Buying or selling a home in Green Bay comes with more than the purchase price. Closing costs can surprise you if you are not ready for them. You want a clear breakdown you can trust, plus local insight for Brown County so you can plan your budget with confidence. In this guide, you will learn what buyers and sellers typically pay, Wisconsin and Brown County specifics, simple examples, and smart ways to keep costs in check. Let’s dive in.

Quick snapshot: typical ranges

• Buyers: plan on about 2% to 5% of the purchase price in closing costs. This does not include your down payment.
• Sellers: total costs often land around 6% to 10% of the sale price when you include agent commissions. Commission is usually the largest seller expense and is negotiable.

These are common ranges in many markets, including Wisconsin. Your numbers depend on the property, timing, and how your contract is negotiated.

What buyers typically pay

Most buyer costs are tied to your loan, title work, and prepaids. Here is what to expect.

Loan and lender fees

If you finance the purchase, you will see lender charges such as:

• Origination or processing fee and underwriting fee
• Discount points if you choose to buy down your rate
• Credit report and flood certification
• Appraisal fee, often several hundred dollars depending on the property

Your lender must provide a Loan Estimate that summarizes these items early in the process. For a plain-language walkthrough of the Loan Estimate and the Closing Disclosure, review the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau’s guide to the Closing Disclosure form.

Title and settlement

• Title search and closing or settlement fee
• Lender’s title insurance policy, which most lenders require
• Owner’s title insurance policy is optional for buyers, and who pays can vary by local custom or by negotiation

Government and recording

• Deed and mortgage recording fees set by the Brown County Register of Deeds
• Any local assessments that apply to the property

You can verify current recording fee schedules with the Brown County Register of Deeds.

Prepaids and escrows

• Prepaid interest from the day your loan funds to the start of your first payment
• Escrow deposits set up by your lender for property taxes and homeowner’s insurance, often a few months of payments collected at closing
• First year homeowner’s insurance premium

Inspections and other services

• Home inspection and any specialty inspections, such as pest, well, or septic if needed
• Survey if required by your lender or desired for peace of mind

What sellers typically pay

Seller costs vary by property and negotiation, but here are the common line items you will see on a net sheet.

Real estate commission

Commission is often the largest seller expense. Nationally, combined commission often totals around 5% to 6% of the sale price, split between listing and buyer brokers. Rates vary and are negotiable.

Title, recording, and closing services

• Owner’s title insurance policy may be paid by the seller in some transactions, though who pays is negotiable
• Deed preparation and recording fees
• Settlement or closing fee depending on the title company and agreement

Payoffs, prorations, and adjustments

• Payoff of your mortgage, any liens, and unpaid HOA dues
• Property tax proration to the closing date
• Utility or HOA fee prorations
• Repair credits or seller concessions negotiated after inspection

Optional or situational

• Attorney fees if you choose to hire one
• Home warranty provided to the buyer if negotiated

Wisconsin and Brown County specifics

Local rules and customs matter. Here are items that commonly come up in Green Bay and Brown County.

Transfer taxes and state rules

Wisconsin does not have a statewide real estate transfer tax comparable to some other states. Always confirm current state rules and any changes with the Wisconsin Department of Revenue, or ask your title company to verify what applies to your transaction.

Recording fees

Deed and mortgage recording fees are set by the county. Expect modest charges that usually fall in the tens to low hundreds of dollars. For current costs and procedures, check the Brown County Register of Deeds.

Property tax proration

Property taxes in Wisconsin are typically paid in arrears, so you should expect a proration based on the closing date. To confirm levy dates, payment options, and how prorations are handled locally, visit the Brown County Treasurer’s office.

Title insurance custom and escrows

Who pays for the owner’s title insurance policy can vary by transaction in Wisconsin. Your agent and title company can explain local practice and help you negotiate a fair split. Lenders commonly require escrow accounts for taxes and insurance, but the exact amounts depend on your lender’s guidelines.

Inspections on specific property types

For older or rural properties in Brown County, you may see well or septic inspections and related costs. Your agent and title company can help you confirm any municipal or county requirements that apply to your property.

Illustrative examples

The examples below are rounded and for illustration only. Always request a Loan Estimate from your lender and a title fee quote for exact figures.

