The unseasonably warm weather seems to be accelerating buyers' calendars and launching the Spring market right in the middle of Groundhog and Superbowl season! Well-priced homes in popular neighborhoods are all drawing attention. The ones marketed by skilled agents, with local ties and experience, are experiencing this even more so, often drawing feeding-frenzies of competing buyers. The best agent-listed properties have been pushing asking prices and leave nothing on the table in these multiple offer scenarios.

Do yourself a favor if you're looking to buy - get an agent who knows your target school district, target neighborhoods, and even the streets you prefer.  If you don't have one, in a fast-moving market like this, you'll likely be watching the buyers who do, get the houses you want. If you're selling, get an experienced agent to make sure you generate maximum attention, properly manage the interest, channel the activity into strong offers, and guide you through inspections to maximize your bottom line when the sale is complete.

Here are notes on nineteen of the homes Cindy toured recently. Some of these were broker open houses, and some were homes she toured with clients.  As you'll see, many of them are already under agreement - so if you see something you like, don't hesitate to investigate. And if you want help finding something specific, reach out to cindy@lowermerionhomes.com, and have her set up an automatic search for you. That way you'll get alerts when new stuff hits. 

First up, on a third of an acre, in a Bala cul-de-sac, is this 2691 sq ft, 3 bed/3.1 bath split level. It was listed for $619,900, but is already listed as "sale pending". The kitchen has stainless appliances and quartz countertops, with a middle island. The ground level family room has a Murphy bed and an adjoining half-bath. An updated master bath has heated floors and an oversized walk-in shower. The family member looking for privacy will love the third-floor bedroom with built-ins and it's own full bath.  See more at 107 W Rock Hill Rd, Bala Cynwyd. 

Also in Bala, close to the Cynwyd Trail, Cindy toured this 5346 sq ft, 6 bed/4.1 bath center-hall stone Colonial, listed for $1.225M. The home is full of classic touches like crown molding, original hardwood floors, built-ins, and deep-silled windows. The modern white kitchen has granite and stainless, double ovens and double sinks, a big center island and terra cotta floors. The light-filled family room has beautiful windows and high ceilings, with exposed beams.  See the rest of 315 Bala Ave, Bala Cynwyd.

Next up was this 3625 sq ft, 4 bed/2.1 bath carriage house on 1.89 acres backing up to the Merion Tribute House in Merion Station. It came on the market with a list price of $1.1M, but is now listed as "active under contract". So you can still see it, but they're working with an existing offer. It has a beautiful stone exterior, and the inside looks freshly painted. The kitchen has a modern look, with porthole doors, peninsula cooktop, and stainless appliances. An unfinished "hayloft" may have potential to be renovated as a master suite with high ceilings and exposed beams. See for yourself at: 354 Baird Rd, Merion Station. 

You can't get much closer to Narberth Borough's popular downtown than this  Narberth Victorian.  It's a 2866 sq ft, 5 bed/4 bath that's currently configured as a 4-unit residence, each with separate utilities. The owners lived on the first floor, renting two apartments on the second floor, and one on the third. All three rentals are currently occupied, and the home was offered at a list price of $699K. Like the last couple of homes mentioned, this one has already gone under agreement. See the rest at: 102 Grayling Ave, Narberth. 

Just a couple blocks from Narberth Borough's Montgomery Avenue border is this 1270 sq ft, 3 bed/1 bath Penn Valley twin, listed for $275K. The price is low for a home this close to the Borough because, according to the listing, it "reflects the need for substantial updating".  Buyers who are looking to put their own stamp on a property will like the location, front porch, brick fireplace, and flat back yard.   See the rest of the photos and details at: ​428 Brookhurst Ave, Narberth. 

Wynnewood stretches for quite a bit across Lower Merion Township, with many distinct and very different neighborhoods.  Cindy toured through several of these neighborhoods in the past few weeks, starting with this 3978 sq ft, 4 bed/3.1 bath in Wynnewood's Penn Wynne section, listed for $799K. It sits on more than a third of an acre, a short walk from both Penn Wynne Park and Penn Wynne Elementary. It has an attached garage with lower level access, an updated kitchen, and central AC. See more at: ​218 Lloyd Lane, Wynnewood. 

