Real Estate Broker Deborah Syke of milehimodern
Welcome to our newest segment in the magazine, Cherry Creek Living, where we feature Real Estate Brokers who represent the most beautiful homes on the market in Cherry Creek and surrounding areas. In this month’s issue ESTHER LEE LEACH interviews Deborah Syke, a broker at milehimodern, at an active listing at 538 St. Paul Street in Cherry Creek North. Cherry Creek Living is a Special Advertising Feature.
PHOTOGRAPHED BY: ESTHER LEE LEACH // LOCATION: 538 ST. PAUL STREET
SITTINGS EDITOR: KOYA NYANGI // MAKEUP: OKSANA STARLING
Esther Lee Leach: Deborah, you are the first real estate broker to be featured in our new segment, Cherry Creek Living! You are now a broker with milehimodern but before this you had a two decade long career as an executive in the medical device field. Tell us more about your career background.
Deborah Syke: It was an amazing experience! I spent most of my adult life working with a medical device company that had developed a revolutionary breast cancer detection system. I was responsible for instituting and managing their human clinical trials in the US and international countries, and corporate communications. I interacted with regulatory agencies, the media and the consumer, and as a result I worked with people from all over the world within the medical industry as well as government entities. It was an invaluable experience. It allowed me to refine my negotiation skills, manage transactions artfully, and asses the needs of others. It made me the businesswoman I am today.
ELL: In 2014 you received your broker's license. Describe the transition from a global corporate environment to the world of real estate.
DS: Real estate is all about service and hospitality. We deal with title companies, lenders, appraisers, brokers and clients. The skill set that developed while working in the corporate world helps me greatly in this industry and in life. Being involved in negotiations, contracts and sales with people from different cultures, countries and occupations, gives me the ability to manage peoples expectations, and the transactions from the first meeting to closing.
ELL: What attracted you to the real estate industry? Why did you want to become a broker?
DS: Real estate has always been a passion of mine. I love architecture, design, creating beauty and helping others. I remodeled and sold many houses for myself and family, and thoroughly enjoyed it. This is a very social business and I'm naturally a social person so it fits very well with my personality. It allows me to meet new people, forge new friendships and get connected with the community. I genuinely care about people and want to help whenever or wherever I can which is very much part of this business. Each person has their own story much like a home and I get the privilege to hear their stories, and to earn their trust. It’s a great feeling knowing I've succeeded in meeting clients needs.
ELL: milehimodern is really making a splash in the industry and has developed a reputation for representing 'the coolest homes in town.' Tell us more about the company and the people who created it.
DS: Two out of three owners that started the company have been a team for many years, performing as the top producing team before branching out on their own this past year. Now, as a boutique firm, they currently represent the majority of the development happening here in Denver and are curators of the coolest homes in town. The three owners each bring an area of expertise to the business strategy. One is a marketing genius, the other is magnetic with clients and is a top closer, and the other is a successful managing broker and nationally known real estate coach. It made complete sense when they came together and formed milehimodern (mhm). mhm is the voice for trends, marketing strategies and design. They have a fresh perspective when it comes to managing this business. When others go right, we go left. Everything from the marketing to representing the client on either side is strategic and visionary. mhm recognizes that each property and client has a unique story. They cater to these soul-filled stories and apply what works. Even more importantly, they know what doesn't work in this industry and pass this knowledge along to the agents that work with them. The company has this fantastic energy and culture. They are very discerning about everything from the photographers they use to the marketing material and the agents they choose to hire.
ELL: What areas do you represent in Denver/Colorado?
DS: I cover a wide area of Denver. In particular Park Hill, Hilltop, Cherry Creek North, Platt Park, Cory Merrill, Bonnie Brae, Congress Park, Cheeseman, and Lohi. However, I also help clients in the surrounding suburbs as well.
ELL: Cherry Creek North has been your home for many years. As a long time resident of the area, why is Cherry Creek one of the most desired communities for buyers?
DS: I think Cherry Creek has a lot to offer people. Especially people relocating or downsizing. The vicinity to shops, restaurants and downtown makes it a desirable place to live. It has that city feel without the craziness of a downtown in a major city. It's easy. It offers a variety type of living that can meet different buyers’ needs. There is so much more going on, with all of the new commercial and residential development. It has definitely evolved in the last five years, has been fun to watch and has attracted a ton of people from all over.
FEATURED LISTINGS
538 Saint Paul Street
Property Description: Grandiose details, like a courtyard, all en-suite bedrooms, 2-story windows, 3 car garage, a finished basement and fireplaces, were incorporated into the brick residence. There are 4 bedrooms, 7 bathrooms and an elevator that ascends to 4 levels.The living area boasts 18-foot windows with English garden views and a modern fireplace. In the dining room, wood coffered ceilings command attention with a designer chandelier. The kitchen includes soft push cabinets, a double oven and Dacor cooktop with an indoor/outdoor flow to the courtyard. Ascend the stairs to the 2nd floor with a mezzanine, an en-suite bedroom and double doors to the master suite. The suite has his/her closets, a connected bathroom with a steam shower and designer tub adorned with atelier designed Porcelanosa cabinets. The top-level hosts the fab lounge with skylights, en-suite bedroom and a rooftop deck.
121 S Cherry Street
Property Description: Designed by Entasis and built by Old Greenwich Builders this modern muse explodes with natural light and beauty. The blended palette of limestone, white rift oak and bronze, creates a lustrous dream of color and texture. Unexpected design offers an artistic encounter around every corner. The free-flowing floor plan offers one sweeping continuous view from the grand entrance, through to the gourmet kitchen and living room, and down into the extended outdoor living space. A 10’ glass pivot door welcomes you to a spacious foyer that is flanked by limestone – one side is a modern interpretation of the classic Roman colonnade and juxtaposed across is a solid geometric cube. Soaring ceilings are crowned by clerestory windows.
131 Fairfax Street
Property Description: The white brick facade is tastefully contrasted with black that accents the architectural aspects of the residence, like the arched entry and 3 car tandem garage with electric hookup. Inside, dark striated hardwood floors flow from the lower, main, 2nd and top levels with an elevator guiding to each. 8 bedrooms, 9 baths fashion the 9,370 sq. ft. of exquisite space. The main level consists of the dining room with coffered ceilings and wainscoting, the office with French doors, chef’s kitchen with high-end appliances and built-in breakfast nook, and expansive living room situated next to the covered outdoor respite. On the 2nd story is the en-suite master retreat designed with grand double doors, an expansive fireplace, sitting nook and high shiplap ceilings. The luxe connected bath boasts herringbone tile floors, a rain and steam shower, and a spa tub.
Deborah Syke: @debsellsdenver // deborah@milehimodern.com
Photography & Interview: @estherleeleach
Sittings Editor: @letmeshowyoudifferent
Makeup: @starlingmua
Cherry Creek Fashion TV’s Cherry Creek Living with Deborah Syke