About SKYDAN™ Equity Partners
The Original Residential Sale-Leaseback Program for Homeowners
James (“Jimmy”) Stillo pioneered this concept long before “sale-leaseback” became a recognized alternative in residential real estate. SKYDAN™ is the original homeowner-focused sale-leaseback program, created years before similar models began appearing in the marketplace.
About SKYDAN™ Equity Partners
The Original Residential Sale-Leaseback Program for Homeowners
James (“Jimmy”) Stillo pioneered this concept long before “sale-leaseback” became a recognized alternative in residential real estate. SKYDAN™ is the original homeowner-focused sale-leaseback program, created years before similar models began appearing in the marketplace.
Our Origin Story
The idea began almost by accident in 2004 in the suburbs of Chicago. A homeowner client approached Jimmy in a moment of financial stress, asking to borrow $50,000. The client owned a strong property with significant equity — but like many Americans, he couldn’t access it due to strict lender requirements.
Recognizing the need, Jimmy created a new solution: He purchased the client’s home, allowed him to stay, and gave him access to the equity he desperately needed — without a loan, without monthly payments, and without interest.
The result was life-changing. The homeowner and his family still occupy that same home today.
Word spread quickly. Jimmy continued helping cash-strapped homeowners who were unable to qualify for home-equity loans, HELOCs, or traditional refinancing. What started as a favor became a transformative alternative for families across Chicago — and eventually, across the country.
Where We Are Today
In 2018, Jimmy officially rebranded the company as SKYDAN™ Equity Partners, expanding operations into new cities and states. Today, after more than two decades of helping homeowners, SKYDAN™ remains the first and longest-running residential sale-leaseback program designed specifically for homeowners — not investors. The core of what we do has never changed: give homeowners a dignified path to the equity they’ve worked years to build.
Serving the Following States:
Our Mission
To empower homeowners with a fair, flexible alternative to traditional financing — one that protects their home and unlocks their equity when they need it most.
Our Commitment
To treat every homeowner with transparency, respect, and integrity while providing responsible solutions that prioritize stability, dignity, and long-term outcomes.
Meet Our Team
Our team’s mission is to help customers access that home-equity wealth. We provide an easy alternative to traditional bank loans. We look forward to helping you find financial freedom!
James D. Stillo
President and Chief Executive Officer
James Stillo is the founder of SKYDAN™ Equity Partners and a real estate entrepreneur with more than 30 years of experience across brokerage, investment, development, and structured homeowner equity solutions. In 2004, he pioneered one of the earliest residential sale-leaseback programs designed to help homeowners access their equity while remaining in their homes.
Recognizing that many homeowners are equity-rich but unable to qualify for traditional financing, James developed the SKYDAN™ Equity Program as an alternative solution that allows homeowners to unlock equity without taking on new debt. Over time, the program evolved into the SKYDAN™ Equity Partners platform, providing structured residential equity solutions across multiple states.
As CEO, James oversees the firm’s investment strategy, capital partnerships, and long-term platform development as SKYDAN continues to expand its residential equity programs.
Brandon Schuppe
Senior Vice President, Marketing, Sales and Consumer Affairs
Brandon Schuppe serves as Senior Vice President of Marketing, Sales and Consumer Affairs at SKYDAN™ Equity Partners, where he oversees client engagement, marketing strategy, and homeowner relations. With more than three decades of experience in real estate and customer service, Brandon has spent his career helping individuals and families navigate important financial and housing decisions.
Since becoming a licensed real estate broker in 1991, Brandon has built a reputation for guiding clients through complex transactions with clarity, transparency, and personal attention. His extensive experience working directly with homeowners allows him to understand the unique challenges many families face when seeking alternative financial solutions.
In addition to his professional work, Brandon has served on numerous community and business boards, including real estate, nonprofit, and church organizations. At SKYDAN, he focuses on ensuring that homeowners receive clear guidance and a supportive experience throughout the transaction process.
John Sommese
Senior Vice President, Business Development
John Sommese serves as Senior Vice President of Business Development at SKYDAN™ Equity Partners, where he focuses on expanding the company’s referral network and developing relationships with real estate professionals, lenders, and strategic partners. With more than three decades of experience in residential and commercial real estate, John brings deep industry knowledge and a strong understanding of the housing and mortgage markets.
Since entering the real estate industry in 1991 as both a mortgage professional and real estate broker, John has helped guide homeowners and buyers through complex real estate and financing transactions. His experience across both the mortgage and brokerage sides of the industry provides valuable insight into the challenges many homeowners face when seeking traditional financing.
At SKYDAN, John works closely with referral partners and industry professionals to introduce alternative homeowner equity solutions to clients who may not qualify for conventional lending options.
Testimonials
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An Alternative to Traditional Financing
SKYDAN Equity Partners offers a residential sale-leaseback for qualified homeowners who want to access a portion of the value built in their home while continuing to live in the property.
The property is sold to SKYDAN, and the former homeowner continues living in the property under a lease agreement. Qualification is based on the property, available equity, program requirements, and applicable eligibility criteria.
SKYDAN is a real estate investment firm that purchases qualifying residential properties.