- Lower Merion Spotlight
- Posts
- 💡Your Welcome To The Weekend
💡Your Welcome To The Weekend
ISSUE #017
👋 Good Morning, Lower Merion!
Welcome to the week’s end. These things didn’t make the spotlight, but are certainly noteworthy:
Waldron Mercy received a $5.2 million dollar gift 🎁
Eagles vs. Rams on Sunday AND Ohio State vs. Notre Dame for national title Monday night 🏈
There is potentially MORE snow on the way ❄️
Make sure to check out our list of local events honoring Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. 📃
In the Spotlight:
💡The MLK Day of Service Series
💡Know a Cookie Booth? Let Us Know!
💡Have Your Say: Help Shape the Future of Narberth Parks
💡Celebrate Girl Dad Day with Villanova Women’s Basketball
Keep on reading to learn more about what’s going on around Lower Merion and Narberth over the next few days. We hope you find something useful! Stay Warm!
The Lower Merion Spotlight Crew
Are there some local events we should know about? Click the button below and let us know. It’s your newsletter, after all! 🙂
In this issue of the Lower Merion Spotlight
🏘️ Real Estate and Housing Insights
📅 Lifestyle and Local Happenings
🔍 Your Community: Up Close
📝 Community Services and Resources
☀️ Lower Merion Weather
Friday’s FAQs
Brought to you by our sponsor, Carolyn Kauffman, Realtor with Keller Williams Main Line
💰 What Are Closing Costs?
Closing costs are the fees and expenses required to finalize the purchase of your home, in addition to your down payment. These costs ensure the transaction is legally processed, paperwork is filed, and everyone involved is paid for their part in the process.
What Do Closing Costs Cover?
1️⃣ Lender-Related Costs:
Loan Origination Fees
Appraisal Fees
Credit Report Fees
Underwriting Fees
2️⃣ Third-Party Fees:
Title Search & Title Insurance: Protects you and the lender from ownership disputes or unpaid liens.
Escrow Fees: Covers a neutral party managing the transaction and holding funds.
Recording Fees: Officially records the sale with local authorities.
How Much Are Closing Costs?
Typically, closing costs range from 3% to 5% of the purchase price. For example:
On a $300,000 home, closing costs might range from $6,000 to $15,000.
The exact amount varies based on the home price, loan type, location, and seller negotiations.
Key FAQs About Closing Costs
🗓️ When Are They Due?
Closing costs are due on closing day, usually paid via certified check or wire transfer.
🤝 Can They Be Negotiated?
Yes! Some costs, like lender fees or title insurance, can be negotiated. In some cases, sellers may agree to cover part of the costs, especially in a buyer’s market.
📍 Are They the Same for Everyone?
No. Closing costs vary based on:
Location: State and county taxes or fees differ.
Lender: Loan origination and underwriting fees vary.
Loan Type: FHA, VA, and USDA loans may have unique structures.
💡 Pro Tips to Manage Closing Costs:
Plan ahead and set aside funds.
Compare lenders to find the best rates and fees.
Negotiate with the seller or lender to lower costs.
By understanding these expenses, you’ll avoid surprises and feel confident as you finalize your home purchase!
ARE YOU:
🤔 Curious about real-time market activity in your neighborhood?
💰 Looking to find out your home’s value in minutes?
📋 Interested in viewing all active and coming soon listings?
🏠 Looking to help someone buy or sell a home in Lower Merion?
