Seller Closing Cost Calculator for Wisconsin (2022 Data)
Jump to section: Wisconsin seller closing cost calculator | Wisconsin closing cost breakdown | How to save on Wisconsin seller closing costs | FAQ
Our Wisconsin closing cost calculator can help you estimate the net proceeds from selling your home. Expenses and actual proceeds vary depending on market factors, sales price, commission rates, and other factors.
💰 Quick Tip: The best way to save on closing costs is to lower your realtor commission rate, which is the biggest closing cost by far. Find your realtor through Clever's free agent matching service, get pre-negotiated low rates, and save up to 50%. Learn more |
Wisconsin seller closing cost calculator
Wisconsin closing cost estimator breakdown
🔍 Closing cost | 💰 Amount |
|---|---|
5.67% ($15,034) | |
$150–$200 | |
$30–$100 | |
$30 | |
0.43% ($1,140) | |
0.30% ($795) | |
$300–$600 | |
varies | |
Amount calculations based on the median home price of $265,155.[1] | |
Realtor commission fees (5.67%)
In Wisconsin, sellers pay an average total commission rate of 5.67% of your home's sale price. This fee is typically split equally between the listing agent and buyer agent. The realtor commission fee is the largest closing cost for sellers.
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» MORE: Paying real estate agent commissions
Deed and transfer preparation ($150–$200)
In Wisconsin, sellers must file an electronic Real Estate Transfer Return (RETR) to transfer the title to the new owner. Sellers typically pay an attorney to prepare the new deed, file the eRETR, and ensure accuracy and compliance with Wisconsin real estate transfer rules and regulations.
Delivery/wire ($30–$100)
Many homeowners still hold a mortgage when selling their homes. In those cases, they must pay off the loans to transfer ownership at closing. When paying via wire or a certified check delivered by courier, delivery or bank wire fees apply.
Recording fees ($30)
Recording fees are paid to the county Register of Deeds when transferring a real estate title to the new owner. The fee is $30 in Wisconsin.
Title insurance (0.43%)
The owner’s title insurance protects the buyer’s financial interests if future title challenges or issues arise. Wisconsin home sellers usually pay the owner’s title insurance for the buyer while the buyer purchases the lender’s title policy. In Wisconsin, the premium amount typically depends on the home's value.
Transfer tax (0.30%)
Wisconsin transfer taxes apply in most home sales over $1,000. State law sets the rate at $0.30 per $100 of the total sales price (0.3%).
Home warranty ($300–$600)
Warranty coverage can reduce buyer concerns when purchasing an older home, acting as an incentive to purchase. This service contract lowers the cost of maintenance and repairs on major home systems and covered appliances. Wisconsin sellers customarily pay for one year of home warranty coverage for their buyers.
Prorated property tax
Wisconsin counties charge property taxes in arrears, with the tax bills usually arriving around mid-December, covering that entire year. Sellers typically cover the prorated tax amount for January 1 of the current year through the closing date.
How to save on Wisconsin seller closing costs
✅ Sell with a low-commission realtor
In addition to closing costs, you should expect to pay an average of 5-6% on realtor fees in Wisconsin.
Realtor commissions are usually the single biggest expense in a real estate transaction. The 5-6% fee covers the cost of both your listing agent and the buyer's agent. According to the 2024 NAR settlement, buyers now negotiate rates separately with their agent. However, they will typically ask you to include their agent fees in the costs of the transaction, so they don't have to bring extra cash out of pocket.
The good news is that you can lower those costs by choosing a low-commission listing agent.
Clever Real Estate can match you with a qualified agent who will help you sell your home for a mere 1.5% commission. You’ll save thousands by lowering your total rate by 1.5–2% of your sales price.
✅ Negotiate closing costs with the buyer
You may be able to reduce your expenses by negotiating some of your closing costs with your buyer. It’s common for buyers to volunteer to pay costs in a hot seller’s market. Speak with your listing agent to determine how receptive the buyer may be when you sell.
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Wisconsin seller closing cost calculator FAQ
Does the seller pay closing costs in Wisconsin?
Yes, the seller pays closing costs in Wisconsin. The average amount is 0.9% of the home sale price plus realtor commissions, averaging 5.67%. Wisconsin buyers pay closing costs, too. But they differ from the traditional seller expenses.
How are property taxes handled at closing in Wisconsin?
Both the seller and buyer pay their portion of the prorated property taxes at closing. Together, the amount should cover the bill for the entire year. The money is placed in escrow. The new owner’s mortgage company will then pay the tax bill when it comes due the following year. The buyer continues paying a monthly prorated property tax included in their mortgage payment to cover each new annual tax bill.
Who pays transfer tax in Wisconsin?
Transfer taxes are usually paid by the seller at closing. However, these fees can be negotiable, like most settlement fees at closing. We recommend working with an experienced real estate agent to help you negotiate closing costs and get the lowest possible fees.