About Merritt Shaw

Merritt brings a unique blend of local knowledge, creative insight, and professional experience to her real estate practice. She grew up in and Bryson City, North Carolina, and earned her Paralegal degree from Southwestern Community College before transferring to Western Carolina University, where she completed a Bachelor of Science in Communications with a minor in Theater. Her academic journey later came full circle when she returned to WCU to earn a Master of Arts in Creative Writing in 2024. 

Merritt considers herself a “regional girl” due to her extensive knowledges of the surrounding area, but her career path has taken her far beyond Western North Carolina giving her a broader perspective of the world. She began working in the film industry in 1994 as a production assistant on Nell, filmed locally, and went on to work on productions across the United States. During this time, she met her husband, Tim—an Emmy Award–winning cameraman—while on location in Savannah, GA. The couple later moved to Los Angeles, where Merritt became a commercial actress and a member of the Screen Actors Guild, while both continued working behind the scenes in film and television. In 2003, they returned to the mountains of Western North Carolina to raise their family. Today, Merritt and Tim collaborated creatively with their two adult sons, who are filmmakers. 

Alongside her creative career, Merritt developed a strong foundation in hospitality and community-focused service. While completing her undergraduate degree, she worked as Dining Room Manager at Highlands Falls Country Club and later served as Membership Director at Wildcat Cliffs Country Club. These roles gave her invaluable insight into private clubs, lifestyle communities, and the luxury real estate market in the area. 

Merritt transitioned into real estate in 2013 and has since built a well-rounded career, working with Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Meadows Mountain Realty, then as Rental Manager and Broker with Highlands Cove Realty at Old Edwards Club. She chose to join Mountain Life Properties because of the firm’s personalized service, strong community presence and its well-earned reputation for professionalism, expertise, and integrity. 

With her diverse background, Merritt understands that finding the right property is about more than location—it’s about lifestyle, vision, and long-term goals. Over the years she has developed a pipeline of trusted builders, contractors, and inspectors to ensure her clients have the guidance and resources they need from the first showing to the final closing and beyond. 

Whether you’re searching for the perfect primary home, a mountain retreat, or land to build your dream home, Merritt brings creativity, attention to detail, strong negotiation skills, and deep local expertise to every transaction. Her collaborative approach helps streamline the process and turn ideas into reality. 

Feel free to stop by “The Cabin,” a.k.a. Mountain Life Properties office to meet Merritt, learn more about her story, and discover how she can help you find the property that truly fits your needs and lifestyle.