Just Sold | 400 Cypress St or 318 S 4th St

Inside the Nancy Grace House: Turning a Day-of-Closing Default into a Stronger, $1.5M Sale — In 24 Hours

A landmark with a following

Society Hill has no shortage of beautiful homes—but only one Nancy Grace House. Designed in 1970 by modernist architects Stonorov & Haws, this corner residence at 400 Cypress St / 318 S 4th St marries floor-to-ceiling glass with historic brick context. It’s the one with the Robert Indiana LOVE in the window—the house people pass at 4th & Cypress and wonder, what’s inside?

The first sale… and a day-of-closing plot twist

We listed at $1,350,000 and secured a signed agreement at $1,375,000. Then, on the day of closing, the buyer defaulted.

In that moment, composure mattered. I stayed steady, exhausted every option to keep the deal intact, and—when it was definitively off the table—pivoted immediately, thinking outside the box to create new pathways to “yes.”

24-hour turnaround, stronger result

Because demand had been carefully cultivated, we moved within hours. The next day, we placed the property under agreement again—at $1,500,000 ($150,000 over asking and $125,000 higher than the original offer) with no contingencies.

What made the difference

Composure. Communication. Logistics. Negotiation. And above all, creative deal-making. 

Why it mattered to this property: Architectural homes draw emotion—and scrutiny. The Nancy Grace House is a recognized piece of Philadelphia design history, and the market responded. The pivot didn’t just “save” a deal; it elevated the result by aligning a singular property with a buyer ready to perform on strong, clean terms.

The seller’s words

“Arielle Roemer is the consummate real estate professional. When Arielle signs on to represent you as a seller or a buyer, she brings knowledge, creativity, motivation, and her impeccable strategic skills to her representation. Arielle understands selling a home or purchasing one doesn’t happen with a one size fits all approach. She takes time to get to know you and your needs and she does her homework - all for you.

I bought a house with Arielle’s representation. I sold one, too. A+ all the way!!

In both circumstances there were the usual unexpected issues and Arielle didn’t flinch. Because Arielle had taken time to know me, my needs, and my goals, she attacked the problems with understanding and vigor. Arielle addressed every issue head on. She kept me informed every step along the way and she resolved every single issue to my complete satisfaction.

Arielle Roemer is the one! Before you hire anyone to represent you, do yourself a favor and meet her. You won’t be sorry.”

Result at a glance

• List Price: $1,350,000

• Initial Agreement: $1,375,000 (buyer defaulted on the day of closing)

• Resale (24 hours later): $1,500,000 ($150,000 over ask; $125,000 above first offer)

• Contingencies: None

If you’re preparing to sell a unique or architecturally significant home—and want creative strategy that holds under pressure—let’s talk. I’ll bring the composure, the plan, and the buyers who truly see the value.