MOVERS AND SHAKERS

MOVERS & SHAKERS

MOVERS & SHAKERS

Elevated Agent Spotlight:

Hoda Hajirnia and Drew D’Angelo of The HD Team

Integrity. Inspiration. Dedication. Success. When it comes to real estate elevated, few teams have accomplished what Hoda Hajirnia and Drew D’Angelo have in the four years they’ve been revolutionizing the real estate industry. From record breaking sales, to cutting-edge home redesigns, to starring in Bravo’s Real Estate Wars, to forward-thinking development endeavors, Hoda and Drew have redefined the luxury real estate industry in Orange County, representing one-of-a-kind listings that will make your jaw drop. Known for their expertise, passion, and overall positive vibes, Hoda and Drew have created a business that offers clients a personalized and curated real estate experience from start to finish, leaving no stone unturned. Elevated was excited to sit down with the dynamic duo for an insider’s look at what’s happening in the world of HD, and to get to know a little bit more about their roots, aspirations, and predictions for the future.

The last couple of years have been impressive for the HD Team, from starring in Bravo’s Real Estate Wars, to consistently breaking real estate records. What’s the secret to your success?

Hoda: Keeping on top of the market and remaining on top of current trends has helped keep our game in HD. We’ve always striven to be a step ahead in all aspects of real estate, from marketing to branding to selling. We are committed to being the first to implement new innovations and set the standard for the industry.

Drew: There are no secrets to success—there are only measures. My approach is and has always been that every level has a different process associated with that achievement and that process changes you and grooms you for the next level. The HD Team is tenacious, relentless—we never doubt we are ready for the moment we find ourselves in. We are undergirded by faith and belief and as such, we humble ourselves to listen first, respond—not react—and above all else, to be effective.

The HD Team prides itself on an unparalleled knowledge of the industry, from development, to construction, to marketing, to negotiating. Tell us how you consistently remain on top of your game?

Drew: Experience is the largest part of this. My career leading up to becoming an agent as a land developer and fund manger has given me the basis to understand how information streams are dealt with, how to disseminate this information, and how to prioritize and manage the trades associated with the tasks. My experiences and professional relationships I’ve cultivated have also taught me how to implement a marketing vision for what we do—I know exactly how I want our strategy to be executed. Hoda is a huge part of this because she understands my vision, allowing us to create our pieces together. It also helps that I am intimately involved in the design of projects, construction, and the backend of deals as it helps me keep a pulse on what people want. We are always seeking new ways to improve and innovate.

Hoda: Drew has really helped infuse our business with development, construction, entitlement, and design. I get involved on the sales side of things by bringing my A-game when it comes to branding and marketing, no matter what the product or property is. From brand new construction to seasoned homes, I keep a pulse on everything marketing related, and if I see marketing materials that aren’t real estate related that capture my attention, I take note, reimagine them, and use the information to create our own addictively captivating campaigns. We always strive to bring something fresh and new to the marketplace not only with our product, but also with the way we sell it. changed? If so, what should every client be aware of nowadays? Hoda: Yes, the real estate industry has changed. It has become more difficult to do pretty much everything. It’s harder to get foot traffic in the door when we can’t hold events or broker opens. The HD Team has also made its name with our signature events, especially for our “megalistings.” There are several additional protocols in place now, such as signed COVID release forms in order to hold private showings. It has certainly been quite the year, but all that said, with every challenge there is opportunity. We adapted to thinking even more outside the box, and have made it work for all our clients.

Drew: The industry has changed so much with legislation that, in my opinion, it only hurts sellers and agents. The COVID 19 disclosures are great for all parties. But the clear cooperation policy is ambiguous at best and now not allowing agents to disclose off-market properties is absurd. The selling point was “leveling the playing field.” The reality is that larger companies were unable to compete with hyper-local agents who are well connected and can make deals happen with one phone call. Every client should be aware they are protected by disclosure and they should also make sure whoever they hire understands all the various elements of said disclosure.

The HD Team was featured on Bravo’s Real Estate Wars. Tell us what it was like being in front of the camera and what you gained from that experience.

Drew: For me, being in front of the camera was intimidating at first—it’s more psychological than anything. It brings to the surface the insecurities that lay within. As time goes on, it becomes your friend and a place where you overcome these insecurities, and eventually, it gives you the confidence to continue to persevere. For me it was a form of therapy. It allowed me to overcome my shyness, to overcome what others thought of me, and to start caring more about what I thought. It forced me to truly find myself and be original without sacrifice. I always wanted to be on TV, and somehow God made it happen. It’s an experience not too many people have the luxury of achieving, and I’m grateful for it.

