What Is the Cost of Selling a House in Wisconsin?

Seller concessions

Seller concessions can also add to the overall cost of selling a house in Wisconsin. Beyond the direct costs of preparing your home and covering Realtor fees, there may be indirect costs that come about during the transaction. These costs can include seller concessions and buyer incentives.

“The most common concession we’re seeing from sellers in Wisconsin is covering the buyer’s agent commission, typically ranging from 2% to 2.4%. Additionally, if a home has older mechanicals, we often recommend offering a home warranty. This can ease buyers’ concerns during inspection negotiations and help keep the deal on track,” Hupke says.

Though sellers are not obligated to offer concessions, doing so can attract more buyers, help your listing stand out, or even facilitate closing a deal. Here are some examples of seller concessions that could increase your selling costs in Wisconsin:

• Home inspection fees: $296-$424, depending on size.
• Buyer’s home warranty: $350-$900 (more comprehensive plans can cost $1,200-$1,400).
• Repair credits: Seller credits vary and can reduce your net proceeds.

Closing costs and additional fees

Excluding Realtor commissions, your closing costs and additional fees will likely range from 2% to 4% of your home’s selling price. For Wisconsin’s median home price of $320,900, this would be between $6,418 and $12,836.

So, what closing costs do sellers typically incur in Wisconsin? Here are some line items you might find on your final settlement statement:

• Escrow fee
• Title insurance premiums
• Title search fees
• Tax liens or other judgments
• Homeowner’s association dues
• Reconveyance fee and recording fees
• Prorated property taxes
• Mortgage loan payoff amount (U.S. average: approximately $250,000)
• Real estate transfer tax

“One expense that often surprises new sellers in Wisconsin is the title fee. Since it’s the seller’s responsibility to prove the property is free and clear of all liens, the cost of the title search and title insurance falls on them — something many don’t realize upfront,” Hupke says.

At-a-glance home selling cost example for Wisconsin

This at-a-glance chart is based on Wisconsin’s median home price of $320,900. For simplicity, this table does not include a mortgage payoff amount. These figures may serve as a helpful planning tool as you prepare to sell your home.

Selling expense	Example costs*	% of home sale price
Prepping your home for sale	$6,418	2%
Realtor fees (commissions)	$9,627	3% (listing agent only)
Concessions, closing costs, taxes, fees	$9,627	3%
Transfer tax	$962.70	0.30%
Total selling cost example	$26,635.70	8.3%

*General estimates based on Wisconsin’s median home price of $320,900

If you choose to cover the buyer’s agent fee, tack on an estimated 2.5%, or $8,023.

Relocation expenses

One often-overlooked expense is the cost of relocating. Moving expenses can vary based on your destination and whether you choose to hire movers to pack up your belongings. Here’s a general idea of moving costs after selling your home:

• Typical moving cost: $883-$2,568
• Typical out-of-state moving cost: $3,000-$9,500

How can I reduce my seller costs in Wisconsin?

There are various strategies Wisconsin sellers can leverage to lower the cost of selling their home, some more effective than others. Here are some ways to minimize seller costs:

• Handle repairs yourself when possible
• Negotiate a lower commission with your real estate agent
• Use a discount-commission agent or brokerage
• List your home for sale by owner (FSBO)
• Avoid offering seller concessions or buyer incentives
• If you agree to cover closing costs or provide a repair credit, consider raising your home’s purchase price
• Resist the temptation to over-improve or make unnecessary repairs when selling
• Sell your house off-market
• Time your sale using HomeLight’s Best Time to Sell Calculator
• Work with a top-performing agent with a proven sale-to-list ratio

“I completely understand the appeal of a low-fee or discount brokerage. That said, I’d gently remind you that in real estate, just like in most things, you often get what you pay for,” Hupke says. “While cutting commission might seem like a way to save a few dollars upfront, it often comes at the cost of service quality, client outcomes, and ultimately, your long-term outcome.”

While a discount agent or broker may offer lower-cost services, they might also lack the necessary experience and skills to successfully close the sale, potentially costing you more in the long run.

Helpful tools for your next home purchase

As you prepare to purchase your next home, explore these HomeLight tools and our innovative Buy Before You Sell program:

• Home Affordability Calculator
• Down Payment Calculator
• Closing Costs Calculator
• Buy Before You Sell

Partner and plan with a top Wisconsin agent

A smart first step when estimating the cost of selling a home in Wisconsin is getting a home value estimate. From there, you can create a strategy to maximize your profits. HomeLight’s free Agent Match platform can connect you with a top real estate agent in your Wisconsin market who can sell your property above its list price.

Typically, the cost to sell a house in Wisconsin is 6% to 10% or more of your home’s final sale price.

“My best advice to sellers in Wisconsin is to work with a knowledgeable, full-service Realtor — someone who goes far beyond just listing a home. We take on challenges and manage the process from start to finish,” Hupke says.

HomeLight’s Agent Match can connect you with the highest-performing agents in your market who can help you achieve the best possible outcome for your home sale.

Header Image Source: (Alex Simpson / Unsplash)