Ellen I Sykes
Real Estate Professional
Licensed Assoc. Real Estate Broker
“I was born here, live here, and have raised my children here. I know the city like the back of my hand.” With deep roots throughout the New York community and more than 17 years of experience in real estate, Ellen Sykes is not just an average agent.

She has a perspective of having witnessed the ebbs and flows of the city’s vigorous market over a lifetime and a reputation for trustworthiness, skill and discretion. She specializes in the luxury market but is adept at working with all kinds of clients. She particularly enjoys finding the right place for first time buyers and those who are new to the city, no matter what the budget. Prior to becoming an agent, Ellen enjoyed a full career in the non-profit sector as well as in event planning.

Ellen currently lives on the Upper East Side and is a Certified Citizen Pruner, licensed to prune the trees on the streets of New York in all boroughs. She is also a REBNY Certified New York Residential Specialist, Certified Negotiation Expert, and Certified Buyer Representative. Ellen’s educational background includes degrees from Columbia Business School’s Institute for Not-for-Profit Management, the New York School of Interior Design, and Fordham University. In her free time, she enjoys sailing and scuba diving, and is passionate about alternative energy and land conservation

Press

1.28.24
Better Homes & Gardens
Robert Elson, Ellen Sykes and Arlene Reed In The News…Better Homes & Gardens Robert Elson, Ellen Sykes and Arlene Reed comments 
1.23.24
Curbed
Ellen Sykes In The News…Curbed See full article
12.29.23
Better Homes & Gardens
Steven Gottlieb and Ellen Sykes In The News…Better Homes & Gardens See full article
11.23.23
The New York Times - On The Market Section
Ellen Sykes Listing In The News… New York Times See full article MANHATTAN | 164 EAST 72ND STREET, NO. 13C Upper East Side Co-op $995,000 A two-bedroom, two-bath, 950-square-foot apartment with a formal dining room, windowed… More
11.20.23
Better Homes & Gardens
Jeremy Kamm, Karen Kostiw and Ellen Sykes In The News… Better Homes & Gardens See full article
10.17.23
Brick Underground
Ellen Sykes In The News… Brick Underground See full article
9.30.23
Forbes
Ellen Sykes & Steve Gottlieb In The News… Forbes See full article
9.11.23
Brick Underground
Ellen Sykes In The News… Brick Underground See full article
9.5.23
Brick Underground
Ellen Sykes In The News… Brick Underground See full article
8.3.23
Off The MRKT
Ellen Sykes & Becki Danchik Listing In The News… Off The MRKT See full article
7.28.23
The Messenger
Ellen Sykes In The News… The Messenger See full article
7.25.23
Brick Underground
Ellen Sykes In The News… Brick Underground See full article
6.14.23
RealTrends
Barbara Ciricillo is a nationally recognized leading real estate agent located in Liverpool, NY. Barbara is a part of Coldwell Banker Prime Properties and an affiliate of the Coldwell Banker brand. Barbara primarily serves clients in… More
5.14.23
Apartment Therapy
Great for washing hands, doing dishes, running a hot bath, or filling up a water bottle, faucets are a ubiquitous (and super-useful) home design feature that most people probably take for granted. But these days, they come in a… More
5.12.23
Real Homes
Whether it’s market conditions, budget, or the time of year, finding the right apartment can be incredibly frustrating. It’s also a multi-step process. There’s the initial search. Even if you begin by looking online — it’s… More
5.4.23
GoBankingRates
Your home is your castle, so treat it right. It can be tempting to cut corners on renovations, but saving a bit of money today will likely be costly tomorrow. If you’re planning an upcoming renovation project,… More
4.19.23
Brick Underground
An underlying mortgage is a commercial real estate loan offered to co-op buildings. It is typically used to pay for capital improvements or to refinance an existing loan on the building. An underlying mortgage is also… More
4.6.23
Moneywise
Thanks to sky-high mortgage interest rates and housing prices, a good chunk of young Americans have recently turned to the bank of mom and dad to help fund their home purchases. Between July 2021 and June 2022, 22%… More
3.8.23
Real Simple
Your home is your castle, so you want to make it as comfortable as possible. Integrating technology can provide not only convenience, but also make your home more efficient—which is good for the planet and your… More
3.5.23
The Real Deal
Corcoran agent Sephrah Towbin spent 15 years in her Greenwood Heights condo before she decided it was time to put it on the market. It was a tough call for the Brooklyn native, who raised her… More
2.28.23
Brick Underground
