Mary Ann Divona

Q: 1. What advice would you give a buyer trying to purchase a home?

Focus less on trying to perfectly time the market and more on finding the right home for your long-term goals and lifestyle. The right purchase is about more than price or interest rates—it's about location, community, and how a home fits into the next chapter of your life. Preparation, patience, and strong local guidance often create opportunities that buyers might otherwise miss.

Q: 2. What advice would you give a seller trying to sell their home?

Every home and every seller's situation is different, which means there is rarely a one-size-fits-all approach. The strongest results typically come from a thoughtful combination of preparation, presentation, pricing, and marketing strategy. My role is to help sellers understand their options, identify where improvements add value, and create a plan that aligns with both their goals and timeline while minimizing stress and uncertainty along the way.

Q: 3. What types of clients have you worked with?

I have had the opportunity to work with first-time buyers, move-up families, luxury and coastal property clients, military and VA buyers and sellers, investors, relocation clients, downsizers, and homeowners at every stage of the real estate journey. I also work with investment property owners and clients navigating 1031 exchanges, as well as probate and trust sales, inherited properties, and families experiencing significant life transitions that require both practical guidance and thoughtful support throughout the process.

Q: 4. Describe a recent transaction you are fond of. How did it go?

The transactions I remember most are rarely the easiest ones—they are the ones where I am able to help bring clarity and calm to an overwhelming situation. One recent sale involved a probate property following an unexpected loss and was referred to me by a past client whom I had previously helped through a similar transition. The situation involved navigating probate requirements, preparing the property for market, and helping the family understand their options during an understandably difficult time. By breaking the process into manageable steps, coordinating resources, and creating a clear plan forward, we were able to reduce stress significantly while achieving an excellent outcome for the family. What made the transaction especially meaningful was seeing one family's positive experience lead them to confidently refer another family facing many of the same challenges. These situations often require families to place an extraordinary amount of trust in their advisors while navigating unfamiliar processes and sensitive circumstances, and I never lose sight of the responsibility that comes with that trust. I take my fiduciary obligations seriously and consider it a privilege to help clients move through those moments with clarity, confidence, and support.

Q: 5. How did you get started in Real Estate?

My interest in real estate grew from a lifelong appreciation for homes, architecture, design, and the unique character of our coastal communities, but it was my understanding of how deeply housing affects every aspect of our lives that ultimately led me into the profession. Home represents far more than a transaction—it is security, stability, family, and community. Over time, I realized that what I enjoyed most wasn't simply the transaction itself, but helping people navigate important life decisions and creating a clear path forward during periods of change and uncertainty. That sense of purpose continues to be one of the most rewarding parts of my work today.

Q: 6. Do you have any special education or training that will benefit your clients?

Yes. I have completed specialized training and certifications including the Military Relocation Professional (MRP) designation, VA homeownership programs, Probate and Trust Sales education, and Luxury Listing and Marketing strategies. These additional areas of expertise allow me to better serve military families, coastal luxury clients, investors pursuing 1031 exchanges, and homeowners navigating more complex transactions involving trusts, estates, inherited property, and important life transitions. I have developed a particular passion for helping clients through stressful or unexpected housing situations, whether that involves an inherited property, probate or trust administration, or preparing a home for sale during a difficult transition. My goal is to simplify the process, provide clear guidance, reduce stress wherever possible, and help clients make informed decisions during what is often one of the most challenging times in their lives. Real estate is constantly evolving, from changes in contracts, disclosure requirements, financing programs, and regulations to shifting market conditions and local development trends. Because of this, I believe continuing education is essential. I remain committed to ongoing training and professional development so I can provide clients with informed guidance and help them make confident decisions in an ever-changing market.

