Lower Merion and Narberth New Listing Tour - Mid-April 2019

The local Spring market is well underway, and we've learned a few things. The pent-up demand for homes, plus the urgency to buy in Spring and close during summer vacation, has created a seller's market. Well-priced homes, especially those in certain price ranges, are inspiring bidding wars, with winning bids substantially above asking price. Like last year, homes that are "done" with new kitchens, baths and/or central air are commanding outsized premiums over houses that need updating. With interests rates still relatively low, buyers are showing a strong preference for taking on a larger mortgage over living through a renovation project. New construction or wholly renovated homes, in established neighborhoods, are particularly prized and especially competitive.

Cindy's buyers and sellers have kept her plenty busy this Spring, but she's still managing to get out on tour to stay on top of the local inventory.  Here are a couple dozen of the new listings she saw in the last two weeks. Many of them are already under contract, but it's worth checking them out if you want to start getting a handle on the current market.

116 Righters Ferry Rd; courtesy of: Compass RE

116 Righters Ferry Rd foyer; courtesy of: Compass RE

Cindy started her tour in Bala with this 7708 sq ft, 6 bed/4.2 bath colonial, listed for $1.25M. This home sits on over 3/4 of an acre, next to a wildlife preserve, with a patio and large deck out back, a driveway and attached garage. This home is relatively young for the area, at just 22 years old, and has some updated features like new kitchen counters, new roof, and new two-zone gas heat. The large master suite has a sitting room with a gas fireplace, and a tray ceiling in the bedroom. See more at: 116 Righters Ferry Rd, Bala Cynwyd, PA 19004.

626 S. Bowman Ave; courtesy of: Compass RE

Right down the road from award winning Merion Elementary, was this 3010 sq ft, 4 bed/3.1 bath.  It was listed for $819K, but like many of the homes Cindy visited, this one didn't last on the market very long, and is currently under contract. The updated  kitchen has butcher block counters, Viking professional range, Liebherr refrigerator and a Bosch dishwasher, but the stainless steel cabinetry is the really unique touch. See more details and all the photos at: 626 S. Bowman Ave, Merion Station.

931 Bowman; courtesy of: BHHS Fox & Roach-Haverford

Also on Bowman Ave, but in Wynnewood's Shortridge neighborhood, was this 1608 sq ft, 3 bed/2.1 bath stone colonial.  It was listed for $559K, and is under contract. The updated kitchen has granite and stainless, and ceiling height cabinets. An unfinished attic offers possibilities for additional living space. See all the pics and details at: 931 Bowman Ave, Wynnewood. 

434 Anthwyn Rd; courtesy of: BHHS Fox & Roach-Haverford

This 2153 sq ft, 5 bed/2.1 bath colonial is also under agreement. It's in a Lower Merion neighborhood with a Narberth street address just outside of the Borough, itself. The property has a great covered front porch,  a detached garage and driveway, and a partially finished basement.  The mudroom has wonderful and smart built-ins, and the added butler's pantry is also a great first floor space. The location doesn't get much better than this, either.  Check it out at: 434 Anthwyn Rd, Narberth. 

921 Stony Ln; courtesy of: BHHS Fox & Roach-Rosemont

When the photo gallery for a new listing includes some aerial photography, it typically indicates a larger, higher budget, impressive home. This custom built 7448 sq ft, 4 bed/5.2 bath, listed for $1.825M, does not disappoint. The one-acre lot sits on a quiet street next to the third fairway of the Philadelphia Country Club. It has four fireplaces, arched doorways, high coffered ceilings, hardwood floors, first-floor radiant heat, and a gourmet kitchen.  The master bedroom suite is huge and loaded, with his-and-hers walk-in closets, and marble bath, with stall shower, whirlpool tub, and radiant heat floors.  See the rest of the details and all the photos at:  921 Stony Ln, Gladwyne, PA 19035. 

305 Righters Mill Rd; courtesy of: Compass Pennsylvania, LLC

305 Righters Mill Rd; courtesy of: Compass Pennsylvania, LLC

Want two houses on one lot? On almost half an acre in Gladwyne, is this 2689 sq ft, 5 bed/3.1 bath, with a 1500 sq ft house out back at the far end of a flat grassy yard. Listed for $995K, this property could be configured to give you a guest house, in-law or au pair residence, studio, or office. The kitchen is open to a breakfast area and a sitting room, that has french doors to the deck and back yard. See the rest of this unique listing at: 305 Righters Mill Rd, Gladwyne, PA 19035.