Buying a brownstone comes with lots of perks, but that coveted square footage, privacy, and outdoor space comes with added responsibility. Unlike in a co-op or condo, you have to handle all the maintenance and upkeep––from… More
2.23.23
Realtor.com
By now you know that your credit score can have a big impact on your life—like when you want to finance a big purchase such as a house, or when you’re looking for a new rental. You can… More
2.21.23
Brick Underground
If you are contemplating staying in a furnished short-term rental in New York City, you likely have lots of questions and concerns. How do you go about finding one? What do they cost? Are they even legal? And… More
11.13.22
Apartment Therapy
In a perfect world, we’d all be besties with our next-door neighbors, just like in a TV sitcom. If there were ever any disagreements or misunderstandings, they would be resolved in under 30 minutes, too. But this… More
11.3.22
Brick Underground
Bill Kowalczuk, a broker at Coldwell Banker Warburg, says while he doesn’t see this situation often, a landlord is within their rights to ban you from hanging items on walls. And even if your landlord doesn’t prohibit you… More
10.28.22
Apartment Therapy
“I don’t think curio cabinets are a thing anymore because young people are not collecting,” says Coldwell Banker Warburg broker Ellen Sykes. “They are not collecting because they prefer to use the money for experiences. They’ll go… More
10.9.22
Apartment Therapy
One of my favorite things about looking for a house to buy is seeing all of the unique decorative choices people make. I loved, for example, the pink marble bathroom with black fabric accents I toured — although maybe in… More
10.1.22
Apartment Therapy
When I put new siding on my home before I sold it, I knew I wanted something that stood out in my neighborhood and caught the eye of anyone going past. So in a sea of pale yellow and… More
8.30.22
Real Simple
Even though the real estate market is finally slowing down, this change is not reflected in the price of homes. In fact, home prices and the total cost of homeownership continue to be more expensive every year—and that… More
8.23.22
Realtor.com
For the past two years the seller has been king, but that kingdom is starting to crumble. Of course, we’re nowhere near an official shift from a seller’s market to a buyer’s market, but most sellers can’t bank on… More
8.7.22
New York Times
This 450-square-foot prewar co-op has beamed ceilings, a combined living and dining room with a built-in bookcase, and a windowed kitchen with a dishwasher in a doorman elevator building.  
7.6.22
Inman
Even with excellent credit and a good handle on their debt, when it comes to buying a home, especially the first one, homebuyers need a lot of additional help. https://www.inman.com/2022/07/06/finances-first-getting-started-with-first-time-homebuyers/
6.7.22
Bloomberg
High property prices and mortgage rates mean new homebuyers are relying on assistance more than ever before, real estate agents say. https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2022-06-07/how-are-young-us-buyers-affording-homes-with-their-parents-money?sref=5sO1Kzcl
4.19.22
The Real Deal
New York’s doormen are poised to strike Thursday if they can’t reach a collective bargaining agreement with building owners when their current one ends Wednesday. For brokers, a work stoppage would be bad for business. https://therealdeal.com/2022/04/19/doormen-strike-could-bring-showings-to-a-halt/
4.12.22
Inman
First-time buyers need more hand-holding. Here are the questions you should ask and the ones you should answer. https://www.inman.com/2022/04/12/real-estate-101-getting-started-with-first-time-homebuyers/
4.4.22
Inman
This week: Find out how NYC’s Ellen Sykes learned that when it comes to going the extra mile, the good you do comes back to you. https://www.inman.com/2022/04/04/lesson-learned-what-goes-around-comes-around/
4.4.22
Inman
There’s so much to learn and do in real estate today. Whether you’re just starting out in the business or trying to rethink the next phase of your career, it starts with figuring out what the… More
3.23.22
Martha Stewart
There are plenty of reasons why someone might consider renting out their house—it’s a great way to make extra income, build assets, and gives property owners other options besides selling. Ellen Sykes, a broker with Coldwell Banker Warburg, notes… More
1.3.22
Brick Underground
Ellen Sykes comments https://www.brickunderground.com/rent/what-renters-buyers-sellers-condo-co-op-need-to-know-real-estate-market-forecast-expectations-nyc-2022
12.28.21
Luxury Daily
Ellen Sykes comment New York’s luxury market sees record volume: UrbanDigs  
11.18.21
New York Post