 SPONSORED BY: Carolyn Kaufmann, Realtor | If you answered yes to any of the above, CLICK HERE to connect with Carolyn, your trusted local expert for all things Real Estate in Lower Merion! Keller Williams Main Line |
SPECIAL EVENTS
Friday, January 17, 2025
Live Music: Elise Frasch
📍 118 North | 🕒 4:00 PMLive Music: Elise Noel
📍 118 North | 🕒 4:00 PMLive Music: Reggae Thunder
📍 118 North | 🕒 7:00 PMLive Music: Jim Lyman
📍 Gypsy Saloon | 🕒 7:30 PMLive Music: The Ledbetters: Pearl Jam Tribute
📍 Ardmore Music Hall | 🕒 8:00 PMQuizzo Night
📍 John Henry's Pub | 🕒 9:00 PMLive Music: Rich Lanzilotti
📍 The Pullman | 🕒 6:00 - 9:00 PMBrewCafe Comedy Night
📍 Tired Hands Brewing Company | 🕒 Time TBDLive Music: Speeding Arrow
📍 Dawson Street Pub | 🕒 Time TBD
Saturday, January 18, 2025
Live Music: Dan Reed
📍 118 North | 🕒 4:00 PMLive Music: Chris Foux
📍 Gypsy Saloon | 🕒 7:30 PMLive Music: Tell Me Lies: Fleetwood Mac Tribute
📍 Ardmore Music Hall | 🕒 8:00 PMLive Music: The Bar Band
📍 118 North | 🕒 8:30 PMLive Music: Chris Grunwald
📍 The Pullman | 🕒 6:00 - 9:00 PMLive Music: Bitchfork w/ Kikashima and Camera Thief
📍 Dawson Street Pub | 🕒 Time TBD
Sunday, January 19, 2025
Live Music: Wally Smith Hammond Organ Trio
📍 118 North | 🕒 4:00 PMLive Music: Jerry Watkins
📍 Gypsy Saloon | 🕒 6:00 PMLive Music: Billy Price Band
📍 118 North | 🕒 8:00 PMTintype Portrait Day
📍 Lower Merion Historical Society | 🕒 Time TBD
Monday, January 20, 2025
Live Music: Jim Lyman
📍 Gypsy Saloon | 🕒 6:00 PMMLK Day of Service
📍 Riverbend | 🕒 10:00 AM - 1:00 PM
RECURRING EVENTS
12th Annual A Cappella Sing Off | Hosted by Rotary Club of Ardmore
📍Penn Valley Elementary School | 📅 February 2nd | Get TIXWICKED | FLOW | BABYGIRL | A COMPLETE UNKNOWN | A REAL PAIN
📍Bryn Mawr Film Institue | 🕒 Check ShowtimesArt Exhibition | The Cut-Up Club
📍Main Line Art Center | 🕒 Gallery Hours
Kaiserman JCC
Full Event Calendar | 🔍Search offerings
Wolf Performing Arts Center
Main Line Art Center
Adult and Youth classes start soon
🔍 Search catalog
Playin’ Time Productions
📍Kelly Music Center | 🔍 Search classes
LOOKING FOR A BIGGER ADVENTURE?
 | Set Sail with Disney Cruise Line’s Exclusive Disney+ Subscriber Offer!Disney+ subscribers, here’s your chance to create magical memories at sea! For sailings from January 3 through June 13, 2025, third and fourth Guests (ages 17 and under) can sail for half price when traveling with two full-fare Guests in the same stateroom. Choose from select cruises aboard the Disney Wonder, Disney Dream, and Disney Wish. Don’t miss this limited-time offer to set sail on a Disney Cruise Line adventure filled with unforgettable experiences for the whole family! Have questions? Contact the Pros ([email protected]) to see how you can take advantage of this new promotion! |
👇Want your event listed in the Spotlight? Let us know. We’re here for you!👇
MLK Day of Service Series
 | Beginning today, our community is buzzing with opportunities to honor Dr. King’s legacy. From local food drives and Main Street cleanups to creating care kits and joining inspiring events like Lucy Belle’s Rainbow service day, there’s something for everyone to make a difference. Whether you give an hour, lend a hand, or simply reflect on his vision, your actions contribute to building a kinder, stronger community. Together, we can keep the dream alive. If you’re looking for ways to get involved, please check out our local MLK events below. |
MLK Community Events
Lower Merion School District's Afternoon of Service
📅 Friday, January 17, 2025
📍 Lower Merion High School Cafeteria
Join LMSD families in honoring Dr. King's legacy through service projects.Narberth Borough MLK Peace Walk
📅 Sunday, January 19, 2025
📍 Narberth Park
A peaceful walk through town to celebrate Dr. King's message of unity and non-violence.Freedom & Justice Musical Celebration
📅 Monday, January 20, 2025
📍 Conshohocken United Methodist Church
An uplifting event with performances celebrating Dr. King's legacy through music.MLK Day of Service – Invasive Plant Removal
📍 Location: Preserve (specific details provided upon registration)
🕒 Date: Monday, January 20, 2025 | Time: 10:00 am - 1:00 pmJoin the effort to honor Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.'s legacy by participating in an invasive plant removal project at the preserve. This family-friendly event is open to all ages, with a focus on maintaining the health and beauty of native plants. Every helping hand makes a difference! 🌱
👉 Register here: https://bit.ly/3ZE4Hoj
MLK Day of Edible Crafts at The Candy Lab
📍 22 E Lancaster Avenue, Ardmore, PA
🕒 January 20, 2025 | 10:00 am – 12:00 pm
Create 8–10 edible crafts out of candy, fruit, and vegetables, along with other fun candy-themed games.MLK Day of Service at Harriton Preserve
📍 Location: 500 Harriton Road, Bryn Mawr, PA
🕒 Date: Monday, January 20, 2025 | 10:00 am – 12:00 pmJoin the Friends of the Harriton Preserve and community partners for their Annual MLK Day of Service! Help beautify and activate the preserve by participating in a hands-on service project. Bring shears! Boots and layers are recommended to stay comfortable while working outdoors.