730 Woodleave Rd; courtesy of: BHHS Fox & Roach-Wayne

Next up was this 3 bed/2.1 bath updated Bryn Mawr home, listed for $995K.  It sits on more than half an acre in a North Bryn Mawr neighborhood adjacent to Harriton High School.  The current homeowners reconfigured the home layout and added a cape-style second floor with two bedrooms and a bath. The updated kitchen is open, with granite counters and white cabinets. A first-floor master suite is on the wish-list of some buyers, and this one is large, with huge walk-in closets. The property also has a big yard, with a patio, and a two-car attached garage. See the rest at: 730 Woodleave Rd, Bryn Mawr, PA 19010.

1310 Pine Rd; courtesy of: BHHS Fox & Roach

Cindy toured two Bryn Mawr properties listed at $995K, and this second one, just down the street,  was a 3655 sq ft, 5 bed/3.1 bath Spanish style home. It has a marble entryway, and hardwood floors throughout much of the first floor.  The modern kitchen has a big Viking range, center island, granite counters, white cabinets, walk-in pantry, and a breakfast room that leads to the patio. The Spanish style is carried throughout the house, especially the back yard and patio. See for yourself at: 1310 Pine Rd, Bryn Mawr, PA 19010. 

840 Roscommon Rd; courtesy of: BHHS Fox & Roach-Haverford

840 Roscommon Rd; courtesy of: BHHS Fox & Roach-Haverford

Halfway between Harriton High School and the Philadelphia Country Club, was this 7300 sq ft, 4 bed/4.2 bath, listed for $1.5M. The one-acre lot has a big terrace on the back of the house, overlooking a large, flat, nicely landscaped back yard. This home has pretty much everything you'd expect at the price point. The kitchen is stocked with features, including: granite countertops, a new Sub-Zero fridge, Bosch dishwasher, a new Wolf gas-burning stove with double ovens, 6 burners, griddle & stainless overhead exhaust, and a wall mounted Thermador double oven. See all the details and photos at: 840 Roscommon Rd, Bryn Mawr, PA 19010. 

304 W Laurier Pl; courtesy of: BHHS Fox & Roach-Devon

The next Bryn Mawr home Cindy toured had a list price of $1.175M, and quickly went under contract. This 5392 sq ft, 4 bed/3.2 bath sits on a half-acre lot on the other (South) side of Bryn Mawr, near Sacred Heart Academy. The big updated kitchen has a Butler's Pantry, granite countertops, double wall ovens, pantry closet, 5 burner gas range, double stainless steel sinks, hardwood floors, and an adjoining breakfast room. The master suite has a large bathroom, dressing area, and two, huge walk-in closets. A three-car garage connects to the mud room, which has a closet with plumbing to be an additional powder room. See more at: 304 W. Laurier Pl, Bryn Mawr, PA 19010. 

309 Rockingham Rd; courtesy of: BHHS Fox & Roach-Bryn Mawr

Another one that went under contract right away was this 4 bed/3 bath split level in Bryn Mawr's Garrett Hill neighborhood, next to a park and playground. Listed for $635K, this home was extensively remodeled in 2016. One nice addition is the upper floor master suite, with custom his/her walk in closet and an elegant master bath. Check it out at 309 Rockingham Rd, Bryn Mawr, PA 19010. 

2211 Bry Mawr Ave; courtesy of: BHHS Fox & Roach-Haverford

A few blocks from South Ardmore Park, Cindy toured this 1260 sq ft, 3 bed/2.1 bath twin, listed for $364,500. It was a "coming soon" listing when Cindy saw it, and it quickly went under agreement. The updated kitchen has granite and stainless, while then lower level has a family room/guest room, with a full bath and laundry room. It's off the market now, but you can see what you missed at: 2211 Bryn Mawr Ave, Ardmore, PA 19003. 

227 Winsor Ln; courtesy of: BHHS Fox & Roach-Rosemont

Next up was this 5222 sq ft, 5 bed/5.1 bath, in a neighborhood next to the Merion Cricket Club,  listed for $1.425M.  The modern, open kitchen has a marble backsplash, custom cabinets and high-end stainless appliances. The master suite includes a walk-in closet, dressing room, loaded bathroom, and a Juliette balcony overlooking the patio.  The upper floor has another suite that could either be used as a second master or an au pair/guest suite. See it for yourself at: 227 Winsor Ln, Haverford, PA 19041. 

1259 Montgomery Ave; courtesy of: BHHS Fox & Roach-Rosemont

Since there are so many neighborhoods in sprawling Wynnewood, there are often a number of new listings in a given week.  Cindy started the Wynnewood leg of her tour with this 2016 sq ft, 3 bed/2.1 bath colonial, listed for $520K, just across Montgomery Ave from Narberth Borough. The first level has hardwood floors, built in cabinetry, arched doorways, and a fireplace. There's an attached garage and an unfinished basement with a laundry area. See the rest at: 1259 Montgomery Ave, Wynnewood, PA 19096. 

