Jason Neuhaus - Coldwell Banker Realty

Why did Sears stop selling homes in 1942?

These home kits were wildly popular in the early 1900s. When Sears released its “Sears Modern Homes” catalog line, it was complete with 40 ready-to-build homes. Eventually, it was expanded into over 400 different designs and layouts, with the option to add on plumbing and electrical for an additional cost. (For cities without municipal water systems, you could add on an outhouse for just $23!)

The prices ranged from around $650 to around $6,500 for the complete kit, which included pre-cut lumber. They advertised that you could build your own home in 90 days.

Most of the history of these homes was lost due to the destruction of sales records during the move to Sears Tower in the 1970s. However, it is estimated that they sold between 70,000 and 100,000 homes between 1908 and 1940. It is hard to say how many homes are still standing today. At least 5,000 of them have been identified, but most are still undiscovered. Experts believe around 70% of them are still standing.

The phrase “they sure don’t build them like they used to” is a direct reference to Sears homes. (Okay, that part might not be a fact, but it feels true.)

In 1911, Sears opened their own mortgage company in an effort to make the process streamlined for its customers. But this was likely their downfall.

The company faced a public relations disaster when the Great Depression hit. They ended up having to foreclose on many of their own customers’ homes. The final nail in the coffin was the lumber shortage in the early 1940s, due to the preparations for WW2.

They halted residential construction from fulfillment issues and had to refund deposits on homes that were made. They discontinued the catalog in 1940 and completely closed their sales offices in 1942.

Check out the photos of some of the most popular models that were sold.

If Sears made a comeback and released their Sears Home Kit catalog today, would you buy one?

- Jason

P.S. I included a photo of their school house kit at the end. It was only offered for one year in the catalog and it is unknown whether one was ever purchased.

Wow! 1,263,847.

This is how many times people saw my social media last year. As far as I know, I am the only agent in Pierce and St. Croix Counties who does this kind of marketing.

Many of the ads I run on social media aren’t even about me—they promote my listings or help me find homes for my buyers.

The truth is, I get my sellers more exposure on their listings than any other agent and frankly, unless I promoted their house on I-94, a billboard would not even get that kind of reach around here.

So, I tell you that my ads were seen 1,263,000 times last year not to brag, but to be real with you that using an agent with an exclusive marketing strategy will help get more exposure to your property than any other agent in the St. Croix Valley area. And it’s important to me that you know that.

- Jason

How old were you when you bought your first house?

Enjoy lakeside bliss and versatile living options in this exceptional property!
- 3 bedrooms / 2 baths
- Custom-built home w/ plenty of upgrades
- Kitchen w/ ample storage
- Deck w/ lake views
- Sunroom w/ gas line
- Family room & covered patio
- Guest home w/ living space, 1 bedroom, full kitchen, & 3/4 bath

This home is located at 751 112th St here in Warren Twp.

If you have any questions or would like to schedule a tour, call or text me.
My personal cell is (715) 307-5235

- Jason

Here’s the truth about Zillow…

It is a great tool to use if you are looking for rough estimates. However, I wouldn’t base any of your major financial decisions on the numbers they provide you.

The fact of the matter is, Zillow’s home estimates in the United States are off by 20% or more 20% of the time. If you have a home worth somewhere in the $300,000 range, their price estimate could be off by $60,000 or more in either direction. Getting those numbers right is crucial when assessing the possibility of selling your home.

If you are on the fence about selling your home in Pierce & St. Croix County, give me a call: (715) 307-5235. I will give you a call personally and make sure that you get the information you need to make the right choice for you and your family.

At the end of the day, major financial decisions shouldn’t be left to algorithms.

-Jason

"Some thoughts on the 4th of July"

It's not about the burgers
It's not about the beach
Today's about the lessons they won't learn if we don't teach.

That freedom's always fragile
It's not in our DNA
We have to learn to love it so they grow up to do the same.

It's more than just a day off
Spent with family and your friends
The Fourth's about what it means to be an American.

So remember they're always watching
What you do, not what you say
Live a life that's worthy of this sacred holiday. 🇺🇸

Do you actually know anyone who’s lived in their house for 30 years?

I was really, really craving Mei Mei's Cookies & Creamery today. There’s a storefront here in River Falls. But I didn't want to buy any unless I could write it off as a tax deductible business expense. So with that in mind, I want to remind you that I'm here to make sure your real estate transaction doesn't.... “get creamed.”

That's right folks, these cookies are metaphors.

Therefore, tax deductible.

Follow me on Facebook for more business advice.

- Jason

Check out this custom-built home in the desirable Willow Ridge neighborhood! The home was built in 2017, with the basement and sunroom added in 2022. 🏡
- 4 beds & 3 baths
- 3-car garage
- Kitchen with lots of storage
- Living room with fireplace
- Four-season porch
- Basement living area with fireplace
- And more!

This home is located at 920 Willow Ridge Road here in Hudson.📍

If you have any questions or would like to schedule a tour, call or text me.
My personal cell is (715) 307-5235

- Jason

Life update

I decided to bake a cake made of 100% icing. In the background you can see five full canisters of Betty Crocker icing, and I’m still only halfway done filling the cake pan! Don’t tell my dentist.

