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. 

Things have slowed down a bit at the end of the year, but Cindy still manages to see a few new listings in and around the Lower Merion School District every week.  Here are the notes from four of the homes she has seen in the last couple weeks.

The first house on Cindy's tour was this 1929 sq ft, 3 bed/2.1 bath stone Colonial in Merion Park, just a block from General Wayne Park. It was priced at $629K, but is now (12/5) listed  as active under contract. It has a detached garage and a screened-in porch out back. The house has classic features, like arched doorways recessed windowsills and plenty of built-ins.  A couple of the baths have been updated.  See more at: 524 Revere Rd, Merion Station.

The next home on Cindy's tour isn't technically in Narberth Borough, but it's in one of those "Naer-berth" neighborhoods just outside the Borough that have Narberth mailing addresses and are very walkable to Narberth's downtown. This 1952 sq ft, 4 bed/1.1 bath has also been moved to active under contract status, but was originally listed at $625K. The updated kitchen has white cabinets, stainless appliance and a big center island. French doors to the sunroom are a nice touch. One of the home's best features is the big, fenced back yard.  See the rest at 412 Anthwyn Rd, Narberth. 

On the other side of Narberth Borough, in Wynnewood's Shortridge neighborhood, Cindy toured this 1868 sq ft, 3 bed/3 bath Colonial, listed for $595K.   It has a garage and a finished basement with a full bath. Updates include a new rood newer water heater, alarm system and french drain. See the photos and details at: ​922 Clover Hill Rd, Wynnewood. 

Last but not least was this 4622 sq ft, 6bed/4 bath Colonial in North Bryn Mawr, listed for $1.4M.  ​ The big, eat-in kitchen has stainless appliances, and a center island with seating. A convenient mudroom leads to the attached garage. The master suite has a walk-in closet and a renovated bathroom.  Two of the bedrooms are on the third level, with a full bath and some storage space. See the rest at: 621 Pembroke Rd, Bryn Mawr.

Intro

Cindy's tour started in a Bala neighborhood near Cynwyd Elementary and BC Middle School. This 3035 sq ft, 6 bed/2.1 bath Colonial is listed for $899,999. Kitchen updates include granite countertops, tile flooring with radiant heat, an 8-burner Wolf range with double oven, Sub-Zero fridge, pantry and a built-in desk.  An updated hall bath on the second floor may be the best in the house. The third floor has plenty of space to be an au pair or in-law suite. See more at 406 Bryn Mawr Ave, Bala Cynwyd. 

Next up was this 4188 sq ft, 5 bed/3.1 bath Tudor, listed for $1.665M.      530 Manor Rd, Wynnewood.  It sits on a .41 acre lot in a Wynnewood neighborhood just across Montgomery Ave from Narberth Borough's northern border. If you like the beautiful interior Tudor woodwork, this home has plenty of that, but includes some modern amenities as well. The newly-remodeled white kitchen has high-end appliances,  quartzite countertops, and a number of other modern touches, like surround sound and a wine fridge. Everything on your wishlist for a master suite is already here, including plenty of walk-in closet space, big dressing area, and a great bath. See for yourself at: 530 Manor Rd, Wynnewood. 

In a Penn Wynne neighborhood, right next to Penn Wynne Park, Cindy toured this 3566 sq ft, 4 bed/2.1 bath, listed for $785K. This stone and brick split level looks unspectacular from the outside, but the inside has been transformed with extensive renovations. The brand new, modern white kitchen has granite and stainless, and is open to the rest of the first floor. A finished lower level has a powder room, carpet and a fireplace, and separate storage and laundry but is otherwise a blank slate. See the details and photos at: 1215 Manoa Rd, Wynnewood. 

Next on Cindy's tour was this 2977 sq ft, 5 bed/3.1 bath, in Ardmore, listed for $785K. Out back is a cute yard and a detached two-car garage. The interior has some Craftsman style features and finishes, like built-ins, light fixtures, moldings, railings, and front staircase. Updates include restored windows, refinished floors, and updated master bath. The kitchen has a vintage look.  See for yourself at: 190 Lakeside Rd, Ardmore. 

In an Ardmore neighborhood by Chestnutwold Elementary, Cindy toured this 2242 sq ft, 5 bed/1.1 bath, listed for $624K. The home has a big Victorian-style wraparound porch, with white railings and columns. Vintage woodwork and other features abound in this 19th century house. The versatile third floor space, and the unfinished basement give the home flexibility to be adapted in a number of ways. Updates include a new heating and cooling system, and a new range.  See more at: ​2509 Bryn Mawr Ave, Ardmore. 

