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Hancock Realty Team

Realtor®
License#: Kevin Hancock DRE#02019449, Mary Hancock DRE#01485679

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What Private Mortgage Insurance Is and How to Avoid It

By Kevin Hancock - September 01, 2026
Paying less than 20 percent on a down payment on a house will likely require buying private mortgage insurance by the lender. The insurance, called PMI for short, is used to reimburse the bank if you default on the loan. It isn’t too expensive—usually between 0.5 and 1 percent of the entire loan amount paid annually. On a $100,000 loan, a 1 percent PMI fee equals $1,000 a year, or $83.33 per mon

Why Homeownership Still Matters in Today's Market

By Kevin Hancock - July 17, 2026
Why Homeownership Still Matters in Today's Market In a world of changing interest rates, economic headlines, and evolving housing trends, one thing remains true: homeownership continues to be one of the most powerful ways to build long-term wealth and create stability for your family. Building Equity Over Time Unlike renting, where monthly payments help build a landlord's wealth, every mortgage

Housing Market So Far in 2026

By Kevin Hancock - May 27, 2026
The California housing market continues to evolve in 2026, creating both opportunities and challenges for buyers and sellers across the state. While higher mortgage rates have slowed some activity compared to the frenzy of previous years, demand for housing in desirable areas remains strong — especially in coastal markets like San Diego County. Across California, inventory levels are gradually im

My Honest Thoughts About Buying a Home During the Holidays

By Kevin Hancock - December 05, 2025
My Honest Thoughts About Buying a Home During the Holidays Every year, the same line floats around: “Nobody buys a home during the holidays.” And every year, it becomes clearer how untrue that really is. If you’re thinking about buying a home, the holiday season might actually be one of the most strategic windows you’ll get all year. While most people are distracted by travel, shopping, and e

The Do's & Don'ts

By Kevin Hancock - January 15, 2025
The Dos and Don’ts of Receiving Down Payment Gifts from Family & Friends Did you know that down payment gifts from family or friends can be a big help—if you follow a few essential rules? For many homebuyers, receiving a financial boost can make the dream of owning a home a reality. However, to ensure that your gift doesn’t create delays or complications in your homebuying process, there are i

Thinking about Selling in the Off-Season? Here’s what you need to know

By Kevin Hancock - November 01, 2024
If you’re thinking about selling your home, you might be waiting for the spring market. After all, isn’t that when the magic happens? The sun is out, flowers are blooming, and it seems like everyone is out looking for their next home. But what if I told you that waiting for spring could actually mean missing out on some major perks? 💸 That’s right—listing your home in the off-season (anytime bet

The Off-Season Homebuying Hack That Saved Me $15,000

By Kevin Hancock - October 15, 2024
The Off-Season Homebuying Hack That Saved Me $15,000 The real estate market can feel like a whirlwind, especially if you’re trying to time your home purchase just right. You’ve likely heard that spring is the best time to buy a home—right? While it’s true that many people list their homes during the warmer months, waiting for spring may actually cost you thousands more. Let me share with you

Want to Buy Properties Using Other People’s Money? Here’s How!

By Kevin Hancock - October 01, 2024
Investing in real estate is one of the best ways to build wealth, but many people think they need a lot of cash to get started. What if I told you that you can invest in real estate without using your own money? Yes, you read that right! There are several strategies available that allow you to leverage other people’s money (OPM) to buy properties, and I’m going to walk you through the best ways to

If Your Goal for 2024 or 2025 is to Buy a House, This Simple Hack Could Save You Over $20,000

By Kevin Hancock - September 01, 2024
Buying a home is one of the biggest financial commitments you’ll ever make, and if you’re gearing up to purchase in 2024 or 2025, there’s a crucial piece of advice you need to hear. It’s a simple, yet powerful tip that could save you more than $20,000 over the life of your mortgage. Intrigued? Let’s dive into how this works and why it’s such a game-changer. The Traditional Way: Paying on the Due

Think Zillow’s got your home’s value on point? Think again

By Kevin Hancock - July 01, 2024
Think Zillow’s got your home’s value on point? Think again—those Zestimates could be off by 9.9% Hey there, homeowners and future sellers! Today, I want to dive into something that might surprise you: the accuracy of Zillow’s Zestimates. If you’ve ever checked your home’s value on Zillow, you’ve likely seen their estimate, called a Zestimate. But did you know these Zestimates can have a signif

Inside the Mind of a Seller: Key Elements to Make Your Offer Stand Out

By Kevin Hancock - April 01, 2024
Diving into the world of real estate, particularly from the perspective of a buyer, can often feel like you’re trying to decipher an ancient language. What does a seller really want? How can you ensure your offer cuts through the noise and grabs their attention? Today, we’re going to take a journey inside the mind of a seller to uncover those key elements that can make your offer not just seen, bu

Why Isn’t Your Home Moving Off the Market? Consider These Possible Explanations

By Kevin Hancock - January 15, 2024
Are you starting to feel like your ‘For Sale’ sign is becoming a permanent part of your front yard landscaping? When your home lingers on the market longer than your last vacation, it’s easy to slip into a funk. But before you start considering turning your home into a time capsule for future generations, let’s unpack some potential reasons why buyers might be swiping left on your property. The P

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