Hoda: I went to school to be a journalist, and found myself at a television news network where they wanted me to be on camera. That was not my intention. Then Real Estate Wars happens, and there I am on camera. At first, I absolutely hated it. I was at a point where I was just gaining momentum in my real estate endeavors and we were shooting during a serious breakthrough in my career. I had just transitioned from submillion dollar homes to multi-million dollar estates. My confidence wasn’t quite there—I was the only female on the team and I was also traversing a male-dominated industry while recording a new series for the first time ever while taking my career to the next level. From that experience I gained confidence, and became less reserved on camera, which allowed me to be myself and come out of my shell, both on camera and off. Real Estate Wars also gave me a platform to discuss my eating disorder and brought some light to an issue that many people struggle with. As a result of the series, I was able to appear in various outlets such as the Today Show and People Magazine to discuss my struggles, provide hope for those afflicted with eating disorders, and help people see the light at the end of the tunnel.

Drew, you previously made a name for yourself in real estate development. Now the HD Team is one of the top luxury duos in Orange County. So, how did the HD Team start?

Drew: Hoda didn’t want to partner up with anyone at first.

Hoda: I got Drew’s attention because John McMonigle, founder of Agent Inc., would always mention me when we were at another brokerage. We had a small team, and John would always mention the properties I would list and close, and Drew had just hung his license at the brokerage. I got

a lot of team members’ attention and I said no to a few people, thinking I would be better off on my own. But then Real Estate Wars happened and suddenly, we were together.

Drew: I kept hearing about this new agent in the office, someone I’d never heard of—Hoda. I had my license before she did and was on the team well before she was there. Then Real Estate Wars came about and a mutual client of ours mentioned her. So I figured if we were going to make good TV, why not team up for the show and see what we could do. And bam! I called her one day and said “Hey, we’re teaming up.” I explained why and she bought in. And then The HD Team officially started after Hoda and I closed our first transaction together in Woodland Hills. It was something that, from a marketing perspective, I wanted to play with. I thought with our initials we had something that we could really work with. When we first discussed working together, my mind went directly to the idea of making peoples lives and their experiences with us…HD. Hoda at first didn’t even respond—I’m sure she didn’t think this could be a longterm thing. Then after we closed two more deals setting records, we both committed ourselves to our brand--#lifeinHD and #missionHD.

Hoda: The energy, the vibe—everything was on point during our first transaction, and I really enjoyed working with Drew and having a partner. It organically bloomed from the first deal we did. After that, it was a snowball affect. We constantly had deals back-to-back during that time and it’s been the same ever since.

When it comes to rethinking and rebranding properties, The HD Team sets the standard for the industry. What should homeowners be thinking about before they take their property to market?

Drew: Purpose. Sellers need to have real discussions about their purpose for selling, and outline a plan and strategy that benefits them the most. They need to be aligned with their agent in regards to this purpose, as it only works when all parties are committed to the same goal.

People. Sellers need to relate and understand their agent as they take this journey together. The agent subsequently needs to put the relationship before commission. The seller needs to be heard and understand the character of the agent. Once this key factor is solidified, the purpose is further defined and the flow becomes much better.

Product. The seller must understand that if the purpose and the people are aligned, the product needs to be presented in the best possible light. The seller needs to trust the agents’ knowledge of what the market wants, and how the asset should be presented.

Price. An agent needs to be the local expert. A seller needs to remove their emotions from this part of the process. At the end of the day, if everyone is on the same page and everything is agreed upon and successfully implemented, the seller will get exactly what they want.

Process. Sellers should always be briefed in detail about the steps and timing associated with selling their home. If they are not given this information problems will arise.

Hoda: And make sure to de-clutter and clean your house!

You two spend a ton of time together and have formed a strong bond and friendship. Tell us why that is such an important part of the process.

Hoda: I consider Drew family now, and I’m sure he feels the same about me. We are family, and family means everything to us. We both share the same views and believe family comes first. Trust is built on having similar views and values, and I think Drew and I came together when we realized that this was more than just a real estate partnership—it is a true friendship. We want the best for the both of us, and that allows us to Drew: First, I’m extremely grateful we have the bond and friendship that you mention. Second, as Hoda explained, we have grown into a family. We love and appreciate one another and do things that will benefit each other and the team. We operate with accountability and trust as a result of a relationship that has blossomed.

