At Ray White Rural Bungendore, real estate has never been just about property - it has always been about people, community, and family.
For Ellie Merriman, her journey with Ray White Rural spans nearly two decades, building a business alongside her husband Doug while raising their family in the very community they serve. Over time, that business has grown - not only in scale, but in deeply meaningful ways.
“Ray White is a family-owned and run company, and we’ve become a micro version of that here,” Ellie reflects. “It started with just us in the office - and now, it feels like our family is growing in so many ways.”
That sense of family extends far beyond their own household. From clients who have become colleagues to long-standing relationships built over decades, the business has become deeply embedded in the fabric of the Bungendore community.
“We’ve raised our children here while growing the business alongside them. It’s a welcoming, familiar place - even if it means it takes a while to get in and out of the supermarket with all the conversations along the way!” Ellie laughs.
For Ava Merriman, following in her mother’s footsteps wasn’t initially part of the plan—but perhaps it was always inevitable.
“Growing up, Mum always worked hard, and people in our town really respected her for it,” Ava shares. “My brother and I would groan waiting for her at the supermarket because everyone wanted to stop and talk to Ellie Merriman.”
After university, Ava initially considered a career in banking. But when plans shifted and she stepped into the family business to lend a hand, what began as a short-term move quickly evolved into a lifelong passion.
“I couldn’t imagine things going any other way,” Ava says.
For Ellie, watching Ava make that choice was a quiet but powerful moment. “I was secretly thrilled,” she admits. “I never wanted her to feel pressured, but I always hoped she would. She’s a natural leader.”
Much of Ava’s approach to real estate wasn't learned in a classroom, but through years of observing, absorbing, and learning alongside her parents.
“She’s been in subliminal training since she was five,” Ellie says. “Listening to conversations, watching how we worked—and now I hear her speaking to clients, using words I know I’ve said.”
Ava agrees that the influence runs deep: “My career and approach to my job have all come from my Mum. Her genuineness and drive are second to none, and they inspire me every day.”
While firmly grounded in her family’s values, Ava is carving out her own path. Having worked across administration, management, and sales, her hands-on, mission-driven approach earned her Ray White Premier Status for the 2025–2026 financial year - a milestone that marks just the beginning of her journey.
