Hancock Real Estate was established in January of 1990, and first operated as a home-based business at the Hancock family home at Quenames in Chilmark. Hancock Real Estate moved to its present location in Menemsha in April of 1994. The office is located in a small building that was originally built by the owner's grandfather, and then renovated by her father to accommodate the office.

From day one Hancock Real Estate has been a brokerage based on honesty and integrity. Although we are based in Chilmark, we concentrate on spectacular water view and waterfront properties all over the Island. We are committed to continuing education, and constantly participate in workshops and classes so we can stay informed in today’s ever changing market.

Hancock Real Estate is a member of LINK, the multiple listing service on the island. Through LINK we can show you any property for sale on the Vineyard using our computer database. Hancock Real Estate cooperates with all brokers and can introduce you to any property available on Martha’s Vineyard. We will make a sincere and conscious effort to match you with the perfect spot for your vacation, new home or investment, be it land or a dwelling.

Hancock Real Estate is also happy to show you any property, in any price range. If we do not have the listing, we will do our best to find what you are looking for. We have established a reputation for personal attention with each of our clients, as well as the utmost in discretion. References will be supplied upon request, to verify our claims.

Hancock Real Estate offers both the traditional Seller’s Brokerage and will represent Buyers upon request. Please call or e-mail us if we may assist you in buying, selling or renting. We look forward to hearing from you in the near future.

Deborah Hancock is the principle broker, and owner, of Hancock Real Estate. She was born on and is a lifelong resident of Martha's Vineyard, where her family has a long and involved history. Her ancestors originally settled on the island in the 1600’s, and Debbie is a direct descendant of Thomas Mayhew (one-time owner and Governor of Martha's Vineyard in the 1600's), John Hancock (first signer of the Declaration of Independence),and Hardy Bodfish (a famous whaling captain). The Hancock family owned large tracts of land all over the Island, the most noteworthy being the Hancock Farm in Quenames, which dates back to the 1800’s. The Hancock family has long been involved in Island politics. The first legal town meeting in Chilmark took place on December 16, 1861, and by 1863 Ms Hancock's great-great-great grandfather, Samuel F. Hancock, was one of three selectman in Chilmark. Carrying on the tradition of fine Yankee craftsmanship, Debbie's father, grandfather and great grandfather were contractors and builders. Both of her parents were also very active in Island politics, her father a selectman in Chilmark for 37 years, her mother a member of the Daughters of the American Revolution. Both were involved in helping create the important Martha's Vineyard Commission (MVC).

Ms. Hancock grew up in Chilmark - riding horses, beach combing, fishing, swimming, fossiling, and exploring. She originally got into the real estate business because her family owned many small homes on the island that they rented year-round or seasonally. After obtaining her real estate broker's license in 1979, she ran her father’s construction business, Herbert R. Hancock Contractors and Builders, until 1986. From 1987 through January of 1990, she worked as a broker in Edgartown. Then in January of 1990 she founded Hancock Real Estate in Chilmark.