How commission works | Commission calculator | Best ways to save | Methodology
📊 The data:
We surveyed local agents and found that the average real estate commission in Wisconsin is 5.15%, which is less than the national average of 5.49%.
The average total real estate agent commission rate in Wisconsin is 5.15% of the final sale price. Based on the latest median home sale price in Wisconsin ($286,787), that translates to a total cost of roughly $14,770.
Home sellers typically cover the total commission fee from their sale proceeds, which is split between the listing and buyer’s agents who handle the sale. In Wisconsin, the average listing agent fee is 2.66%, while the average buyer’s agent fee is 2.49%.
Real estate agent commissions make up a significant portion of the closing costs for Wisconsin home sellers. But you don't have to pay the full 5.15% to a traditional agent. If you're selling a home in Wisconsin, you can use a discount broker to save on realtor fees. In fact, depending on your situation and the agents you work with, you could save 31% on realtor fees, or about $4,629 on average.
⚡ Find top agents and save: Answer these five simple questions to get matched with the best local agents offering reduced commission rates. Compare agents from top brokerages like Keller Williams and RE/MAX, and get a discounted rate through Clever’s partner network.
How real estate commission works in Wisconsin
| Average listing commission | 2.66% |
| Average buyer's agent commission | 2.49% |
| Total average commission | 5.15% |
There are usually two real estate agents involved in the real estate transactions of a home sale:
- The seller's agent (also called the listing agent), who represents the home seller
- The buyer's agent, who represents the person buying the home
Based on our research, the average real estate commission paid in Wisconsin for listing agents is 2.66% of the final home price and 2.49% for buyer's agents, for a total of 5.15%.
» LEARN: How do real estate broker commissions work?
Real estate commission calculator for Wisconsin
Use this commission calculator to estimate how much you'll pay in realtor fees when you sell your home in Wisconsin. Enter an estimate of your home's sale price, and see how much you'll pay at different commission rates.
Who pays realtor fees in Wisconsin?
When selling a home in Wisconsin, the sales commissions for both the listing agent and buyer's agent get subtracted from the final sale price. The seller does not pay these fees upfront.
The listing agent earns their share through services like market analysis and handling closing paperwork. The buyer's agent makes their commission by bringing a qualified buyer who meets the purchase terms and closes on time.
The seller does not pay these commissions out of pocket. Like closing costs, the agents' fees come out of the sale proceeds once the deal closes.
If you want to reduce your realtor fees, Clever can connect you with a top local listing agent charging just 1.5% commission. This will let you keep more of the sale proceeds for yourself.
» SAVE: Sell with Clever for 1.5% listing fees and save thousands in commission!
Why do sellers pay the buyer's real estate agent commission?
Offering to cover the buyer's agent commission can attract more potential buyers to your listing.
Paying this fee makes your home more appealing to buyers since they avoid this extra cost in addition to the down payment and closing costs - a financial strain for many.
When you offer a competitive buyer's agent commission, real estate agents get more motivated to show your property to their buyer clients. This can increase your chances of drawing multiple offers. Experts recommend advertising a commission within 0.5% of the local average, which is 2.49% in Wisconsin.
Will the NAR lawsuit change how real estate commission works?
A November 2023 lawsuit found the National Association of Realtors (NAR), Homeservices of America, and Keller Williams Realty guilty of misleading sellers into paying high realtor fees.
The judge agreed with the plaintiffs that sellers should not be on the hook for the buyer's agent commission. It's too early to tell if this decision will change how buyer's agents are paid. We're monitoring the appeal in this case as well as other lawsuits and will keep you updated.
» READ MORE:
How to save on realtor fees in Wisconsin
Commission rates are not set in stone. In fact, we found that while 2.66% is the average in Wisconsin, rates typically fall between 3.00% and 7.00%. You can save money by negotiating a lower rate with your listing agent or by working with a discount real estate brokerage.
| Listing commission range | 1.00%– 4.00% |
| Buyer's agent commission | 2.00%– 3.00% |
| Total commission range | 3.00%– 7.00% |
Can I negotiate realtor commission in Wisconsin?