Obviously, this was a very bad idea. But I see people do this all the time when buying a house.

The real estate equivalent is buying (or staying in) a house only because it “has a great interest rate.” The property is the cake, the mortgage rate is just the icing on the cake.

If you love the neighborhood, the floor plan and the school district—don’t let the interest rate stop you from buying your dream house in your dream neighborhood. Hopefully you can refi later if rates come down!

Likewise, you shouldn’t automatically STAY in a house that doesn’t work for you anymore, just because you locked in a low interest rate.

Life changes happen! Kids eventually move out and we need to downsize.

Sometimes the opposite happens and you need a bigger house because your family is growing. Sometimes you need to move across town (or to a different town entirely) because of a job change. It is what it is. Everyone’s situation is different.

I guess what I’m saying is that the interest rate (and thus monthly payment) should be PART OF your decision making, but it shouldn’t be the only variable.

Don’t put the icing before the cake! 🎂

Here's my personal cell if you have questions about buying (or selling) a home here in the Pierce & St. Croix County area: (715) 307-5235.

- Jason

I don't celebrate Memorial Day. Here's why: It's not a day for celebration, it's a day to honor everyone who traded their tomorrows for my today. It's a day for me to honor those who made the ultimate sacrifice. This is specifically different than Veterans Day or Independence Day. So, here are three ways to observe Memorial Day if you live in the River Falls area:

- Attend the River Falls Memorial Day Service on Monday, May 27, at Greenwood Cemetery.
- Watch movies that honor their heroism, like Saving Private Ryan or Devotion.
- Finally, enjoy dinner together with your family. Because some gave everything for us to have this privilege.

Memorial Day is the ultimate reminder of what “boots on the ground” really means. To those heroes, Thank You.

- Jason

I have some clients looking to sell their Branson, Missouri condo on the golf course and move to be closer to family. If you know of anyone looking for a getaway or air-bnb, would you please share? Thanks!

351 S Wildwood Dr, Branson, MO 65616 - For Sale Listed for sale at $229000. Step right out from your back patio and enjoy the view of the prestigious championship 18-hole golf course. This communi...

This truly elegant and beautiful home is ready for you!
- 3 bedrooms/3 baths
- 3,052 sqft
- Open living space
- Hardwood floors on the main level
- Kitchen w/ a large island and ample counter space
- Enjoy the outdoors on the patio and rear porch
- Spacious lower level perfect for entertaining or working
- And much more

This home is located at 2288 Greenwood Valley Drive here in River Falls.

Currently priced at $500,000.

If you have any questions or would like to schedule a tour, call or text me.
My personal cell is (715) 307-5235.

- Jason

Stop! Do not pass go! I recently learned that no one plays the game of Monopoly correctly.

Hasbro released a statistic that 68% of players have never actually sat down and read the rules of Monopoly. Never mind the people who read the rules and just disregard them anyway.

Most people when they play, believe a player can only buy a property if they land on an unowned square on the board.

The official rules state that if a player lands on an unowned property, and they do not want to purchase it, the banker is to put it up for auction to the highest bidder. Anyone who is playing can bid on the property, including the player who declined the property in the first place. Bidding can start at any price.

Knowing this, I decided to sit down with my family and play the game by the official rules. What a game-changer! (Literally.)

At the end of the day though, Monopoly is a game of chance, strategy, and of course, real estate. It's no wonder I always win!

But unlike Monopoly, in the real housing market, there are always new rules, regulations, and loan programs.

Having a knowledgeable agent and lender in your corner can make a huge difference in the negotiation process, and thus a huge difference in what you can afford.

Don’t leave a huge financial decision like buying or selling a home to chance or a roll of the dice.

If you are ready to buy or sell here in the Saint Croix Valley, give me a call! I will be happy to connect you with my colleague Lisa Ziebarth - NMLS 479262 -Bay Equity Home Loans (651) 235-3128. She is an amazing human and an extremely experienced lender here in the area!

- Jason

(715) 307-5235

P.S. Knowing the official Monopoly rules, will you change how you play? Or will you keep playing how you always have?

Hey River Falls, I bought this ad space to shout out from the rooftops how amazing my wife is this Mother's Day. She has no idea this post exists...yet.

I see how hard she works for our family, and her students (she is a middle school special education teacher), and she has to be the hardest-working person I have ever met. She puts it all on the line, every single day. And she plays hard too! Last summer we completed the 4 parks in a day at Disney World, and 30,000 steps later she kept us going!

If you've worked with my wife, or know her personally, enjoyed her amazing smile, love for people (and hippos!), I'd love to have you fill the comments section with your experience with her. Even if you don't know Hallie, please help me in wishing a Happy Mother's Day! I love you, and thanks for all you do for our family!