448 Ballytore Rd; courtesy of: BHHS Fox & Roach-Haverford

Next up was this 3364 sq ft, 4 bed/3.1 bath split level, in a Wynnewood neighborhood halfway between Lankenau Hospital and South Ardmore Park. Listed for $800K, the property includes an attached garage, a driveway, and a brick patio out back. An eat-in kitchen has plenty of windows and a center island. The lower level has a family room with gas fireplace and wet bar, a workshop, and a billiards room. Check out the details and photos at: 448 Ballytore Rd, Wynnewood. 

917 Honeysuckle Ln; courtesy of: BHHS Fox & Roach

In Wynnewood's Indian Creek neighborhood, behind St. Charles Seminary, Cindy toured this 3677 sq ft, 4 bed/3.1 bath colonial, listed for $889K. The half-acre lot includes a patio, a koi pond, and a newly renovated pool. The renovated great room, currently set up like an office, has a vaulted ceiling with skylights and ceiling fans, a wall of windows, and beautiful wooden built in shelving. The finished lower level with a bar and entertaining space. has a retro feel, described as a 50's theme. It's already under contract, but you can still check it out at: 917 Honeysuckle Ln, Wynnewood. 

812 Primrose Ln; courtesy of: Compass RE

Cindy also toured another Indian Creek listing, and as of 4/22, this one still on the market.  It's a 4051 sq ft, 4 bed/2.1 bath, listed for $819K. The family room has a stone fireplace, french doors to a deck, and skylights in a cool two-story vaulted ceiling. A center island in the large eat-in kitchen has a gas cooktop built in. The finished lower level has office space, a family room, laundry and storage. See more at: 812 Primrose Ln, Wynnewood. 

1329 Wyndale; courtesy of: BHHS Fox & Roach-Haverford

This 2579 sq ft, 4 bed/3.1 bath colonial, near South Ardmore Park, was listed for $765K, and quickly found a buyer. The wall of glass block in the kitchen lets in plenty of light. Built-in shelves in one of the bedrooms make it serve well as a guest room/office. The two-car attached garage and the full unfinished basement both add more usable space to the home. See what the buyers saw at: 1329 Wyngate Rd, Wynnewood. 

1319 Hillside Rd; courtesy of: BHHS Fox & Roach-Haverford

In that same Wynnewood neighborhood, Cindy toured this 3120 sq ft, 6 bed/3.1 bath center hall colonial, listed for $839K. Don't fall in love with this one either because it has also gone under agreement. The updated kitchen has granite counters, tile backsplash, white cabinets, a wine fridge, and high-end stainless appliances. There are plenty of upgrades, including many newer windows, refinished floors and upgraded heating system. This one's off the market, but you can still see the photos at: 1319 Hillside Rd, Wynnewood. 

50 Rosedale Rd; courtesy of: BHHS Fox & Roach-Devon

In Wynnewood's Penn Wynne neighborhood, Cindy toured this 2520 sq ft, 5 bed/3.1 bath center hall colonial, listed for $642,500. Classic Main Line features like built-in shelving, hardwood floors, crown molding, wainscoting, and a stone fireplace coexist with contemporary amenities, like a modern, white kitchen with high-end stainless appliances and granite counters. The unfinished basement serves as a playroom, laundry and storage. See the rest at: 50 Rosedale Rd, Wynnewood. 

337 Wister Rd; courtesy of: BHHS Fox & Roach-Devon

Another home that drew immediate interest and a quick offer is this 4189 sq ft, 4 bed/3.1 bath center hall colonial, that was listed for $899K. It's in the Wynnewood neighborhood next to Lower Merion High School, so it's also close to downtown Ardmore. A nice kitchen is connected to a huge mudroom, that leads to a brand new composite deck. The upgraded master bath has a spacious walk-in shower. Other updates include a new architectural shingle roof, complete professional repainting of exterior and interior, and a new split zone central air conditioning system. The lower level is very nicely finished.  See for yourself at: 337 Wister Rd, Wynnewood. 

39 Overbrook Pkwy; courtesy of: Long & Foster - Toll

One more Wynnewood home on Cindy's tour went under contract before these notes were published - it's a 3010 sq ft, 4 bed/2.2 bath, that had an asking price of $600K. It has a nice, white, modern kitchen with shaker-style cabinets, granite counters and stainless appliances. The built-in cubbies for the kids, by the playroom, is a nice touch. See what you missed at: 39 Overbrook Pkwy, Wynnewood. 

See more of Cindy's new listing tours