Real estate commission is always negotiable. Nationwide, the 16 agents we surveyed said these were their most common reasons for agreeing to lower their commission.
| Would you lower your commission for…? | Agents who answered yes |
|---|---|
| Homeowners with more than one property to sell | 63% |
| Homeowners who also plan to buy with you | 56% |
| Homeowners who are repeat clients | 44% |
| Seller’s situation (e.g. divorce or death in the family) | 44% |
| Higher property values | 44% |
| High competition for clients | 44% |
| Homes expected to sell quickly | 44% |
| Periods of low housing inventory | 31% |
| High buyer demand in the area | 25% |
| Houses in excellent condition | 25% |
| Highly experienced home sellers | 19% |
Negotiating realtor fees in Wisconsin depends on two main factors: your situation and the housing market.
| Factor | You may have an easier time negotiating low rates if... |
|---|---|
| Your situation |
|
| The Wisconsin housing market |
|
While your personal situation is unique, real estate conditions across Wisconsin affect all local sellers.
In a seller's market with low inventory, listing agents' jobs get easier so they may readily reduce commissions. The opposite often holds true in a buyer's market.
Not comfortable negotiating with a realtor? Avoid the awkward conversation and let Clever pre-negotiate a lower rate with a top agent for you.
To evaluate your market, look at:
- Months of inventory
- Sale to list price ratio
- Home value trends
If Wisconsin shows signs of a seller's market, you may readily negotiate a lower commission. But in a buyer's or balanced market, getting an agent to accept a cheaper rate may prove harder.
The current state of the Wisconsin real estate market
| Factor | Trends | Indication |
|---|---|---|
| Months of inventory | There's 1.29 months of housing inventory on the market | Seller's market |
| Sale-to-list ratio | Homes are selling for 99.20% of their listing price | Seller's market |
| Home values | Home values have risen 13.04% year over year | Seller's market |
Low commission real estate companies in Wisconsin
Negotiating a lower rate with a professional negotiator can be hard! In many cases, home sellers can save just as much (or more!) by selling with a low commission real estate company.
Discount real estate brokers typically offer full-service support for a reduced commission percentage or flat rate. How they create those discounts will depend on the company's model, with some creating more risks and trade-offs than others.
Listing Fee
Customer Rating
Availability
Overview
Pricing
Reviews
Contact
Overview: If you're a homeowner in Wisconsin aiming to reduce agent commission fees without sacrificing quality, Clever is an excellent choice.
✅ Benefits and features: Clever slashes commission costs significantly, by as much as 50%, compared to traditional agents. Plus, its no-cost, obligation-free agent matching service is nothing short of commendable.
🏠 How it works: Clever serves as a bridge to elite local realtors from well-known brokers including RE/MAX and Compass, enabling you to weigh various options and discover the ideal match, all the while ensuring access to a low, fixed 1.5% listing fee, comparable to what Redfin offers.
Pros
- Work with an experienced agent from a respected brokerage rather than a discount agent
- Agents are willing to work with a 1.5% listing fee when you choose Clever
- Access 140+ top-tier real estate agents in Wisconsin
Cons
- No assurance that you'll be able to work with your preferred agent or brokerage
- Additional services such as professional staging, drone photos, and 3D tours may have an additional cost (agents will provide a breakdown of the inclusions during their listing presentation)
Fee structure
- 1.5% listing fee ($3,000 minimum) at closing
- 2–3% buyer’s agent commission at closing
| Weighted avg. | 5.0 | 2,627 |
| Trustpilot | 5.0 | 2,402 |
| 4.8 | 225 |
Website: semya-moya.ru
Phone: 1-833-225-3837
Hours: 8 a.m.–8 p.m. EST, 7 days a week
Address: 6358 Delmar Blvd, Suite 300, Saint Louis, MO 63130
Listing Fee
Customer Rating
Availability
Overview
Pricing
Reviews
Contact
Overview: For sellers in Wisconsin looking to optimize their savings, Redfin stands out as a viable contender. Yet, one must be mindful of its higher minimum fees in the region compared to other brokers.
✅ Benefits and features: Featuring a competitive 1.5% listing charge, Redfin positions you to retain a more substantial portion of your selling proceeds. Moreover, should you decide to both purchase and sell within a single year through Redfin, they sweeten the deal with an additional 0.5% discount off the listing commission.
🚩 Potential red flags: Redfin distinguishes itself with a tech-centric and collaborative strategy, an approach that may not align with the service model some prefer. Primary interactions take place through a Lead Agent in conjunction with a support team mostly operating online. Also, Redfin has a minimum commission fee of $3,500 in Wisconsin. If your home's value is $233,000 or less, you may end up paying more than the advertised 1.5% rate.
