When David Lythgoe purchased Merit Properties in 1984, the company was
purring along through its sixth year.

Today, 32 years later, the Welches real estate company has recorded 10,000
transactions. Not all resulted in sales, but Lythgoe estimates that two-thirds
became closed sales.

“It is an accomplishment I never expected to achieve,” Lythgoe said. “Since
that time we have weathered the high interest rates of the late 80s, the boom
years of the 90s when the Californians arrived, and the great recession just
passed.”

Lythgoe was quick to point out that more than 20 agents have made up the
Merit team during those years, and the company would never have reached
the 10,000 mark without them. “Some are still with us,” Lythgoe added.
It’s easy to imagine that all transactions are not alike, and one in particular
proves the point.

“I remember the buyer who wanted to trade gold for a house,” Lythgoe said.

“I found a seller willing to make the deal. After meeting with all parties and a
jeweler we then arranged for all to meet an assayer at the gold office in
Portland to value the gold. Long story short, the buyer never showed and we
never saw him again.”

In the meantime, more normal operations are expected.
“On to the next 10,000,” Lythgoe said.

A promotion of Merit
Marti Bowne returns to the fold at Merit Properties, and will assume the
position of office manager.

“I’ve been in love with the Mountain all my life,” Bowne said. “Coming back to
Merit, where I started my real estate career, was a natural.”

While maintaining her broker status, as office manager Bowne will also
oversee day-to-day company operations.