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What does it cost to
buy or sell a home?
A clear look at the expenses to plan for in La Crosse, Onalaska, Holmen, West Salem, and the surrounding Wisconsin communities.
Buying a home? Here’s what to plan for.
Your down payment is one part of the picture. These are the other costs we’ll work through before you get to closing.
- Down payment
- The portion of the purchase price you pay upfront. The amount depends on your loan program and financing.
- Loan & appraisal fees
- Lender origination and processing charges, the appraisal, and any discount points you choose. Your lender will outline these costs.
- Inspections & testing
- The home inspection and any additional testing you choose, such as radon or well-water testing. These are often paid before closing.
- Title & closing fees
- Your share of title insurance, settlement, closing, and document fees under your purchase agreement and loan requirements.
- State, county & local fees
- Applicable recording and government charges allocated to you. Who pays each charge depends on the transaction and agreement.
- Prepaid expenses & escrow
- Homeowners insurance, prepaid interest, and deposits for property taxes and insurance that your lender may require.
- Agent compensation
- Any buyer-agent compensation you owe under your signed agreement after contributions from the seller or another broker. Compensation is negotiable.
- Broker transaction fee
- A separate brokerage or administrative fee, if your agreement requires it. Ask for the amount upfront so it is included in your budget.
- Other property or loan costs
- HOA or condo charges, surveys, or loan-specific fees may apply. Your lender and closing company can confirm what applies to your home.
When will I know my actual costs?
Your lender, brokerage, and title company provide the fees that apply to your purchase. We’ll review your agreements and estimates together so you understand what is due before closing and what is paid at closing.
Can the seller contribute toward my costs?
You can request a seller contribution in your offer. Any contribution must be agreed to, and your loan program may limit the amount and how it can be used.
Selling your home? Know what you may take home.
The sale price and your final proceeds are different numbers. Here are the items that may be deducted at closing.
- Realtor compensation
- The negotiated listing fee and any buyer-agent compensation you agree to pay. Sellers commonly budget for these costs, but compensation is negotiable and governed by your agreements.
- Broker transaction fee
- A separate brokerage or administrative fee, if charged under your listing agreement. The amount should be disclosed upfront.
- Title & closing fees
- Your share of title insurance, settlement, closing, document preparation, and other title-company charges under your agreement.
- Wisconsin transfer fee
- A state real estate transfer fee generally paid by the seller on taxable conveyances. Exemptions may apply; the closing company will confirm.
- County & local charges
- Applicable recording, municipal, special-assessment, or other government charges assigned to you at closing. These vary by property and transaction.
- Prorated property taxes
- The property-tax adjustment allocated to you under the purchase agreement. The closing statement shows how the proration is calculated.
- Repairs & buyer credits
- Repairs, closing-cost contributions, or other credits you agree to during negotiations. These are specific to your transaction.
- Mortgage & lien payoffs
- Outstanding mortgages and other liens paid from the sale proceeds. These reduce your take-home amount and are separate from service fees.
- Other property costs
- HOA or condo transfer charges, unpaid dues, assessments, or other property-specific items may also affect your proceeds.
Are Realtor fees a fixed percentage?
No. Agent compensation is negotiable. Your listing agreement identifies the compensation and any separate brokerage fees you agree to pay.
When will I know my final proceeds?
A net sheet is an estimate. Your title company’s closing statement provides the final figures, including confirmed payoffs, tax prorations, and any agreed credits.
Fees and who pays them depend on your agreements, financing, and property. Agent compensation is negotiable. This guide covers Wisconsin transactions; Minnesota requirements may differ.
Questions about your numbers?
Tell me what you’re planning. I’ll help you understand the costs and your next step.
ASK MATT →