R
eal estate agents in Wisconsin typically earn a commission based on the final sale price of a home, regardless of whether they're working for the buyer or seller. Historically, sellers covered commissions for both their agent and the buyer's agent, totaling 5 to 6 percent of the sale price. However, recent changes have led to upfront negotiations between parties deciding who pays what.
As of April 2025, Wisconsin's average real estate commission is 5.71 percent, with the seller's agent taking 3.27 percent and the buyer's agent taking 2.44 percent. Using a median sale price of $346,700 in June 2025, agents may collectively earn around $19,797, broken down into $11,337 for the listing agent and $8,460 for the buyer's agent.
Commission fees vary across Wisconsin's local markets due to fluctuating housing prices. For example, in Milwaukee, Madison, and Brookfield, commission fees range from 14,275 to 31,405 based on median home sale prices.
Real estate agents provide a wide range of services, including marketing properties, hosting open houses, negotiating with buyers, and navigating paperwork. Their expertise can significantly impact the success of a transaction, making their commissions worth it for many clients.
In Wisconsin, sellers are no longer required to cover the buyer's agent commission, but they may choose to offer concessions to offset this cost. It's essential to clearly outline commission fees in real estate contracts.
While some buyers and sellers question whether paying thousands in commission expenses is justified, having a skilled professional represent them can make a significant difference. Agents are licensed professionals with extensive knowledge of local market dynamics, which can help clients purchase or sell properties at the right price.
To save on fees, consider negotiating rates, choosing discount agents, selling to cash homebuyers, or going for sale by owner. However, these options may come with trade-offs, such as lower offers or increased workload. When searching for a Wisconsin real estate agent, ask around for referrals, search online, and interview multiple candidates to find the right expert for your needs.
