Why choose Visions First Realty? Northern Wisconsin is where we live, we know this market, and we answer the phone. From your first question to closing day and beyond, you get a REALTOR® who shows up.

Why Northern Wisconsin Buyers Choose Visions First Realty

Five things that set Visions First Realty apart.

We Know Northern Wisconsin

Ashland, Bayfield, and Douglas Counties: we don’t just sell here, we live here. That’s local knowledge no out-of-state portal can replicate.

We Negotiate For You

From offer strategy to inspection negotiations, our experience protects your investment and keeps the deal moving forward on your terms.

We Find Solutions

Government shutdown? Lender fell through? We’ve navigated it. When obstacles appear, Visions First Realty works to find a way to get you to closing.

No Pressure. Your Timeline.

Ready now or just starting to look? We meet you where you are. No rush, no pressure, just real answers to real questions whenever you need them.

We’re There After Closing Too

The relationship doesn’t end at the closing table. Our clients call us after the sale, and we pick up. That’s the kind of REALTOR® we are.

“We don’t sell houses. We let houses sell themselves.”
Rick Gruebele, Owner / Broker

What Our Clients Say

“Rick Gruebele puts partnership ahead of profit. I had more than a little trepidation at the prospect of finding a reputable realtor from 350 miles away. I found Rick through the Iron River Chamber of Commerce. Three realtors called me back within hours of my reaching out, but he was the only one who first asked specifics of what I was looking for in a property, rather than trying to impress me with his skills and abilities.

I believe Rick’s experience, efficiency and intuition accelerated the search/purchase process which, from first visit to closing took 2 weeks and 1 day. He was always timely (minutes to a few hours) responding to phone, email, and texts. He is well-connected with area businesses and helped me locate everything from restaurants to builders and surveyors. He is genuinely friendly, likes people, and treated me like a good neighbor. His honesty and integrity steered me away from potential pitfalls. There was never a doubt about trust or that the customer came first. We worked well together.

The result is a speedy acquisition of exactly the property I hoped to find. Rick made my vision a reality. Heartfelt thanks, Rick. Job well done!”

Claudeen McAulife

  Land Purchase, Iron River, WI  |  Google Review

“Rick Grueble was our Broker for the land we purchased just recently in the same location he and his family live in.

Rick was extremely knowledgement, incredibly, friendly, helpful, open, transparent, and reliable through the whole process, his interactions with us demonstrated how he deeply cares about his client relationships. He listened and understood our needs from the very first conference call we had as we’re out of state purchasng land in Ashland WI- our second purchase for our commerical/work live construction project. Rick is our go-to guy!

Rick is always available to answer our questions and kept in touch with us throughout the entire transaction.

We get to appreciate the hospitality and kindredship both Rick and his wife continue to extend to us.”

Dmae Shannon

  Land Purchase, Ashland, WI  |  Google Review

“I had a fantastic experience working with Rick. He was so patient and thoughtful through every step and even after when I needed help with things at my new house. Rick is incredibly knowledgeable about the areas he works in. I feel like he makes it his business to know the town and businesses that can support you in the town he shows you. If you are looking for a house in the north woods I would definitely recommend Rick Gruebele with Visions First Realty.”

Gwendolynn Smith Patterson

  Home Purchase  |  Google Review

“Heidi Hicks was my agent for a recent purchase of a cottage on Lake Superior. Heidi was absolutely terrific at every stage of the process. She was thorough, knowledgeable, efficient --and very friendly and supportive. I cannot recommend her more highly! Heidi’s professionalism was in evidence all times. Really wonderful!!
I also greatly recommend Visions First Realty --a first-class realty company! Easy to work with & very helpful. Visions First Realty knows what they are doing!!”

Kevin Kelly

  Lake Superior Cottage Purchase  |  Google Review

Read all client reviews →

From First Home to Forever Property

First-time buyer or seasoned investor, Visions First Realty has the knowledge and dedication to guide you home.

First Time Buyers

We have the REALTORS®, and the patience, to make your first purchase the right one. Start with our first-time buyer guide. Need a lender? See our trusted local professionals.

Waterfront & Lakefront

Lake Superior, inland lakes, and river frontage: we know Northern Wisconsin waterfront from the shoreline to the closing table.

Residential & Land

Single family homes, cabins, acreage, and hunting land. Northern Wisconsin has it all, and we’ll help you find it.

Out-of-State Buyers

350 miles away? No problem. We’ve done it. Remote search, virtual tours, and local knowledge you can trust.

Ready to Find Your Northern Wisconsin Property?

No pressure. No sales pitch. Just real Northern Wisconsin real estate from people who answer the phone.

(715) 812-1135 Prefer to reach out online? Contact us here →
Meet Our REALTORS® →

Explore More: Ashland County Real Estate  |  Bayfield County Real Estate  |  Waterfront Homes  |  First Time Buyers  |  Sell Your Property