- Jason

Hallie and I rarely get a night out where it’s just the two of us. So, when it does happen, we typically like to grab dinner outside of the house and skip the hassle of cooking and cleaning up the kitchen. 🙂

One of these rare date nights presented itself the other week and we decided to check out Shady Grove Restaurant, a supper club located just south of Beldenville on Hwy 65. We HIGHLY recommend everyone to check this place out!

As for food, honestly, everything was amazing. The starter salads came with homemade dressing and pickled beets that were delish. The dinner rolls were hot and tasty, and clearly fresh. For our main courses, I went with the prime rib and au gratin potatoes that came with a homemade horseradish sauce while Hallie enjoyed the broiled walleye and hashbrowns – both of us loved our meal!

Not to mention the service was exceptional. Being they are only open Thursday - Sunday evenings, it was busy. Yet, our server never missed a beat. Our diet cokes never came close to being empty and just overall, the entire staff was so attentive and kind.

If you do decide to check them out, I’d say a reservation is a good idea. And come summertime when the weather gets even nicer, there’s outdoor seating. I’m sure the two of us will spend another date night there in the future, hopefully! 😉

Check this place out or if you already have, let’s hear what you thought of it below!

- Jason

Are you thinking about selling your home in 2024?

My listing tours get as many as 18.9k views. For perspective, the entire population of River Falls is 17,000 people. So how do I do it?

Well, I can’t give away trade secrets. But, I can tell you that I have an exclusive marketing program here in the St. Croix Valley. I make sure you get the best price for your home by investing more in marketing than most Realtors in the entire United States do.

If you're thinking of selling your home, my cell is (715) 307-5235.
Let's talk.

- Jason

NEW LISTING!

Priced under $500,000

- 3 bedrooms/3 baths
- Attached 3-car garage
- Living room w/ gas fireplace
- Kitchen w/ updated countertops, backsplash, & maple cabinets
- Sunroom
- Spacious deck
- Large family room downstairs
- Utility room w/ washer, dryer, & sink
- Expansive shed w/ tons of potential

This home is located at 1498 92nd St here in New Richmond.

Currently priced at $495,000.

If you have any questions or would like to schedule a tour, call or text me.

My personal cell is (715) 307-5235.

- Jason

15,000
That’s how many pillows are needed. And with only a few days left, I’m doing everything I can to help Bridging MN reach this goal!

Since 1987, Bridging has been serving our community. One specific way they do so is by providing a clean, new pillow to every family that comes to them.

Over the years, I’ve donated over 100 pillows, because I too think every person deserves to have one to lay their head on at the end of the day.

So, if you can, check out below the different ways you can make a positive impact on our community -- just by simply donating a pillow. 😊

- Jason

In 2019 they told you to wait because prices were too high & would start dropping soon. But the prices kept climbing.

In June of 2022, they told you to wait because interest rates were too high & they were bound to come down. But interest rates kept going up.

The truth is, I've seen so many folks lose out on homes they really loved or needed NOT because of prices...or even interest rates.

But because they waited.

It's true, we've been in a crazy, sometimes unpredictable market for the last few years. For most of us Realtors, it's the craziest one we've seen in nearly two decades.

But a 4-year period is a very small window of time when you're thinking about a 30-year mortgage.

There are only two things that REALLY matter when you're buying a home:

1) If you can you make the payment

2) If it's a house you want in a neighborhood you like

Make those two things your focus & you'll be fine.

Give me a call if you have any questions. I'm happy to help. (715) 307-5235

- Jason

P.S. This post was inspired by waiting in the skyway waiting for the Lion King broadway show. At least long lines give you lots of time to think.

It was a great year for Coldwell Banker Realty-Hudson office! We took the market share for total volume in River Falls! We were also the top in many other areas in the Pierce and Saint Croix metro areas. Listing several of homes in my neighborhood helped. ;)

Don’t be shocked when Larry, the robot, brings out your order when you visit Tsuta Ramen (located in Hudson back by the Hallmark and Hudson Bowling Center)! We went there the other day to celebrate Heathley’s new job and loved the experience – excellent food and service!

For food, Heathley ordered the Beef Donburi – great flavor and just the right amount of beef with rice. I tried a house special with shrimp, chicken, and beef that was fantastic. As for drinks, Heathley went with a mango milk tea and loved it, while I didn’t get too adventurous and stuck with a diet coke. 😂 And we split a tiramisu for dessert that was 10/10!

Overall, a great local spot that we’ll be visiting again. If you’ve been, let’s hear your thoughts below!

- Jason

Rewind to 15 years ago and you would have found me applying for a job at Inver Hills Community College. After several interviews, I eventually earned the role of Associate Director of Student Life, which was under a department I had never worked in. Luckily, I had the privilege of being supervised by Brent Glass (who has since been promoted to one of the top roles in the Minnesota State Colleges and Universities System!).

In the time we worked together, Brent taught me so much – he truly was a mentor to me.

So, when he asked if I could list his Prescott home, I was more than happy to pay him back!

He and his wife Jen did an outstanding job of getting their home ready for showings. It allowed us to get multiple offers, with the terms they were looking for, in the first week it was on the market!

Brent and Jen, congratulations on your new home and family adventures! It was an honor to help your family!

- Jason