In that same neighborhood, on a quarter-acre lot, a little closer to Penn Wynne Park, Cindy toured this 2892 sq ft, 5 bed/3.1 bath split level, listed for $593K. An eat-in kitchen has white cabinets, counters and appliances, with a stainless fridge. The walk-out finished basement has everything you need to make it an in-law or au-pair suite, with a bedroom and full bath and living space with a fireplace, in addition to laundry and a half bath.  Check it out for yourself at: 260 Wiltshire Rd, Wynnewood. 

On the other side of Penn Wynne Elementary is this 1056 sq ft, 3 bed/1.1 bath twin, listed for $315K. Upgrades include a white, updated kitchen with stainless appliances, new recessed lighting throughout, a new stone and mantel fireplace, a new boiler, and a new hot water heater.  The walk-out lower level has entertainment space, laundry, and a bedroom.  260 Henley Rd, Wynnewood. 

In one of Wynnewood's Haverford Township neighborhoods, Cindy toured this 2597 sq ft, 4 bed/2.1 bath Colonial, listed for $725K. Built in 2014, it's practically new by  Main  Line standards.​ The feature-laden master bedroom suite clicks all the boxes, with its high tray ceilings, twin walk-in closets, and luxurious bath, complete with soaking tub and large stall shower. It's already under contract, but you can see more photos and details at: 1001 Hampstead Rd, Wynnewood.

In a popular Wynnewood neighborhood surrounding South Ardmore Park, Cindy toured this 2607 sq ft, 4 bed/2.1 bath stone Colonial. It was listed for $600K, but has gone under agreement since Cindy toured it. The driveway wraps around to an attached garage in the back. The kitchen has double gas ovens and connects to a breakfast room. A number of rooms have built-in wood shelving, including a newly carpeted first-floor office. See what you missed at: 627 Greythorne Road, Wynnewood.

Right across from South Ardmore Park is another new listing that quickly went under contract.  It's a 2489 sq ft, 3 bed/2.1 bath stone Colonial, that received multiple offers after being listed for $649K. The kitchen isn't huge, but it's been recently updated with white cabinets, granite and stainless. The outdoor areas are nicely landscaped and well-kept. See more at: 1407 Sussex Road, Wynnewood

In that great Wynnewood neighborhood wedged between Suburban Square, Narberth Borough, and Lower Merion High School, Cindy toured this 6498 sq ft, 6 bed/6.1 bath English manor home, listed for $1.575M. This big home has a gorgeous stone exterior, and sits on a large (.68 acre) yard with a pool. The spacious eat-in kitchen, updated in 2012, has white cabinets, high-end stainless appliances,  marble countertops, and a large center island. The master has two walk-in closets and a master bath with a luxurious walk-in shower. See more details and photos at: 320 Fairhill Rd, Wynnewood.

This next one, on the same street, has already gone under contract.  It's a 3401 sq ft, 5 bed/4.1 bath, that was listed for $795K. The first floor has wood floors, neutral colors, and high ceilings with recessed lighting and built-in speakers​. The kitchen has wood cabinetry with high-end stainless appliances. All the bedrooms have attached baths.  The home has an attached 2-car garage and a finished lower level with a recreational area, wet bar, laundry and storage. You may be too late for this one, but you can still see it at: 325 Fairhill Road, Wynnewood. 

Not all the new listings were in Wynnewood this month!  Here's one that Cindy toured in Ardmore, just two blocks from Chestnutwold Elementary. It's a 1572 sq ft, 3 bed/1.1 bath, with a driveway and detached garage, listed for $428K. The first floor has hardwood floors, and exposed beams, with a gas fireplace in the living room.  The eat-in kitchen has decent size and potential. An addition on the back added two bedrooms.  The finished basement offers additional living space, and includes a powder room and a utility sink. See more at:  2430 Bryn Mawr Avenue, Ardmore. 

In North Bryn Mawr, halfway between Rosemont College and Harriton High School, and close to Ashbridge Park, is this 5726 sq ft, 8 bed/4.1 bath, listed for $879K. ​On almost an acre of land, in this neighborhood, and at the asking price, this large house offers a great opportunity for someone looking to make their own updates. It's a very cool house, with tons of character and interesting features, but, for example, most contemporary buyers will want to update to a bigger, modern kitchen. You could put a number of kids on the third floor with its five bedrooms and two baths, creating a space all their own. Make sure to check out the amazing wraparound porch.    See for yourself at:  333 Thornbrook Avenue, Bryn Mawr. 

