Rural real estate doyen sheds light on career

A woman who has been breaking barriers and dominating the rural real estate game for more than 15 years, shed light on her interesting career to more than 100 viewers in the latest monthly series, Ray White’s Leading Ladies of Real Estate webinar.

Ellie Merriman, Principal of Ray White Bungendore spoke candidly about her experiences, challenges and successes working in rural real estate with Sonya Grosso, Ray White Rural business development executive.

“We raised our two children in Bungendore and of course our third child which is the business,” Ms Merriman said.

“It is very much a family business, and those who aren’t actually family by blood have very much become family.”

Prior to real estate, Ms Merriman studied archeology, was an international flight attendant, and worked in television and interior decoration.

She forayed into auctioneering, after having her interest sparked as a child watching her parents bid on antiques and art.

“Auctioneering was very much a man's world when I got my licence in 1988,” Ms Merriman said.

Ms Merriman and her husband Doug Merriman relocated from Sydney to rural Bungendore when their children were young.

“Bungendore is like the little town people remember their childhood from family road trips.

It was about 2,500 people when we first moved there, and it has doubled since then. There is a heavy defence and public service demographic, as well as farming families,” she said.

“The area is surrounded by vineyards which is a big plus for those who enjoy a glass of wine. It also attracts people who like collecting cars, as well as animal-lovers. There are a lot of dog shows and community events. It is that kind of place; quirky and wonderful,” she said.

“Everyone said to us ‘don't sell up in Sydney, you'll never get back in!’ But not once have we ever regretted moving out here,” she said.

“When I started working in real estate in Bungendore, I just worked hard, taught myself, read a lot, chipped away and letterbox-dropped.”

Ms Merriman also has been heavily involved in the local pony club and the chamber of commerce.

“If you live and work in a community that is supporting you financially through your business, you should give back, it is just the right thing to do,” she said.

Ms Grosso quizzed Ms Merriman on some of her key learnings from her time and experience in the industry.

“It is up to you whether you win or lose listings; you need to turn up to the office, make the time to have a presence in your community and keep doing it until it works,” she said.

Ms Merriman also spoke to about the nuances around succession within a family business.

“Recently, our daughter Ava decided to come and work in our business. It will be a great opportunity for her, and we are so proud to have her on board,” she said.

“Managing the family business dynamic can be tricky, but it can also be well worth it. Ava is working directly with Doug and I which is an interesting job, because there is a fine line between parents and bosses!”

“You have to surround yourself with reliable people who are also a pleasure to have around and can laugh easily, and we also love having everyone’s dogs there with us in the office too,” she said.

Ms Merriman’s advice to budding agents was to look to make your mark on the world of rural real estate.

“Anyone can create success if they work hard enough; and there are no instant quick fixes. Real estate is a long game,” she said.

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Media Contacts:

Ellie Merriman
Ray White Bungendore
0402 117 877
ellie.merriman@raywhite.com

Nina Clarke
Ray White Group
0448 841 606
nclarke@raywhite.com