From Sears Catalog Homes to Amazon Tiny Houses: The New Era of Buying Homes Online
In the early 1900s, Sears revolutionized homeownership by selling entire houses through mail-order catalogs. Buyers would select a model, and a complete kit would arrive by train — lumber, nails, windows, and all. See article here.
Fast forward to today…
We’ve come full circle.
But now?
Instead of railcars… homes arrive by truck.
Instead of catalogs… buyers scroll online.
From tiny homes to she sheds, backyard studios, and full ADUs, the digital marketplace is quietly transforming how Californians think about housing.
🏡 What Can You Buy Online Today?
Today’s “modern Sears homes” come in many forms:
Mini Homes / Tiny Homes
Small but fully functional living spaces — often 100–400 sq ft.
Many are sold as:
Prefab units
DIY kits
Turnkey modular homes
Some models are even sold through major retailers — including steel-frame tiny homes sold as kits for under $20,000 (assembly required)
She Sheds & Backyard Offices
Used as:
Home offices
Guest quarters
Rental income units
Wellness or hobby spaces
These are often:
Plug-and-play prefab
Delivered and installed
Permit-dependent
ADUs (Accessory Dwelling Units)
Also known as:
Granny flats
Casitas
Backyard homes
California has dramatically expanded ADU laws — fueling demand for these flexible housing options
They are now a mainstream solution for:
Multi-generational living
Rental income
Aging-in-place support
💰 Average Online Home Prices in California
Here’s what buyers can realistically expect today:
Tiny Homes
DIY kits: ~$18,000+
Basic prefab: $40,000 – $80,000
Custom builds: $80,000 – $150,000+
Luxury tiny homes: up to $300,000
Average prefab tiny home in CA:
➡️ About $135,000
Backyard Studios / She Sheds
Basic installed units: ~$44,500+
Fully finished: $60,000 – $150,000+ (depending on utilities)
ADUs in California
Prefab ADUs:
$50,000 – $250,000
Typical detached ADU:
$100,000 – $300,000
Common SoCal build ranges:
SizeApprox. CostGarage conversion$100K – $150K 400–500 sq ft$150K – $200K 600–800 sq ft$200K – $250K 800–1200 sq ft$250K – $400K
Per-square-foot cost in CA:
➡️ Roughly $300–$400 per sq ft
📈 Why This Trend Is Exploding
In high-cost states like California, where traditional homes often exceed $1M, smaller modular housing has become a practical solution.
ADUs alone:
Can add significant property value
Provide rental income
Support family caregiving
Some 500–1,200 sq ft backyard units are now being built as primary residences — even costing $200K–$300K while remaining far cheaper than full home purchases
👍 Pros of Buying Homes Online
Affordability
Much lower entry point than traditional housing.
Speed
Factory-built units can be delivered in weeks instead of years.
Flexibility
Use as:
Rental unit
Office
Multigenerational housing
Guest space
Income Potential
Backyard rentals are a growing passive-income strategy.
Sustainability
Smaller footprint = lower energy costs.
⚠️ Cons to Consider
Permits Still Matter
Even if you buy online…
You must comply with:
Local zoning
Utility hookups
California solar requirements
Installation Costs
That $28K or $50K online price often excludes:
Foundation
Utilities
Site prep
Permits
These can add tens of thousands.
Cost Per Square Foot Can Be High
Tiny homes may cost:
➡️ $100–$600 per sq ft in California
Sometimes more than traditional homes on a per-foot basis.
Financing Is Harder
Many:
Don’t qualify for traditional mortgages
Require personal loans or cash
🧭 The Big Picture
Just like Sears once democratized housing…
Today’s digital housing marketplace is reshaping:
How we buy
Where we live
What we consider a “home”
From backyard retreats to income-producing ADUs, Californians are no longer limited to traditional construction timelines or million-dollar price tags.
The future of housing?
It may arrive on a flatbed truck.
Do you prefer to buy land and put one of these on it? Let’s chat. Or, if you’d like to buy an existing home with land so you can add one of these homes, let me know. We have helped our clients do just that. Call me at (310) 519-7670.