The early months of 2020 were notable for a lack of inventory in the local real estate market, coupled with historically low mortgage interest rates. This confluence of conditions led to some seriously competitive situations, especially for homes with three characteristics:  new construction (which is pretty rare, locally) or extensively renovated, at popular price points, in desirable and/or walkable neighborhoods. Now that we see a gradual easing of the Covid restrictions, the pent-up local demand has only intensified the competition. Homes that exhibit some or all of three of those characteristics are especially popular, and they trigger bidding wars if they show well, and, are properly priced and marketed by an experienced agent. If you're looking to buy a home in the Lower Merion School District, an agent like Cindy Ridgway can make all the difference between closing the deal and just missing out. Here are a few of the new local listings. It may be too late to buy a few of tehm, but it's always helpful to see what the market looks like. 

There's no better illustration of how hot the market is than Narberth Borough. Narberth's walkable downtown, close-knit community, and easy commute make it a target neighborhood for many of today's buyers, especially those making the move out of Philly and NYC. With both small-town charm and inner-ring-suburb conveniences, this tiny Borough is an easy landing spot for urbanites looking for a little more breathing room. The pictured  2813 sq ft, 4 bed/3.1 bath, listed for $785K, was the subject of a bidding war its first weekend on the market, and reportedly went under contract for more well over $800K. This updated property has a beautiful backyard and is just blocks away from the type of downtown that tons of buyers have on their priority list. What makes a home like this especially attractive in today's market is how "done" it feels. Money is cheap these days, so buyers tend to pay up for a house that feels  finished, rather than pay less and live through a project. This home also has an enclosed porch and a finished basement that add  living space to the footprint. You may have missed this one, but you can still see all the details and photos at: 229 Forrest Ave, Narberth. 

This Narberth Borough home also went under contract quickly after its weekend debut. If you're looking to be close to the downtown and train station, this one's location is even better than the last one, as it sits on Narberth south side, just a block's walk from everything. This 2270 sq ft, 5 bed/1.2 bath was listed quite a bit lower than the last one, at $525K.  The homes were both built within a decade of each other at the beginning of the 1900s, and they both have some of that classic Main Line charm from that era, but a few key differences lead to the difference in price.  This house has good bones, but it doesn't have the renovations and updates that made the other one feel so move-in-ready. Features here include a bay window in the dining room, nice-sized mud room, first floor powder room, and an "old-school" back staircase. See for yourself at:   213 Woodside Ave, Narberth.   

It's almost impossible to scoop Cindy on info about a new property hitting the market in Narberth and "Near-berth".  Her client had an offer in on this place fast, and made the offer strong enough to quickly take this one off the market. It's an 1876 sq ft, 2 bed/1.1 bath twin that was listed for $399,900 in Merion Station, just over Narberth Borough's southern border.  The move-in-ready home is smartly laid out to maximize living space, with an enclosed front porch, finished basement, and seating area on the deck just off the kitchen.  See what Cindy's client liked so much at: 509 Kenilworth Rd, Merion Station. 

In a Wynnewood neighborhood just a few blocks north of Narberth Borough, is this 2537 sq ft, 4 bed/3.1 bath Tudor, listed for $829K. The almost-quarter-acre lot has a nice backyard with a deck. The updated kitchen has an adjacent dining room with french doors to the back deck. The third floor has a big bedroom with its own full bath. In the finished lower level, the space has been divided between a laundry area, an office, and a large entertaining space.  This one is currently available for showings. See more at: 548 Manor Rd, Wynnewood. 

Need a little more room to spread out?  This 9217 sq ft, 6 bed/6.2 bath sits on half an acre in Merion Station, just down the street from the Bala Library.  It's not a new listing, but it just had a price reduction to $1.375M.  The entry foyer is massive with very high ceilings.  There are two sinks and dishwashers, a double oven and a 6-burner range in the huge, modern white kitchen.  One bedroom suite is on the first floor, with the master suite and four other bedrooms on the second. The master suite has two-walk-in closets, high ceilings, a loft, and a loaded bath. A spacious, finished, walkout lower level has a fireplace, big recreational area/media room, fitness room, and connects to a two-car garage. Plenty to see in this mansion of a house, at: 286 N Highland Ave, Merion Station. 

If you have the budget, here's another big one, a 6653 sq ft, 5 bed/5.1 bath, just listed for $1.45M. This home is in the Radnor School District part of Bryn Mawr, on a .8 acre lot, in a cul-de-sac that backs up to a forest preserve. An expansive first floor includes both a gas and a wood-burning fireplace, a huge modern kitchen, and a beautiful walk-out back deck. The lower level has it all - a guest suite with a full kitchen and spa bathroom, a large entertaining space with a third fireplace, a second laundry room, and plenty of storage. 715 Sturbridge Dr, Bryn Mawr. 

This one came back on the market after some of the Covid restrictions were lifted, and quickly went under contract.  It's a 3488 sq ft,  4 bed/3.1 bath Cape, that was listed for $969,900. The three-quarter acre lot, with a backyard in-ground pool and poolhouse with a full bath, is in a Bryn Mawr neighborhood not far from Harriton High School. The white, updated, eat-in kitchen has granite and stainless, and  a gas cooktop in the center island. The Cape style gives this home the first floor master that many buyers have a hard time finding in this area. See all the details and photos at: 805 Gatemore Rd, Bryn Mawr.

