Sears Kit Homes: A Legacy of American Innovation

The Birth of the Sears Kit Home In 1908, Sears introduced its first specialty catalog, Book of Modern Homes and Building Plans, featuring 22 home styles priced between $650 and $2,500. The goal was to make homeownership accessible through affordable, build-it-yourself kits delivered straight to customers via railroad. Affordability and Accessibility Sears homes were affordable […]

What Are LLPAs, and Why Do They Matter?

What You Need to Know About the FHFA’s LLPA Changes (Updated as of April 6, 2025) If you’re thinking about buying a home in 2025, you’ve likely heard talk about changes to mortgage fees – specifically, something called Loan-Level Price Adjustments (LLPAs). These changes, implemented by the Federal Housing Finance Agency (FHFA), have been the […]

“Date the Rate, Marry the Home” – Why That Advice Could Hurt You By Ed Stojancevich, Co-Owner, SouthShore Region Mortgage Group You’ve probably heard it before – “Date the rate, marry the home.” It’s a catchy phrase often thrown around in the real estate and mortgage world. The idea is this: find the home you […]

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