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Builder Corner: Northern Paradise Homes & Realty

Monday, February 10, 2025

Builder Corner: Northern Paradise Homes & Realty

The Story of Northern Paradise Homes & Realty

Northern Paradise Homes & Realty has been a cornerstone of the custom home industry in Northwest Wisconsin, for the past 20 years. Since its founding in 2003 by Anne Peterson and Rick Harder, the company has grown into a trusted name for those seeking high-quality, personalized home-building services.

From Real Estate to Construction

Anne Peterson’s journey into the building industry began as a real estate broker, an occupation that perfectly complemented her roots in construction. Growing up around construction sites, where her father owned a business, Peterson found her path naturally leading her toward building. When she and her husband, Larry co-founded Northern Paradise Homes & Realty with General Contractor Rick Harder, she managed real estate and administrative tasks, allowing Rick to handle the building side. In time and gained experience, Peterson took on a more hands-on role in the construction, fully embracing the construction side of the business.

Partnering with Amwood for Custom Home Solutions

Originally focused on modular homes, Northern Paradise Homes & Realty shifted its business model to Amwood when clients began requesting custom designs over standard modular options. By collaborating with Amwood, Northern Paradise Homes & Realty could meet customer demands for unique, high-quality designs and improve project timelines. The partnership with Amwood also allowed them to manage winter construction more effectively, especially in northern Wisconsin, where the weather can significantly delay traditional framing. Amwood frames homes in days, saving Northern Paradise Homes & Realty time and resources.

Diverse Business Model

Northern Paradise Homes & Realty has developed a unique and versatile business model. Besides building custom homes, the company also undertakes home renovations and flips properties. With a “flip list” of clients eager to restore or refresh their homes, Northern Paradise Homes & Realty has a steady stream of projects. They focus on contract builds and remodels, especially for vacation properties.

Rick & Bonnie Harder

Marketing and Referrals

While Northern Paradise Homes & Realty has downsized its marketing efforts compared to earlier years, it still maintains a strong presence through its website, social media, job site signs, billboards, and a prominent storefront on the main street of Shell Lake. Referrals remain a primary source of new clients, a testament to the quality and reliability of their work.

The Homes of Northern Paradise Homes & Realty

With home prices ranging from $400,000 to $1 million, Northern Paradise Homes & Realty specializes in custom builds, particularly vacation and retirement homes. The average home sits at around $650,000.

Anne Peterson

A Family Affair

Anne Peterson’s life and career are interwoven with family and a love for Wisconsin’s outdoor lifestyle. Anne’s family and Rick’s family not only live on a lake and have direct access to the ATV & snowmobile trails, they actually use them on a weekly basis. This shared background provides a deep understanding of her clients, particularly those looking to build vacation homes on the lake.

As Northern Paradise Homes & Realty celebrates over twenty years in business, the company reflects on two decades of building dreams and looks forward to many more years of crafting beautiful homes for clients in northern Wisconsin. Whether constructing a vacation retreat or renovating a family home, Northern Paradise Homes & Realty is dedicated to making every project a lasting testament to quality and craftsmanship.

Check out Northern Paradise Homes & Realty’s website to learn more.