For years, Cindy Ridgway shared her tours of new listings in and around Lower Merion. However,  just like most industries in the region, the local real estate scene has gone through quite a few recent changes. There are currently no in-person open houses and broker tours, and individual showings have a number of restrictions and guidelines. For that reason, we've started including both homes we've been in, and also some good market examples that we've only seen in photo and video.

Fortunately, many of the recently listed homes have "virtual" tours that let you see the property through a guided video walkthrough. These video tours do a pretty good job of showing the homes (scroll down and check out some of them), but nothing compares to seeing them in person.  If you'd like to set up an in-person showing of any homes you see here, contact Cindy Ridgway to set it up for you. 

You'll notice that many of these listed homes went quickly under agreement. (They are included here not because they are available, but to help give an overview of where the market stands.) That's not uncommon these days, especially in some very desirable neighborhoods and price points, and especially in the case of homes that are new or extensively renovated.  Local inventory is very limited and interest rates are low.  That makes it a competitive situation for buyers, who benefit from knowing as soon as a house hits the market,  or even before, if their agent has a strong network of local sources.  Sellers with strong agents can take advantage of their extensive network, and maximize home value by attracting and negotiating multiple offer situations.

​If you need an agent in and around the Lower Merion School District, get Cindy on YOUR side.  Not only does she have the most Narberth home sales over the last six years (Bright/Trend 2014-2019), she also wins awards every year for her sales volume in the Lower Merion area. 

This Wynnewood home just hit the market this past weekend, and it's already listed as active under contract. It's a 3398 sq ft, 4 bed/2.1 bath, listed for $775K.  It sits on a big, landscaped  .44 acre tree-lined  lot, with a porch and pergola out back. The three-year-old kitchen still looks and feels new, while most of the house has a more classic charm, with plaster walls, flagstone floors, arched doorways and a slate roof. You may be too late to get thsi one, but you can still see the photos and details at: 1442 Hillside Rd, Wynnewood. 

Another one that went active under contract during its first weekend on the market is this 2200 sq ft, 4 bed/1.2 bath, listed for $499,900. What's not to like in this Havertown Colonial, with a covered front porch, fenced back yard and detached two-car garage?  The home is very well-maintained, and features an updated custom kitchen, ventless gas fireplace, charming built-ins, and a great mudroom/laundry room. There's plenty of storage in the partially-finished basement and the walk-up attic that has plenty of renovation potential. It's a great house that moved quickly.  See for yourself at: ​536 Kathmere Rd, Havertown

This big Penn Valley home is still relatively new, listed just eight days ago (as of June 10), but unlike the first two, it made it through its first weekend on the market!  It's a 6473 sq ft, 5 bed/4.2 bath, on a 1+ acre lot near Rolling Hill Park, listed for $1.449M. The first floor has a dramatic, high ceilinged entry foyer, formal dining and living rooms, an office, and a great room that opens to an updated eat-in kitchen. There's a loaded lower level, with a bedroom and bath, and plenty of living space. The home has a deck and walkout patio out back, and  three-car attached garage. See more details, photos, and even a video tour of the home at: 111 Fairview Rd, Penn Valley. 

This Penn Valley home isn't a new listing, but it is still available, and it just had a price reduction. It's a 2734 sq ft, 5 bed/4.1 bath ranch, now listed at $669K. The ranch style may work for buyers looking that first floor master. If not, the big  lot may work for someone who wants to tear down and build new. It sits on a one-acre corner lot with a private driveway, an attached two-car garage, and a patio out back. A 2014 renovation included a new kitchen, a new lower level bedroom,  and two new baths. See more pics and details at: ​909 N Woodbine Ave, Penn Valley. 

This Villanova home is coming to market this weekend. It's a 4 bed/3.1 bath French Colonial, with a half-acre lot in a quiet cul-de-sac, listed for $750K.  Call Cindy if you want to learn more about this coming soon Villanova listing. 

The next listing has been on the market for two weeks, and is listed for $900K.  It's a 3073 sq ft,  5 bed/3.1 bath on a third of an acre backing up to the Cynwyd Trail.  Recent upgrades include a new kitchen, powder room,  Central AC, new hardwoods, and painting inside and out. It has a private driveway and a detached two-car garage. Additional photos and details can be found at: 308 Llandrillo Rd, Bala Cynwyd. You can take a video tour of the property here.

This new listing is a 2748 sq ft, 4 bed/2.1 bath Colonial in Gladwyne, for $745K. It sits on .7 acres, with a white picket fence, not far from Gladwyne's cute little downtown village. Interesting touches include exposed beams in the living room and eat-in kitchen, office built-ins, a big, heated sunroom with high ceilings, skylights and ceiling fan, french doors to the dining room, and multiple fireplaces. See more, and take the video tour at: 914 Black Rock Rd, Gladwyne. 

This Penn Valley home is already listed as pending after only four days on the market. It's a 1604 sq ft, 3 bed/2.1 bath Ranch that was listed for $665K. It sits on almost an acre in the neighborhood between Penn Valley Elementary and Welsh Valley Middle School. You may have missed this one, but you can still check out the pics and details at: ​231 Stacey Rd, Penn Valley. 

This Merion Station home went fast, too, going active under contract, after 8 days on the market listed at $685K. The home is a 4222 sq ft, 4 bed 3.1 split-level near Waldron Mercy Academy, and not far from Narberth Borough. Someone else got to this one first, but you can still see it at: 506 Barbara Circle, Merion Station. 

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 [email protected], 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.