How Realtors Get Paid

How we charge for our services

Research shows that 55% of recent buyers weren’t clear on how their agent got paid.* 

That’s crazy.

Here’s how compensation works at Matt Winzenried Real Estate Partners, and what we do to earn it. 

*1000watt Original Research: What recent homebuyers think, want, and need, October 2022.

For Sellers

• Real estate agents in Wisconsin typically get paid through a commission-based system. This means that they earn a percentage of the total sales price of a property when they help a seller in selling their property.

• In Wisconsin, there is no standard commission rate due to anti-trust laws, the rate depends on the agreement between the real estate agent and the client. 

• The commission is typically split between the buyer's agent and the seller's agent, with each receiving a percentage of the total commission. Our standard is to pay at least half of the total commission to the buyer's agent.

• The commission is typically paid by the seller of the property.

• When we list a property for sale, we sign a listing agreement with the seller that outlines the commission rate and how it will be split between the seller’s agent and the buyer’s agent.

• The commission is earned when we fulfill our end of the contract and there is an accepted offer on the property. The commission is typically paid by the seller's closing agent out of the proceeds of the sale. The commission is then distributed to the seller's agent and the buyer's agent according to the terms of the listing agreement.

• We don’t charge any other fees. We only earn money when the property is sold.

For Buyers

• Buyer's agents typically earn a percentage of the total sales price of a property when they help a buyer purchase a property.

• They are paid based on what the listing contract between the seller and the listing agent says and/ or what is written in the buyer agency contract.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are your fees/commissions negotiable? 

We take great pride in offering excellent value for the compensation we receive and strive to ensure that the experience exceeds expectations. While there may be some agents who are willing to negotiate their commission or charge additional fees, we believe our rates are fair and typically do not adjust our commission or impose any additional fees.

Aren’t there companies that charge less than you do? 

Indeed, there are companies that charge lower fees. However, many of these are "limited service" companies or agents who do not provide the full range of services that we offer. Statistically speaking, in most cases, we ultimately help you achieve a higher net profit compared to those companies, which more than compensates for any difference in fees.

What if my home doesn’t sell, or I look then decide not to buy?  

We appreciate this question! We understand that life circumstances can change, and sometimes you may need to pause your home search or the sale of your property. The best part is that we only receive compensation when a property is successfully closed. Therefore, if you need to halt your search or sale due to unexpected circumstances, we will be more than happy to accommodate you at no cost or reimbursement required.

Text or email us your question and we'll give you an honest answer