300 West 109th Street, Apt. 2JK by Ellen Sykes featured. https://nypost.com/2021/11/18/actress-debra-winger-lists-uws-spread-for-1-7m/
11.1.21
Real Simple Magazine
Christopher Totaro and Ellen Sykes comments. https://www.realsimple.com/work-life/money/money-planning/retirement/home-ownership-tips-for-retirees
10.29.21
Real Simple Magazine
Ellen Sykes comments. https://www.realsimple.com/work-life/money/money-planning/retirement/important-money-decisions-retired-couples
10.18.21
Brick Underground
Ellen Sykes comments. https://www.brickunderground.com/buy/pros-cons-buying-boutique-building-condo-co-op-new-development-nyc-small-fewer-apartments-amenities-luxury
10.5.21
The Real Deal
Chris Totaro and Ellen Sykes comment. https://therealdeal.com/issues_articles/to-the-buyer-go-the-spoils/
8.29.21
Brick Underground
Sarah Minton, Ellen Sykes, Karen Kostiw and Gerard Splendore comment. https://www.brickunderground.com/rent/tips-rental-nyc-competitive-market-fast-brooklyn-queens-broker-building-apartment
8.29.21
Forbes
Ellen Sykes, Sarah Minton, Parisa Afkhami, and Rachel Ostow Lustbader comment, 1160 Park Avenue 14B by Ellen Sykes, 315 East 65th Street, Apt 10AB by Lisa Chajet and Parisa Afkhami, and 965 Fifth Avenue 5A by… More
7.20.21
Forbes Global Properties
Featured Properties: 353 Central Park West, Apt 9 by Alan Levy 1 West 67th Street, 914 by Allison Chiaramonte and Tania Isacoff Friedland 1160 Park Avenue, Apt 14B by Ellen Sykes and Becki Danchik 156 East… More
7.13.21
Brick Underground
Ellen Sykes comments. https://www.brickunderground.com/buy/bricktionary-best-and-final-offer-bid-bidding-war-negotiations-advice-buyers-sellers-nyc
6.12.21
Grow (by Acorns + CNBC)
Ellen Sykes and Christopher Totaro comment. https://grow.acorns.com/us-cities-where-apartments-are-getting-bigger/?&qsearchterm=shawn%20carter
6.9.21
Apartment Therapy
Ellen Sykes comments. https://www.apartmenttherapy.com/studio-resale-value-36929692
5.16.21
The Close
Sheila Trichter, Hala Lawrence, Bonnie Lindenbaum, Ellen Sykes, George Case, and Gerard Splendore comments. https://theclose.com/real-estate-phrases/
5.2.21
The New York Times
9437 Shore Road, No. B7 by Gerard Splendore and 929 Park Avenue 14A by Ellen Skyes featured. https://www.nytimes.com/2021/05/02/realestate/home-sales-750000-dollars.html  
4.13.21
Gardening Etc.
Christopher Totaro and Ellen Sykes comments. https://www.gardeningetc.com/news/outdoor-maintenance-projects-before-selling-your-home
3.22.21
MartheStewart.com
Ellen Sykes and Mihal Gartenberg comments. https://www.marthastewart.com/8065019/home-buying-guide-tips-real-estate-agents-brokers
2.23.21
Apartment Therapy
Ellen Sykes and Karen Kostiw comments. https://www.apartmenttherapy.com/trendy-studio-apartment-layouts-36881968?
2.1.21
Apartment Therapy
Ellen Sykes comments. https://www.apartmenttherapy.com/kitchen-trend-real-estate-agents-dread-36870647?
1.5.21
Forbes (Forbes Global Properties)
188 East 78th Street, #31B by Ellen Sykes featured. https://www.forbes.com/sites/forbes-global-properties/2021/01/05/a-look-at-525-million-homes-in-bel-air-hong-kong-and-manhattan/?sh=7d0f4eb359f5
12.30.20
Forbes (Forbes Global Properties)
321 West 78th St Apt. 9D by Lisa Chajet and Parisa Afkhami, 188 East 78th Street, #31B by Ellen Sykes, 980 Fifth Avenue, 9A by Bonnie Chajet and Ronnie Lane, 207 East 71st Street by Mihal… More
12.14.20
Brick Underground
Ellen Sykes comments. https://www.brickunderground.com/sell/how-to-sell-winter-holidays-listing-decorations-nyc-fireplace-closets-coats-bikes
11.3.20
Inman
Ellen Sykes comments. https://www.inman.com/2020/11/03/americans-head-to-the-polls-following-brutal-campaign-season/
10.23.20
CityRealty
1060 Park Avenue, Apt 7B by Ellen Sykes featured. https://www.cityrealty.com/nyc/market-insight/features/great-listings/new-listing-steals-deals-include-sunny-upper-east-side-studio-345k/46781?
10.12.20
City Realty
1060 Park Avenue 7B by Ellen Sykes featured. https://www.cityrealty.com/nyc/market-insight/features/great-listings/new-listing-steals-deals-include-beekman-place-one-bedroom-495k/46781
10.9.20
Brick Underground
Ellen Sykes and Fred Peters comments. https://www.brickunderground.com/buy/how-will-the-outcome-of-the-election-impact-nyc-real-estate-coronavirus
10.2.20
CityRealty
1060 Park Avenue, Apartment 7B by Ellen Sykes featured. https://www.cityrealty.com/nyc/market-insight/features/great-listings/steals-deals-under-700k/46781
10.2.20
Lux Exposé
1060 Park Avenue, Apartment 7B by Ellen Sykes featured. https://luxexpose.com/a-prestigious-park-avenue-pad-at-an-affordable-price-look-no-further/
10.2.20
Lux Exposé
1060 Park Avenue, Apartment 7B by Ellen Sykes featured. https://luxexpose.com/a-prestigious-park-avenue-pad-at-an-affordable-price-look-no-further/

