“All-rounder” is one way to describe Merryl Hilton, who starts her days in gumboots at the dairy farm run by her husband and ends it in heels as a popular Colac real estate agent.

After being involved with property all her life, Merryl relocated to the regional Victoria area around 15 years ago. She took on a One Agency licence in 2017.

“My mum collected houses,” explains Merryl, “And there haven’t been many times when I haven’t had an investment property as well as my own home.”

For Merryl, the experiences of being a real estate agent and One Agency licensee have been nothing but positive.

Country strong

Unlike many regional areas, Colac is a thriving locality. It serves as a hub for surrounding dairy farmers and is home to several thriving manufacturing businesses as well as Bulla Ice Cream and the Australian Lamb Company. Although house prices have climbed steadily since 2010, rising in value by over $100k, the area is still affordable, with an average price of just over $300k, according to realestate.com.au.

“We have great employment plus good schools and healthcare,” says Merryl, “House prices are good, there are investment opportunities and rentals are amazing.”

Merryl offers property management as well as home sales. She has one and soon-to-be two full-time real estate agents on her team.