Also in Bryn Mawr, was this huge 9283 sq ft, 8 bed/7.1 bath manor home, listed for $1,695,750. It's steeped in Main Line character, with 10-foot ceilings, extensive woodwork, original hardwood floors, detailed molding, and seven fireplaces. Old world meets new when you get to the modern kitchen and butler's pantry, with sub-zero fridge, 6-burner commercial range, two dishwashers, and built-in pizza oven.  The master has a fireplace and a luxurious marble bath. See the rest at: 624 Morris Avenue, Bryn Mawr.

Just around the corner from Gladwyne's charming little village, is this 2748 sq ft, 4 bed/3 bath Colonial, listed for $745K. This historic property sits on .7 acres, with a landscaped backyard, 2-car garage, and a slate patio. You can see the property's vintage in the wood floors, classic windows and exposed-beam ceiling, but the eat-in kitchen looks modern and practical. A sunroom addition overlooks the backyard. See more at:  914 Black Rock Rd, Gladwyne. 

Heading west of Lower Merion, Cindy toured a couple of Wayne homes, starting with this 3615 sq ft, 4 bed/2.1 bath Arts & Crafts Victorian, listed for $950K. This 1890's home features a split staircase, built-in bench, original wainscoting, pocket doors, and built-in shelving. A 2004 renovation expanded the kitchen, and added a breakfast area and a deck. Other additions include an expanded master bath, hall bath, and second floor laundry area.  See more pics and details at: 415 North Wayne Avenue, Wayne. 

Last but not least, in the South Wayne Historic District, Cindy toured this 3478 sq ft, 5 bed/3.1 bath Colonial, listed for $1.365M. The .3 acre lot includes a gated driveway, detached two-car garage with storage above, and a level backyard. The bright, high ceilinged kitchen includes a butler's pantry, two ovens, a Sub-Zero fridge,  and a big center island. Updates include new windows, refinished hardwood floors, updated wiring, new hot water heater, new boiler (converted from oil to gas), and an updated Central AC system. See it for yourself at: 237 Pembroke Avenue, Wayne. 

Cindy started the year right where she left off, touring new listings in and around Lower Merion to make sure her clients have the latest info on the local market. She saw several homes in the first couple weeks of 2020, including a few that have been on the market for a number of weeks in addition to the new ones. Here are her notes on a baker's dozen of them for your virtual touring pleasure!

Cindy's first tour of the new year started in Bala Cynwyd, with this 3838 sq ft, 5 bed/3.2 bath Colonial, listed in "as-is" condition for $800K. The home boasts plenty of classic Main Line style, with high ceilings, built-ins, wainscoting, arched windows and original hardwood floors.  Don't sleep on this one if you'd like to check it out, because inspections must be done, and bids in, before the seller considers offers on Friday, the 17th. 
See more at: ​15 Colwyn Ln, Bala Cynwyd. 

In a Bala neighborhood close to Cynwyd Elementary and BC Middle School, Cindy toured this 2239 sq ft, 5 bed/3.5 bath stone Tudor, listed for $725K. Its sits on a third-of-an-acre corner lot.  The newish white kitchen has granite and stainless. The laundry room/mudroom leads from the kitchen to a back deck, and there's also a stone-pillared covered porch.  See all the pics and details at: ​26 Penarth Rd, Bala Cynwyd

Also in Bala, was this 3667 sq ft, 5 bed/3.1 bath, on a big .77 acre lot, listed for $649K. You may want to update the eat-in kitchen, but it's pretty big, with windows on two sides, and stainless appliances. Two of the bedrooms, an office, and an updated full bath are on the third floor, which may work as an au pair suite, or could just offer some space to teenagers. The lower level has some finished space, with storage and a laundry area     See the rest at: ​41 Oakland Ter, Bala Cynwyd. 

Most of the housing inventory in Narberth borough is decades old, so the small handful of newer homes tend to be quite popular when they hit the market.  This home was custom built in 2011 along with three others on lots that were all once part of a larger property on this corner. It's a 4684 sq ft, 4 bed/4.1 bath Craftsman style, listed for $1.3M.   The kitchen is white and modern, with stainless appliances and both an island and a big granite wraparound bar.  The master suite has tray ceilings, a sitting area with gas fireplace, a big custom walk-in closet, and a gorgeous master bath. See more photos and all the details at: ​5 Sabine Ave, Narberth. 