Testimonials

7.19.23
Testimonial from H. An

Thank you so much for all of your assistance on what must have been one of your more difficult deals.  Suzie and I really appreciate everything you’ve done.

4.27.23
Testimonial from M. Rugg

We chose Ellen Sykes to sell our apartment for a variety of reasons, not the least of which was she was the seller’s broker when we bought it.  From the moment we contacted her, Ellen was professional and clear in all of her communications and dealings.  She suggested ideas to “declutter” the apartment which we followed to the letter.  She worked tirelessly on our behalf with open houses and showings continuously.  When the right buyer came along, the board package and closing went without a hitch.  It was the first time ever that I have happily handed over a broker’s check for work done.  Our apartment did not sell itself: Ellen sold it for us.

4.5.23
Testimonial from D. Spanierman

Ellen helped me sell a New York City apartment extremely quickly and efficiently, deftly smoothing out wrinkles and negotiating swiftly and efficiently. I cannot recommend Ellen highly enough. She is the ultimate real estate sales professional.

2.20.23
Testimonial from N. Peters

Ellen Sykes is not only an excellent real estate agent, she is also a trooper. She handled a series of extremely difficult circumstances surrounding the sale of my father’s Upper Eastside condo with alacrity, aplomb and enough of a sense of humor to make the unexpected bumps in the road seem surmountable: severe water damage from an accident in the apartment next door just a couple of weeks before closing; the subsequent discovery and eventual abatement of asbestos in the damaged flooring that killed the first deal; and eventually the sale of the condo in “as is” condition to a second buyer who — understandably — was very cautious, to put it mildly. In the end we got a very good price despite all the hurdles, and Ellen was here, there and everywhere throughout the transaction because I live outside of Washington couldn’t be on site to deal with contractors, insurance agents, building management and lawyers. She’s energetic, effective and solicitous of her clients, and I recommend her very highly with no reservations whatsoever.

1.17.23
Testimonial from D.M.

Congratulations, I heard from Scott that you sold his apartment. He told me that the market had become quite tough and despite the time it took to find a buyer, he was very pleased with your service.

11.27.22
Testimonial from S.D.

Really appreciate your help, Ellen. You have continually and wholeheartedly acted with our best interests in mind, even though we were a little equivocal about what we wanted, which made things more difficult then they perhaps should have been.

10.20.22
Testimonial from D. Rockefeller, Jr.

ELLEN, I THINK YOU SHOULD SERIOUSLY CONSIDER GOING INTO THIS BUSINESS.  YOU’RE GOOD!

9.8.22
Testimonial from J.F.

Thanks very much for the professional way you handled this whole difficult transaction. All the way through, including the closing, it was as efficient and pleasant as possible.

5.27.22
Testimonial from C.C.

I just wanted to thank you again for all your help. You are truly amazing. I gave my friend A.W. your information, so she should be contacting you soon. I imagine she and her sister will be looking within the same areas and price range as I did.

Thanks again, keep in touch!

3.27.22
Testimonial from B.K.

Thanks so much, Ellen, for helping the family. I am always bragging about how well you took care of us.

1.20.22
Testimonial from M. Fowle

Ellen is enthusiastic and a delight to work with. She researches the market thoroughly, taking into account neighborhood amenities. She immediately sensed the unique qualities of our apartment, worked well with the building staff and managing agent, and was right on target with our pricing. Her charm and sense of humor makes it all fun.

2.16.21
Testimonial from M.H.

You were so informed, responsive and calming when the going got rough. Don and I were totally impressed by your seasoned skills working through negotiations with the ability to keep things on track and moving. You were there for us 100%! It made selling our apartment a pleasure!

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