First Team Real Estate

10 Years of Experience

(4)

$9M

Total Sales Last Year

Years of Experience

Recent TransactionsTransactions from the last 3 years

$1.4M

Average Price Point

Service Areas

Anaheim, CA Atwood, CA Beverly Hills, CA Buena Park, CA Corona, CA Costa Mesa, CA Cypress, CA Dodgertown, CA East Irvine, CA Foothill Ranch, CA Fountain Valley, CA Fullerton, CA Huntington Beach, CA Lake Forest, CA Long Beach, CA Los Angeles, CA Malibu, CA Midway City, CA Montebello, CA Monterey Park, CA Newport Beach, CA Palos Verdes Peninsula, CA Placentia, CA Rancho Palos Verdes, CA Rosemead, CA San Pedro, CA Santa Ana, CA Santa Monica, CA Seal Beach, CA South El Monte, CA Sunset Beach, CA Surfside, CA Villa Park, CA Westminster, CA Wilmington, CA

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About Mary Ann Divona

Some agents sell homes. I believe my role is to help people navigate important life transitions with confidence, clarity, and a plan.

Born in Huntington Beach and a Downtown homeowner for more than 27 years, I bring a level of local knowledge that comes from living, working, and raising a family in the community I serve. My husband and I returned to Huntington Beach to raise our three children here, giving me firsthand insight into the neighborhoods, schools, community traditions, and coastal lifestyle that continue to attract families to our area.

As a Realtor with First Team Real Estate - Surf City, I specialize in coastal and luxury properties, military and VA clients, investment and 1031 exchange opportunities, and helping families navigate some of life's more complex housing transitions, including probate, trust, and inherited property sales.

Home represents far more than a transaction-it is security, stability, family, and community.

Whether I am helping a first-time buyer find the right neighborhood, preparing a luxury property for market, assisting an investor with long-term goals, or guiding a family through an unexpected life event, my focus remains the same: providing clear communication, thoughtful guidance, strategic marketing, and practical solutions that help clients move forward with confidence.

I have developed a particular passion for helping clients through situations that can feel overwhelming or unfamiliar, whether that involves an inherited property, probate administration, trust sale, or preparing a longtime family home for the market. These transactions often require families to place an extraordinary amount of trust in their advisors while navigating sensitive circumstances, and I never lose sight of the responsibility that comes with that trust. I take my fiduciary obligations seriously and consider it a privilege to help clients move through those moments with clarity, confidence, and support.

Clients choose to work with me because they value local expertise, honest communication, responsiveness, creative problem solving, and an advocate who treats their goals with the same care and attention I would give my own family.

My greatest satisfaction comes from turning uncertainty into a plan and helping clients move confidently into their next chapter.

OTHER LANGUAGES

English

Community Involvement

Although I was born in Huntington Beach, I had the privilege of returning to the community to raise my family and have proudly called Downtown Huntington Beach home for the past 27 years. Community involvement and service have long been an important part of our family's life. I served for six years with the National Charity League, including leadership roles as Social Committee Chair, Board Member, and Vice President of Philanthropy, helping support local nonprofit organizations and volunteer efforts throughout Orange County. Additional community involvement has included volunteer service with the Huntington Beach Art Center, the Huntington Beach Central Library, local scouting organizations, and support for local schools and youth programs. I am also proud to support environmental and marine conservation efforts as a contributing member of the Ocean Conservancy. Our family has remained closely connected to many of the traditions that make Huntington Beach unique. All three of our children participated in the City's Junior Lifeguard program, where they developed ocean safety skills, beach stewardship, and a lifelong appreciation for the coastal lifestyle that defines our community.

HOBBIES/INTEREST

Outside of real estate, I enjoy coastal living, architecture, interior design, and home renovation projects, as well as exploring creative ways to showcase a home's unique character and maximize its appeal in the marketplace. I particularly enjoy helping clients find practical solutions during what can often feel like overwhelming transitions, whether navigating probate and trust sales, preparing a longtime family home for the market, or developing strategies for properties that may need repairs, updates, or simply a fresh vision. Helping clients simplify complex decisions, uncover opportunities, and create a clear path forward is one of the most rewarding parts of my work. I find great satisfaction in turning uncertainty into a plan and helping clients move confidently into their next chapter.

FAMILY

My husband of 37 years and I relocated from Anaheim Hills to downtown Huntington Beach back in 2000 to raise our three children. Family, community, and the coastal lifestyle have always been at the center of our lives and remain some of the reasons we continue to love calling Huntington Beach home. Many of our favorite family memories were shaped by the traditions and events that make our community unique, including watching our children participate in the Fourth of July Parade through their local organizations and returning each year to enjoy the Air Show, the fireworks over the pier, and the U.S. Open of Surfing alongside lifelong friends and neighbors.