• Example A, purchase price $150,000

  • Buyer closing costs at roughly 3%: about $4,500
  • Seller costs including a 6% commission: about $9,000 plus prorations and any payoffs

• Example B, purchase price $300,000

  • Buyer closing costs at roughly 3%: about $9,000
  • Seller costs including a 6% commission: about $18,000 plus adjustments

• Example C, purchase price $500,000

  • Buyer closing costs at roughly 3%: about $15,000
  • Seller costs including a 6% commission: about $30,000 plus adjustments

On lower-priced homes, some fixed-dollar fees can make closing costs feel proportionally higher. On higher-priced homes, percentage-based items like commission make up a larger dollar amount.

Ways to reduce or manage closing costs

You have options. A few smart moves can keep more money in your pocket.

• Compare lenders. Rates and fees differ. Ask for detailed Loan Estimates from at least two lenders.
• Ask about fee waivers. Some lenders can reduce or remove processing or application fees.
• Use credits wisely. Negotiate seller concessions that give you a credit toward closing costs, subject to your loan program’s limits.
• Shop title and settlement services. Get quotes from more than one local title company if your lender allows it.
• Split title insurance thoughtfully. In some transactions, the parties split or negotiate the owner’s policy cost.
• Time your closing date. Closing near tax or insurance due dates can change proration and escrow amounts.
• For sellers: discuss commission structures. Commission is negotiable. Ask about strategies that align with your pricing and marketing plan.

For an easy overview of what to expect at the end of the process, the CFPB’s explainer on the Closing Disclosure is a helpful resource. HUD also offers a consumer guide to common settlement costs.

Timeline: how a Green Bay closing usually flows

Most conventional transactions in Green Bay take about 30 to 45 days from accepted offer to closing. Your timeline may be shorter or longer depending on financing and contingencies.

1. Offer accepted and earnest money deposited
2. Home inspection and any repair negotiations
3. Loan application and disclosures from your lender
4. Appraisal ordered by your lender
5. Title search and, if needed, survey ordered
6. Underwriting and final loan approval
7. Final walk-through
8. Closing day, where you sign documents and funds are disbursed

How to get exact numbers in Green Bay

Start early and ask for the right documents. Here is your checklist.

• Buyers

  • Request a Loan Estimate from your lender and ask them to explain every fee. You can learn what each line means using the CFPB’s Loan Estimate guide.
  • Ask a local title company for a detailed fee quote, including title insurance and settlement fees.
  • Collect insurance quotes and your first-year premium details.
  • Request the property’s recent tax bill and confirm due dates.

• Sellers

  • Ask your agent for a detailed seller net sheet showing expected commission, title fees, prorations, and estimated payoff.
  • Order an up-to-date payoff statement from your lender.
  • Confirm recording fees and any local assessments with your title company.

• Both

  • Verify current recording fees with the Brown County Register of Deeds.
  • Confirm tax due dates and payment options with the Brown County Treasurer.
  • Check state rules or changes with the Wisconsin Department of Revenue.

Ready to run your numbers?

If you are planning a move in Green Bay or anywhere in Brown County, you deserve clear, line-by-line answers. We will walk you through real estimates for your situation, help you compare options, and negotiate the best outcome for your bottom line. Book a consultation with Matt Jorgenson Real Estate to get started.

FAQs

What are closing costs for buyers in Green Bay?

• Buyers usually pay lender fees, appraisal, title and settlement fees, recording fees, prepaids like insurance and interest, and inspection costs. A common range is 2% to 5% of the price.

What do sellers typically pay at closing in Wisconsin?

• Sellers usually cover real estate commission, title and recording services, prorated taxes and HOA dues, loan payoffs, and any agreed credits. Total costs often run 6% to 10% with commission included.

Who pays for owner’s title insurance in Brown County?

• It varies by transaction and negotiation. In many Midwestern markets the seller often pays, but practices differ. Confirm with your title company and agent before you sign a contract.

Are there transfer taxes in Wisconsin or Brown County?

• Wisconsin does not typically impose a statewide real estate transfer tax like some states. Always confirm current rules and any local assessments with your title company or the Wisconsin Department of Revenue.

How are property taxes prorated in Green Bay?

• Wisconsin taxes are typically paid in arrears, so taxes are prorated to the closing date. The title company will calculate this on your settlement statement based on Brown County timelines.

Can I roll closing costs into my mortgage?

• Sometimes. Some lenders allow you to finance certain costs or offer lender credits in exchange for a higher rate. Ask your lender what your program allows.

Do I need an attorney for closing in Wisconsin?

• Closings are commonly handled by title companies in Wisconsin. Some buyers and sellers choose to hire an attorney. Talk with your agent about what makes sense for your situation.