Teams and teammates often have rituals and superstitions. How about the HD Team?

Hoda: In the Middle East, there is a symbol and piece of jewelry I wear called the “evil eye” that protects me from negative energy and bad luck.

Drew: Always speak it into existence. I pray a lot when it comes to our business and for the wisdom to handle everything that is set before us. I always pray over the home privately and for the family that we are selling for.

The first thing you do when you close a sale is…

Hoda: I have a “wishlist” on my phone. When we close a deal, I grab something that will make myself and my loved ones happy.

Drew: I thank God, our clients, and my partner for a great team effort. Then, typically, I buy myself a new pair of shoes. Most people don’t know why, but I do this because if you have a fresh pair of shoes, it’s symbolic of walking a new path and keeps me reminded that I am once again setting out on a new journey with a fresh perspective.

You’re both Southern California natives, so we have to ask—Lakers or Clippers? Dodgers or Angels?

Hoda: That’s not even a question. Lakers all day. I bleed purple and gold. I don’t watch baseball, but if I had to choose, I would choose the Dodgers.

Drew: Lakers all day! Dodgers all day!

You two know OC like the back of your hands. What’s your go-to spot for a pitch perfect meal?

Hoda: I’m a lover of sushi, so if I had to choose the perfect place to dine, it would be Bluefin in Newport Beach. But my go-to for a healthy, quick bite would be Zinque in Lido Isle. I get the Le Bowl with cauliflower instead of brown rice, add chicken!

Drew: A pitch perfect meal is with my family and friends. The more I am with them, the better the meal is.

Where do you see the HD Team in 5 years, 10 years, 30 years?

Hoda: In 5-10 years, I see us continuing to kill it and geographically expanding our farm areas. In 30 years, I see our children running the HD Team.

Drew: In 5-10 years, I see us expanding to different areas along the coast and strategically targeted locales across the nation. I would like to create a franchise. I also see the brand creating a design/build firm under the HD company umbrella. I see us continuing to double our business annually as we have always done. 30 years?!!! Wow. I hope to be retired and having Hoda and her children and my children running our companies. She’s younger than me, so she’s got more time, lol!

2404 CLIFF DRIVE NEWPORT BEACH

1520 N EL CAMINO REAL SAN CLEMENTE

STARTING IN THE MID $700,000s

Broad sandy beaches, a historic pier, romantic architecture and a vibrant village...welcome to San Clemente, South Orange County’s charming, quintessential beach town that is widely beloved for its beauty, location and unparalleled lifestyle. At Terramour, your dream of sophisticated beachside living is within reach, leaving many to envy from afar.

Crafted in 2010 and freshly reimagined in 2020, Terramour’s limited edition of 16 residential attached residences offers everything you desire, from top-tier appointments and finishes to a private resort ambiance complete with a luxurious ocean-view rooftop deck for relaxation, entertaining and basking in the Southern California sunshine. Elegant and refined, Terramour presents an attainable OPPORTUNITY THAT IS RARE ALONG THE COAST.

Hoda Hajirnia

Residential Agent Inc. Senior Associate 949.527.2414 hoda@agentinc.co DRE #01955150

Drew D’Angelo

Residential Agent Inc. Senior Associate 949.244.6754 drew@agentinc.co DRE #01935951

1933 UPPER RIM ROCK ROAD LAGUNA BEACH

4 BEDS | 3 BATHS | 3,800 SQFT OFFERED AT $3,499,000

Modern soft contemporary luxury estate with amazing panoramic ocean, Catalina Island, canyon and city lights views. Recently updated with the latest in upgrades including a gourmet kitchen with top of the line appliances, Carrara marble and Quartz counters, white washed porcelain wood plank tile floors and large walk-in pantry. The home is light and bright with three skylights, cathedral ceiling and open concept great room/living room, kitchen, dining room, two family rooms, two sided fireplace and lots of nooks and built-ins. Separate office on upper level and lower level artist studio/workout room and/ or guest room. Enjoy the large entertaining back yard with amazing sunset views, outdoor fireplace and a hot tub, all on a street to street approximate 10,000 sq’ lot full of lush landscaping and mature Italian Cypress. Absolutely beautiful!

Cynthia Fleming

Residential Agent Inc. Senior Associate 949.371.3010 cynthiaf@agentinc.co DRE #01817247