📧 RSVP: [email protected]
📞 Contact: 610-349-3258Lucy Belle’s Rainbow MLK Day of Service
📅 Date: January 17, 2025
🕒 Time: 8:30 AM – 10:30 AM
📍 Location: Bala Cynwyd Middle School
💬 Details: Join Lucy Belle’s Rainbow for a meaningful morning of service. This inspiring organization spreads kindness through creative community projects that honor the memory of Lucy Belle. Participate in activities that make a positive impact and help keep her beautiful legacy alive.
🔗 Learn More: lucybellesrainbow.org
Know a Cookie Booth? Let Us Know!
 | Cookie season is here, and we want to make it easy for everyone to find their favorite cookies! If you know of a cookie booth in the area, help us spread the word by sharing the details. Just fill out this quick form: Submit a Cookie Booth, and we’ll include it in our newsletter so the community can show their support. Thanks for helping us keep everyone informed and stocked up on cookies. |
Have Your Say: Help Shape the Future of Narberth Parks
 | Attention Narberth residents! The borough is seeking your feedback on the Draft Narberth Parks Plan to help shape the future of our local parks and recreation spaces. Share your input by completing the survey at SurveyMonkey. Your voice matters! The deadline to participate is January 20th, so don’t miss this opportunity to contribute to the vision for vibrant, community-friendly parks. |
Celebrate Girl Dad Day with Villanova Women’s Basketball
 | Dads and daughters, mark your calendars for Girl Dad Day at Finneran Pavilion on Saturday, January 25th at 2 PM, as Villanova takes on Xavier! Enjoy special on-court promotions, a father-daughter photo station, and make friendship bracelets to remember the day. Don’t forget to submit photos using #NovaGirlDad for a chance to be featured on the videoboard! Join us for an unforgettable day of bonding and basketball. Let’s cheer on the Wildcats together! |
Want The Spotlight?
 | We love sharing community events for free. For businesses looking for extra visibility, our spotlight features are available, perfect for highlighting what makes you special.Interested? Email Us: [email protected] |
LOWER MERION LIBRARY SYSTEM
Friday, January 17, 2025
Ludington: In-Person Chair Yoga
📍 Large Meeting Room, Ludington Library | 🕒 9:30 AM – 10:30 AM
📚 Categories: Health Literacy
👥 Audience: Adults, Older Adults
Gladwyne: Sit N' Stitch
📍 Gladwyne Meeting Room, Gladwyne Library | 🕒 1:00 PM – 2:30 PM
📚 Categories: Arts & Crafts, STEM/STEAM
👥 Audience: Adults, Older Adults
BELMONT: Fun Friday
📍 Belmont Hills Library | 🕒 3:00 PM – 5:00 PM
📚 Categories: Arts & Crafts
👥 Audience: Families, Adults, Teens, Kids, Babies & Toddlers, Tweens, Older Adults
Saturday, January 18, 2025
Gladwyne: Art & Craft Workshops for Kids! (Pre-K – 3rd Grade)
📍 Gladwyne Meeting Room, Gladwyne Library | 🕒 12:00 PM – 1:00 PM
📚 Categories: Arts & Crafts
👥 Audience: Kids
Gladwyne: Art & Craft Workshops for Kids! (4th – 6th Grade)
📍 Gladwyne Meeting Room, Gladwyne Library | 🕒 1:00 PM – 2:00 PM
📚 Categories: Arts & Crafts
👥 Audience: Kids
💡Check the full calendar of events by here. 💡
PARKS AND RECREATION
PARK AND REC NEWS
Winter programs START SOON!
Winter 2025 information
All activities calendar
MUNICIPAL HIGHLIGHTS - LOWER MERION TOWNSHIP
UPCOMING COUNCIL/COMMITTEE MEETINGS
None
MORE INFO
MUNICIPAL HIGHLIGHTS - NARBERTH BOROUGH
UPCOMING COUNCIL/COMMITTEE MEETINGS
None
MORE INFO
PUT IT ON YOUR RADAR
Martin Luther King Jr. Day | 📅 January 20th | Administration Building and Libraries CLOSED
Weekly Weather Forecast For Lower Merion Township
Friday: ☀️ Sunny | High: 40°F | Low: 29°F
Saturday: 🌧️🌨️ Rain and Snow | High: 41°F | Low: 30°F
Sunday: 🌨️ Snow Showers | High: 32°F | Low: 17°F
Monday: ☀️ Sunny | High: 21°F | Low: 5°F
Tuesday: ⛅ Partly Cloudy | High: 14°F | Low: 6°F
Wednesday: ⛅ Partly Cloudy | High: 17°F | Low: 9°F
Thursday: ☁️ Mostly Cloudy | High: 25°F | Low: 19°F
❄️ Bundle up and prepare for a mix of snow, sun, and freezing temperatures this week
How did we do in this issue of the Lower Merion Spotlight? |