have already gone under contract. Here are Cindy's notes on thirteen of them - some of the ones that sold and some of the ones that are still on the market - giving you a whirlwind tour of open houses with needing to leave home!

This renovated Colonial in Bala is a 2353 sq ft, 4 bed/2.1 bath that quickly went under agreement after being listed for $679K. It has a back deck, driveway, and detached one-car garage. An  open floorplan on the main level leads to white modern kitchen, with stainless appliances and quartzite countertops. The master suite is by itself on the third floor, with a full bath and walk-in closet. 2017 updates included electric, HVAC, and windows. See the rest at: 120 Bentley Ave, Bala Cynwyd. 

Cindy toured another renovated Bala Colonial this week, just a block from that last one. This home is a 2671 sq ft, 5 bed/3.1 bath, listed for $775K. ​Everything is brand new in this modern kitchen with white cabinetry, stainless appliances, and gray-marbled white quartz counters. The double-sided first-floor gas fireplace adds another modern touch, as does the walk-in, frameless glass shower in the master.   Go to the March 1 open house, or see more here: 366 Bala Ave, Bala Cynwyd

In Bala's College Park neighborhood, Cindy toured this 2929 sq ft, 4 bed/3.1 bath Colonial, listed for $699K. If you're looking for that locally-elusive first floor master, this home has one currently being used as a family room. This first-floor master has a big closet and a renovated marble bath. The master suite on the second floor also has a big closet and full bath.  It's now listed as active under contract (that's the status today, 2/26), but you can still see photos and details at: 114 East Princeton Road, Bala Cynwyd

Cindy's tour took her to this sprawling mid-century modern home on a couple of acres in Penn Valley.  This unique 6833 sq ft, 5 bed/6.3 bath ranch, architect-designed to wrap around a central courtyard with a pool, is listed for $1.2M. One big wing of the home, with its own entrance, is currently being used an as an office, but might have some potential as separate living quarters. Calling this home "one-of-a-kind" feels like an understatement.  See for yourself at:  708 Righters Mill Rd, Penn Valley. 

Also in Penn Valley, but closer to Narberth Borough, is this 2734 sq ft, 5 bed/3.1 bath stone Colonial. ​It needs some work, but highlights include a main-floor bedroom with a wheelchair accessible bath. When Cindy toured the home, it was priced, "as-is" at $610K; it's now listed as Pending.  You may have missed your chance at this one, but you can still see more at: 712 Arlington Rd, Narberth

Next, Cindy toured this 2259 sq ft, 4 bed/2.1 bath, center-hall Colonial, listed for $675K. It sits on .62 acres, with a pool and attached two-car garage, in a Penn Valley neighborhood near the Oak Hill development. The Narberth address might be a little confusing, as this part of Penn Valley is a couple miles from Narberth Borough - but you can drive there in under ten minutes. The master suite has a custom walk-in closet and new master bath with an oversized walk-in shower. Updates include new paint throughout, refinished hardwoods, and updated baths. You can see it at open houses on Saturday and Sunday, or just check out the photos and info here:  ​1201 Chermar Lane, Narberth

Want to live in a great Wynnewood neighborhood a block away from popular South Ardmore Park? If recent history is any guide, you'll need to move fast to have a shot at this 2912 sq ft, 4 bed/2.1 bath stone Colonial, listed for $610K. The wood-paneled first floor den is a classic touch. A finished lower level has a recreational area, as well as a darkroom with a water source. This one is pretty new on the market, so  check it out at 620 Greythorne Road, Wynnewood. 

You may have missed your shot at this one in Wynnewood's Penn Wynne section. Before it went under agreement, this 2016 sq ft, 4 bed/3 bath​ stone Colonial was listed for $550K. The quarter-acre lot has a creek running through the middle of the backyard, with a sturdy private bridge joining the two halves. The kitchen has black countertops and stainless appliances. Updates include the master bath upgrade and a newer roof.  Take a look at: 54 Allendale Rd, Wynnewood

In Wynnewood's Shortridge neighborhood, Cindy toured this 2149 sq ft, 2 bed/2 bath ranch, listed in "as-is" condition for $525K. This home sits on a half-acre lot, with a driveway and a shed, just a few blocks from Whole Foods and the Wynnewood shopping center. Highlights include hardwood floors, built-ins, and wainscoting. Here's another one that went under agreement in less than a week, but you can still take a look at: 1040 Nicholson Road, Wynnewood

This next Wynnewood home  Cindy toured is a 4080 sq ft, 4 bed/3.1 bath stone Colonial, listed for $890K. It sits on a big .87 acre lot with a big backyard, long driveway and oversized two-car detached garage. There's a fireplace and custom bar in the living room with a sink and two fridges. The kitchen has granite and high-end stainless appliances. An adjacent great room has exposed beams in the vaulted ceilings. The master has a big, modern bath and a massive walk-in closet. Plenty to like about this new listing, so take a look at: 128 Farwood Rd, Wynnewood. 

You can't get much closer to award-winning Merion Elementary than this 4003 sq ft, 4 bed/2.5 bath in Merion Station, listed for $800K. It sits on more than half an acre, with a big, level backyard and an attached garage. The eat-in kitchen has medium wood cabinetry, light counters, and black appliances, with two sinks, dishwashers, and wall ovens. A partially finished lower level has a wet bar and a laundry area. This is another one that seems to have gone under agreement since Cindy toured it, but you can check out the pics and details at:  415 Baird Road, Merion Station

Next up, in Villanova, Cindy toured this updated 5845 sq ft, 5 bed/3.2 bath Tudor-style carriage house, listed for $1.119M. It's sits on a .68 acre wooded lot at the end of a quiet cul-de-sac. Inside is a wonderful mix of old Main Line character, like hardwoods, moldings, built-ins and pocket doors, along with the modern amenities buyers have on their wish lists. The master has a big cedar closet and a luxurious bath. Part of the home is a self-contained, two bedroom apartment, with it's own entrance, that could be an au pair or in-law suite, or be rented as an apartment. See more photos and details at: ​1851 Mallard Lane, Villanova

Continuing West out of Lower Merion, Cindy finished up her tour at this 1302 sq ft, 4 bed/2.1 bath saltbox Colonial. This West Wayne home was listed at $475K, but is now showing as under agreement. It has a modern white eat-in kitchen, and a formal dining room. The master has vaulted ceilings and an updated bath. Highlights include Central AC and a partially finished basement.  See the rest at: 601 Lanmore Avenue, Wayne