Pros
- Significant savings on listing fees
- Well-established brand with a broad network of agents
- The team-based and remote approach can be advantageous for certain sellers
Cons
- May not be the best choice for those seeking a personalized agent experience
- Agent selection may be more limited when compared to Clever
Fee structure
- 1.5% listing fee ($3,500 min. in Wisconsin) at closing
- 2–3% buyer’s agent commission at closing
- 0.5% listing fee refund if you also buy with Redfin within 12 months
*Not enough available data at this time
Website: redfin.com
Phone: 1-844-759-7732
Hours: 8 a.m.–5 p.m. CST, 7 days a week
Address: 790 N Milwaukee St, Suite 322, Milwaukee, WI 53202
Areas served: Appleton, Green Bay, Janesville, Kenosha, Madison, Milwaukee, Oshkosh, Racine, Waukesha, and more
Listing Fee
Customer Rating
Availability
Overview
Pricing
Reviews
Contact
Overview: Sellers in Wisconsin who seek a balance between affordability and high-quality service may find Best Choice Flat Fee to be a viable contender. However, it's crucial to thoroughly assess agents to ensure they have the expertise you need.
✅ Benefits and features: Offering an economical flat fee model alongside traditional full-service options, Best Choice Flat Fee caters to sellers who prioritize cost savings without forgoing the comprehensive support a full-service realtor provides.
🚩 Potential red flags: Operating through a network of independently run discount real estate brokerages across the nation, the consistency of Best Choice Flat Fee's service can differ from one franchise to another. A stellar experience with one branch may not be indicative of the service quality found at all offices.
Pros
- Flexible pricing options
- Multiple service tiers available, including full-service
Cons
- Additional charges for photography, yard signs, and lockboxes for some service packages
- Flat fee plans charge upfront, nonrefundable fees
- Service quality may differ across locations
Fee structure
- Silver Plan
- $299 upfront, nonrefundable fee
- 0% at closing
- Gold Plan
- $599 upfront, nonrefundable fee
- 0% at closing
- Platinum Plan
- No upfront fee
- 1% at closing
- You choose buyer’s agent commission at closing
- Learn more about pricing plans
*Not enough data available at this time
Website: bestchoiceflatfee.com
Phone: 414-446-3350
Address: 1345 N Jefferson, Milwaukee, WI 53202
» LEARN: How do discount real estate brokers offer lower fees?
Next steps
Thinking of selling your home but don't know where to start? Here are some next steps.
Start interviewing local agents
Set up some listing appointments, where an agent visits your home to discuss its estimated value, lay out their marketing strategy, and provide a quote for their fee.
Here's why it's smart to sit down with a few agents before signing with one:
It's completely free to meet with agents: There's no obligation or risk on your end. Just keep in mind that the agent is meeting with you to win your business, and will try to sell you on their service.
You can compare pricing and features: Shopping around helps you find the best fit for your specific needs – in terms of fees, experience, and services provided.
Learn more about your market from an expert: Realtors can provide local data, like how much nearby homes are selling for, how fast they sell, and other current market trends.
Learn about the home sales process: An agent can walk you through the sales process from start to finish, and provide tailored advice for marketing your property to home buyers.
To get started, check out our guide on the best ways to find real estate agents — or you can sign up for Clever’s free agent matching service below to connect with top realtors in your area right now (and save on commission).
Clever has pre-negotiated low commission rates of only 1.5%, with Wisconsin's top agents. Contact Clever today to find out how much you can save on commission!
Clever can connect you with top local agents sell your house for a pre-negotiated low rate: just a 1.5% listing fee when your home sells (half the typical rate!).
You can interview your Clever agent matches, get free pricing estimates, and compare marketing plans — all with no strings attached.
Ready to learn more? Click below to take our simple quiz and see your agent matches!
Methodology
We gathered our commission rate data from a survey of 623 of our partner agents. The survey asked about standard local rates for both listing and buying agents. We also asked agents about when and why they're willing to negotiate real estate commissions.
Additionally, we utilized the following data from Zillow and Realtor.com:
- Home values, list prices, and sale prices: Based on Zillow data as of August 2023
- Sale prices and sale-to-list ratios: Based on Redfin data as of February 2023 (unless specified otherwise)
- Months of inventory: Based on Realtor.com data as of February 2023