Also in South Ardmore, but in a neighborhood closer to South Ardmore Park, Cindy saw this 1392 sq ft 3 bed/2 bath twin, listed for $275K. The first floor has built-ins, hardwood floors and a wood-burning brick fireplace. Updates include  some newer renovations in the kitchen and a newer heater.  The home has a pull-down storage attic, full, unfinished walk-out basement, and central AC.  See the rest at: 623 Kenilworth Rd, Ardmore. 

In a North Bryn Mawr neighborhood by Harriton Park and Bryn Mawr College, Cindy toured this 4482 sq ft, 5 bed/5.1 bath estate, listed for $1.575M. A gated brick wall fronts the manicured gardens with paver walkways. The grand entrance has a high ceilings and a dramatic, winding staircase. A modern, white kitchen connects to a tiled breakfast nook. The master suite is huge and has plenty of light from a wall of windows. Out back is a salt-water pool, and a two-car garage with a full suite upstairs, that includes a full bath, kitchenette, and central AC. ​See all the pics and details at:  ​412 Caversham Rd, Bryn Mawr. 

Every week, Cindy tours new listings in and around the Lower Merion School District to keep up with the market trends and inventory for her clients.  Demand for local homes remain strong, as seen by the several of them that are already under contract after just hitting the market in the past week or so. With the speed things are moving, prospective buyers are advised to enlist the help of an agent who is an expert on their target neighborhoods. Cindy's strong network in Lower Merion and Narberth has let her help several buyers move quickly this year, sometimes before, and sometimes immediately after a home is listed. If you don't have a local expert looking for you, you'll be a step behind the competition for the most sought-after homes and neighborhoods. 

Cindy toured this big estate in Merion Station, but the property has since gone under contract.  It's a 5430 sq ft, 4 bed/4.1 bath that was listed for a cool $1.5M. The almost-an-acre lot has plenty of lawn, a back patio with pergola, big  driveway, and a huge garage. The impressive eat-in kitchen is large, with a big center island, granite countertops, and high-end stainless appliances. The finished walkout lower level is one of the home's highlights, with a beautiful bar, wine cellar, entertaining space, home gym, and full bath. See what you missed at: 626 Hazelhurst Ave, Merion Station. 

The next one was a quiet listing when Cindy toured it last week, but it has since hit the market for $1.85M. This 6 bed/5.1 bath French Colonial has 7356 sq ft of living space on a 1.79 acre lot in a Penn Valley neighborhood, next to Welsh Valley Middle School. The outside is amazing, with a long tree lined drive that leads to a circular driveway and big garage, with a swimming pool and tennis court out back. The kitchen is huge, with granite and stainless, and two islands. A big first-floor office used to be the master, and comes complete with a full bath.  The current master suite, on the second floor,  has a massive walk-in closet and dressing area. See more at: 326 Rosemary Ln, Penn Valley. 

Next up on Cindy's tour was this 2708 sq ft, 5 bed/3.1 bath ranch, listed for $825K. It sits on over half an acre in one of Wynnewood's Penn Wynne neighborhoods. Updates include a new kitchen, new roof, new garage addition, new windows, new hot water heater, new flooring, new baths, and a renovated lower level. The white, open kitchen has a large granite island and stainless appliances. A finished lower level has room for a playroom, entertaining space, and storage.  See all the details and photos at: 267 Tomkenn Rd, Wynnewood. 

Have a taste for new construction along with a healthy budget? The next home Cindy toured is this 5 bed/5.2 bath listed for $2.699M, in the sprawling neighborhoods behind Lower Merion High School. This brand new home sits on an acre and a half, with a three-car garage and pond views, at the end of a cul-de-sac. The interior has everything you'd expect at the price point, with a modern kitchen, and bedroom suites complete with luxurious bathrooms and feature-laden walk-in closets.  See the photo gallery and all the details at: 425 N. Sydbury Ln, Wynnewood. 

Cindy's new listing tour took her next to Bryn Mawr, where she saw this 2429 sq ft, 3 bed/2.1 bath Cape, listed for $650K. It has since gone under contract, but you can still take a peek at the photo gallery here: 809 Coopertown Rd, Bryn Mawr. The home has a nice kitchen, with two walk-in pantries, a big marble island, and high-end appliances. The Cape Cod style delvers that sought-after first floor bedroom suite,  complete with marble surround gas fireplace, full walk-in closet and updated bath, with radiant heat and walk-in shower.

The fall market seems relatively healthy, as this next Havertown listing is already under contract as well. It's a 1533 sq ft, 3 bed/2 bath Cape in the Brookline neighborhood, that was listed for $364,900. The kitchen has updated appliances, and granite countertops. A partially finished lower level has a carpeted entertaining area, an office area, and a separate storage/laundry space with outside access. See what it looked like at: 426 Kathmere Rd, Havertown.