​If you're looking for walkability, it doesn't get much better than the south side of Narberth Borough. Merion Elementary is just a couple of blocks in one direction, while Narberth's beloved downtown of shops and restaurants is just as close in the other. If you're looking for a project, ready for your own personal touches, you might want to check out this 2570 sq ft, 6 bed/2.2 bath Colonial, listed in "as-is" condition for $499K. You won't find many singles in the Borough in this price range, but if you're interested, you'll need to move quickly.   It started getting offers immediately, so see it before it's gone at:  303 Woodside Ave, Narberth. 

Right next to Narberth Borough, is Wynnewood's Shortridge neighborhood, where Cindy saw this 2890 sq ft, 4 bed/3 bath split level. This $649K listing isn't new, but Cindy toured it this week with a client moving to the area. The kitchen looks pretty modern, with granite counters, stainless appliances and a center island with cabinets and an overhang for seating. The walk-out lower level has a bedroom and a larger space used as an office.  1026 Stanford Dr, Wynnewood.  

Cindy's tour took her to another Wynnewood neighborhood, across Lancaster Ave from the last one, and closer to Lankenau Hospital. This one is a 4946 sq ft, 5 bed/3.1 bath stone Tudor. It has been on the market for a couple of months, and is listed for $1.3M. The acre+ lot, with a guest cottage out back, sits on a private road in a quiet neighborhood of large estates. The massive eat-in kitchen has a butler's pantry and high ceilings with exposed beams. Lots of vintage character on the first floor, with more of a modern touch to the upstairs bedrooms. Room to expand with storage attic and lower level.  See for yourself at: 404 Minden Way, Wynnewood. 

In one of Wynnewood's Penn Wynne neighborhoods, Cindy toured this 2310 sq ft, 5 bed/4.1 bath stone Colonial, listed for $550K. It has an updated kitchen with granite and stainless. The finished lower level, with full bath, has potential as an in-law or au pair suite. The attached garage accesses the lower level, and has a deck above it that accesses the first floor. Like many Penn Wynne homes, the driveway and garage access is though a back alley.  See more details and the photo gallery at: 1504 Sheffield Ln, Wynnewood. 

Wynnewood is huge, and has several distinct neighborhoods, including this next one, close to Lower Merion High School, and a short drive from just about everything. That's where Cindy toured this 3175 sq ft, 5 bed/3.1 bath stone Colonial, on a half-acre lot, and listed for $1.05M. The updated kitchen has white counters, and cabinets. On the second floor, a bedroom adjoining the master is being used as a sitting room, making the suite feel very large and luxurious.  See the rest at: 210 Almur Ln, Wynnewood. 

In North Bryn Mawr, by Ashbridge Park and Bryn Mawr College, Cindy toured this 4539 sq ft, 5 bed/4.2 bath brick Colonial, listed for $1.195M.  An addition added a high-ceilinged family room, with a wall of windows, that's open to the kitchen. The master bedroom is connected to two bathrooms.  Another bedroom has an en-suite bath and a stairway down to the kitchen. Take a look at:  1111 Ashbridge Rd, Bryn Mawr.

There's only so much inventory on Lower Merion, so Cindy's been spending quite a bit of time checking out listings in Wayne these days.  This 5162 sq ft, 5 bed/4.3 bath custom-built manor home, with carriage house, is listed for a cool $2.1M. It sits on a landscaped half-acre lot with a pond, just outside of downtown Wayne, and a couple of blocks from Radnor Middle School. The main home has all the amenities you'd expect at the price point, while the carriage house adds a two-car garage, a gym with powder room, and a 2 bed/1 bath apartment. See more at: ​201 Pembroke Ave, Wayne. 

Cindy headed next to Haverford's Coopertown neighborhood, bordered by Merion Golf Club and Coopertown Elementary, and not far from Haverford College. There, she toured this 3449 sq ft, 4 bed/3 bath Cape, listed for $762,500. It has a nice, flat, fenced back yard and an attached two-car garage. The first floor bedroom and full bath is a coveted feature for some buyers. See for yourself at: 136 Buck Ln, Haverford. 

In a Havertown neighborhood by the YMCA and Lynnewood Elementary, Cindy toured this 1856 sq ft, 4 bed/2 bath brick Colonial, listed for $375K. It has cute back yard and backs right up to a park. The kitchen looks relatively updated and has stainless appliances. A partially finished basement offers some living space and some additional storage.   See more pictures and details at: ​305 Colfax Rd, Havertown.