Sell your house for cash in Wisconsin

How to sell a house for cash in Wisconsin, step by step

1. Get your numbers first. Call your lender for a payoff statement and check your county tax bill. Run a quick estimate with our cash offer calculator so you know what a fair offer looks like.
2. Request several offers. One offer tells you nothing. Get at least two, from local investors, iBuyers that serve your area, or Cash Offer Desk where we buy, and check each one with the calculator.
3. Compare more than price. Look at the closing date, who pays closing costs and the transfer tax, the inspection period, earnest money, and whether the buyer will assign the contract.
4. Close with a professional. Title companies handle most Wisconsin closings. Attorneys are optional.
5. Get paid at closing. Your mortgage and any liens are paid from the sale proceeds, and the rest is wired to you or paid by check.

Wholesalers in Wisconsin

Yes. 2023 Wisconsin Act 208 (effective March 2024) created Wis. Stat. 710.13. Wholesalers must tell sellers in writing that they are wholesalers before signing, and tell assignees they hold only an equitable interest. If they do not, the seller or assignee can rescind.

Wherever you live, ask every buyer one question: “Are you buying this house yourself, or will you assign the contract?” A wholesaler can still be a fine option if they are upfront about it. Read our guide to wholesaling for sellers before you sign.

Closing costs and taxes

Wisconsin's real estate transfer fee is $3 per $1,000 of value (0.3%), imposed on the grantor, so the seller customarily pays (Wis. Stat. 77.22).

Many cash buyers offer to pay closing costs. Get that in the contract, and ask which costs it covers. Capital gains rules are federal and state; a tax professional can tell you what you will owe.

Do you have to disclose problems?

Sellers of 1 to 4 unit homes must give a Real Estate Condition Report (Wis. Stat. ch. 709). Personal representatives, trustees and other fiduciaries who never lived in the home are exempt.

If you are behind on payments

Wisconsin foreclosures go through court, followed by a sheriff's sale after a redemption period that is often 6 or 12 months for homes. Length depends on the case.

Selling before a foreclosure sale can protect your equity and your credit, but watch for foreclosure rescue scams. Never sign your deed over to anyone outside of a formal closing. A free HUD-approved housing counselor can walk you through every option. More in our foreclosure guide.