Wisconsin

Sustainability Resources

The Real Estate industry is one of the most environmentally damaging industries in the world accounting for:
30%
of total carbon dioxide
40%
of all energy
40%
of all raw materials
Our goal is to give you the resources you need to take sustainable action in improving, building, retrofitting and revamping your home. The impacts are real, the benefits significant, and the need critical. Join us in bringing sustainability home and creating a brighter future for all, starting with you.

Save money and do the world a favor!
Here's a list of Sustainability Initiatives in the area:

Energy Star Search Engine

Energy Efficient Products: appliances, electronics, lighting, building materials, etc.

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E-Stewards Recycler Search

E-Stewards is a global team of individuals, institutions, businesses, non-profit organizations, and governmental agencies upholding a safe, ethical, and globally responsible standard for e-waste recycling and refurbishment. They stop the export of illegal hazardous e-waste to developing nations and create a safe, green, and just world through sharing and using the principled and practical standard for electronics recycling and reuse.

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GreenHome Institute Events

The GreenHome Institute is a 501(c)3 that empowers people to make sustainable decisions when renovating or building homes.

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Wisconsin FAQs

Is Wisconsin a judicial or non-judicial state?

Judicial

In a judicial foreclosure state, the lender must go through the court system in order to foreclose on a property. This process can be longer and more expensive for the lender compared to a non-judicial foreclosure.
In a judicial foreclosure state, the lender must go through the court system in order to foreclose on a property. This process can be longer and more expensive for the lender compared to a non-judicial foreclosure.

What is the process of closing on a property in Wisconsin?

Lenders and title companies conduct what are called “table closings” throughout the state, except in the Milwaukee area, where attorneys conduct the closings. Conveyance is by warranty deed, but installment land contracts are used extensively, too. Mortgages are the customary security instruments. Within limits, the actual mortgage wording determines foreclosure requirements; redemption varies from 2 months for abandoned property to a full year in some cases. Lenders generally waive their right to a deficiency judgment in order to reduce the redemption period to 6 months. Wisconsinites use ALTA policies and endorsements. Buyers generally pay closing costs and the lender’s policy fees; sellers pay the owner’s policy fees and the transfer taxes. In transactions involving homesteads, conveyances may be void if not joined into by the spouse. Property taxes may be paid in full on February 28th, or they may be paid half on January 31st and half on July 31st. Wisconsin is a quasi-community-property state.

Property Taxes in Wisconsin?

Paid in full on February 28th or half on January 31st and half on July 31st

In Wisconsin, does a property management company require a real estate broker's license?

YES. Key components of property management (leasing and renting) are considered real estate activities under existing Wisconsin real estate licensing laws. If a property manager is going to negotiate, or offer to negotiate the rental of an interest in real estate, or promote the rental or leasing of real estate, he or she will need a broker's license. A salesperson working under a broker may engage in such activities.

Are there any exceptions to the requirement that a property manager have a broker's license in Wisconsin?

YES. For example, any custodian, janitor, employee or agent of the owner or manager of a residential building who exhibits a residential unit therein to prospective tenants, accepts applications for leases and furnishes such prospective tenants with information relative to the rental of such unit, terms and conditions of leases required by the owner or manager, and similar information, is exempt. For more information about these and other Wisconsin property management requirements and exceptions, please contact the Wisconsin Real Estate Examining Board. Before hiring a property manager to manage your Wisconsin rental property, you should always check that he or she is licensed appropriately. You can check the license status of Wisconsin property managers using the Wisconsin License Lookup Tool.

Do you need a broker's license to manage community associations in Wisconsin?

There is no requirement that a community association manager in Wisconsin hold a real estate broker's license.

Wisconsin Real Estate Broker Requirements

Lenders and title companies conduct what are called “table closings” throughout the state, except in the Milwaukee area, where attorneys conduct the closings. Conveyance is by warranty deed, but installment land contracts are used extensively, too. Mortgages are the customary security instruments. Within limits, the actual mortgage wording determines foreclosure requirements; redemption varies from 2 months for abandoned property to a full year in some cases. Lenders generally waive their right to a deficiency judgment in order to reduce the redemption period to 6 months. Wisconsinites use ALTA policies and endorsements. Buyers generally pay closing costs and the lender’s policy fees; sellers pay the owner’s policy fees and the transfer taxes. In transactions involving homesteads, conveyances may be void if not joined into by the spouse. Property taxes may be paid in full on February 28th, or they may be paid half on January 31st and half on July 31st. Wisconsin is a quasi-community-property state.

Wisconsin Real Estate Salesperson Requirements

Paid in full on February 28th or half on January 31st and half on July 31st

How do property ownership transfers work in Wisconsin?

Warranty deed.

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