ServiceLive Introduces Enhanced Free Online Home Improvement "Matchmaking" Service For Homeowners

HOFFMAN ESTATES, Ill., Sept. 12, 2013 /PRNewswire/ -- A recent survey revealed that 58 percent of homeowners hire contractors to do work in their home in lieu of do-it-yourself projects ¹. ServiceLive, Inc. now makes it easier for homeowners to find trusted contractors in their own neighborhood for free using online technology to match them with technicians, painters, electricians and more at ServiceLive.com.

Unlike some service provider sites, ServiceLive requires no membership fees – the only cost to the customer is the cost of repairs from the independent contractor. Plus, Shop Your Way members will receive 4,000 rewards points when they connect with a ServiceLive contractor through ShopYourWay.com.

ServiceLive connects homeowners with a network of more than 30,000 independent contractors that specialize in almost every type of home improvement or repair work including:

• Home appliance, electronics and fitness equipment installation, repair and assembly
• Electrical, plumbing, heating and cooling home improvement
• Major renovation services like room additions and repairing or rebuilding home damage caused by storms or natural disasters

"As we start to see a rise in consumer confidence and the economy, more people will be investing in their homes and we'll see an increased demand for trusted and credible contractors," said Dennis Stemmle, president of ServiceLive, Inc. "Hiring a contractor happens at the local level and through recommendations from people you trust. That's why ServiceLive leverages technology and online social connections to match homeowners directly to contractors in their neighborhood who have the expertise and experience to get the job done right the first time."

ServiceLive allows homeowners to choose an individual contractor who has gone through a rigorous background check. This check includes a social security check on their name, consumer report and criminal check by state and county. Unlike some competitors, ServiceLive pays for the comprehensive checks and requires that contractors add ServiceLive as an additional insured so homeowners know the status of insurance changes when they search online at ServiceLive.com.  

About ServiceLive
ServiceLive is a nationwide network of more than 30,000 independent contractors connected to help homeowners get what they need done quickly and economically. The network of specialized technicians includes appliance repairmen, electricians, handymen, plumbers and other independent contractors. ServiceLive is a wholly owned subsidiary of Sears Holdings Corporation, and connects customers through its website and call centers to technicians affiliated with Sears Home Services, as well as the independent contractors in the local community. Consumers connect with ServiceLive for their repairs, and are able to choose from a variety of technicians at various price points. The service is free to consumers, as they only pay the contractor of their choice. For more information on ServiceLive, click on www.ServiceLive.com. Twitter: @ServiceLive || Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/ServiceLive

About Sears Holdings Corporation
Sears Holdings Corporation (NASDAQ: SHLD) is a leading integrated retailer with more than 2,500 full-line and specialty retail stores in the United States and Canada and the home of SHOP YOUR WAY, a social shopping experience where members have the ability to earn points and receive benefits across a wide variety of physical and digital formats through ShopYourWay.com. Sears Holdings is the leading home appliance retailer as well as a leader in tools, lawn and garden, fitness equipment and automotive repair and maintenance. Key proprietary brands include Kenmore, Craftsman and DieHard, with a broad apparel offering, including such well-known labels as Lands' End, the Kardashian Kollection, Jaclyn Smith and Joe Boxer, as well as Sofia by Sofia Vergara and The Country Living Home Collection. We are the nation's largest provider of home services, with more than 14 million service and installation calls made annually, and have a long-established commitment to those who serve in the military through initiatives like the Heroes at Home program. We have been named the 2011 Mobile Retailer of the Year, Recipient of the 2013 ENERGY STAR® "Partner of the Year - Sustained Excellence Award" for Product Retailing and Energy Management and one of the Top 20 Best Places to Work for Recent Grads. Sears Holdings Corporation operates through its subsidiaries, including Sears, Roebuck and Co. and Kmart Corporation. For more information, visit Sears Holdings' website at www.searsholdings.com. Twitter: @searsholdings || Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/SHCCareers.

SOURCE Sears Holdings Corporation