Credentials

LICENSE

Real Estate - California - # 01998673

Specialties

1031 Exchange Transactions
First Time Home Buyers
Investment Properties
Legal
Listing Agent
Luxury Specialist
Probate & Trust Sales
Property Management
Relocation
Rentals
Staging & Home Preparation

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Mary Ann Divona's Reviews & Ratings

4 Reviews

(5/5)

Note: Reviews may include other agents on their team

What clients say about this agent....

Outstanding
Excellent negotiator
Hard working
Professional
Responsive
Communicative
Knowledgeable

Brentargo

Review for Member: Mary Ann Divona

March 23, 2020

Local Knowledge

Process Expertise

Responsiveness

Negotiation skills

ZillowVERIFIED

Mary Ann Divona was the realtor that represented us in selling our home in downtown Huntington Beach. She was hands-on throughout the entire process, from evaluating comps and sales strategies, home staging, showing the property, and throughout the entire escrow process. We couldn?t have been more pleased with her service. Mary Ann, of course, had other clients at the same time, but we felt as if we had her undivided attention throughout. Her attention to detail was impeccable and she went above and beyond expectations. She spent many hours at the property, changing out light fixtures, planting flowers (which by the way, ruined her manicure!), replacing sod, and generally sprucing up the property at her own time and expense so that it would show its best when it hit the market. All this effort paid off as the sales period was very short, as we received an over-the-asking-price offer on the second day after the property hit the multiple listing service! We have bought and sold several properties over the years, and this was by far the best experience! We highly recommend Mary Ann for your real estate needs.

Nicole H.

Review for Member: Mary Ann Divona

March 5, 2020

Local Knowledge

Process Expertise

Responsiveness

Negotiation skills

ZillowVERIFIED

Mary Ann went above and beyond to help us get the condo of our dreams at the best price. As first time home buyers, we had a lot of questions and were so grateful that Mary Ann was so helpful and quick to respond. She was great at working around our busy schedules and made sure we understood and were comfortable with every decision through the whole process. I would definitely recommend Mary Ann! She was an asset for us and we will definitely use her again in the future.

Grace A.

Review for Member: Mary Ann Divona

July 8, 2017

Local Knowledge

Process Expertise

Responsiveness

Negotiation skills

ZillowVERIFIED

MaryAnn was instrumental in our selling our home for above asking price, and simultaneously in securing the most amazing home for us to retire in, all within a few weeks. MaryAnn is one of the most hardest-working conscientious professional we have had the good fortune and pleasure to work with. She sought to understand our short- and long-term goals and cared about us as individuals. MaryAnn had far surpassed all of our expectations in closing the two biggest transactions of our lives. Had we not had her help, we believe we would not have been as successful in accomplishing everything that we wanted.

Frank T.

Review for Member: Mary Ann Divona

June 20, 2017

Local Knowledge

Process Expertise

Responsiveness

Negotiation skills

ZillowVERIFIED

Mary Ann Divona flawlessly handled a previous rental-property listing ($2 million) for us in Seal Beach. So, naturally I wanted her to have the listing of our residence in Rancho Palos Verdes. Though the property was one of the nicest in RPV, it had a limited customer base due to its unique architecture, multi-levels and stairways. Through the extensive marketing, and tireless efforts of Mary Ann, we sold our property at a price we were more than pleased with. I would like to note, that throughout the listing and escrow process, Mary Ann handled every problem that arose with incredible poise and effectiveness. As we now live in Washington state, we could not be there to make sure that the property always looked nice for viewing appointments and open houses. Mary Ann personally kept the home immaculate, inside and out, which was truly incredible. We truly believe that we could not have possibly had a better agent to represent our property than Mary Ann. Our best wishes and continued success go to her.

FAQ

1. What advice would you give a buyer trying to purchase a home?

2. What advice would you give a seller trying to sell their home?

3. What types of clients have you worked with?

4. Describe a recent transaction you are fond of. How did it go?

5. How did you get started in Real Estate?

6. Do you have any special education or training that will benefit your clients?

Mary Ann Divona

Service Areas

About Mary Ann Divona

OTHER LANGUAGES

Community Involvement

HOBBIES/INTEREST

FAMILY

Credentials

LICENSE

Specialties