If you’re selling a home in Wisconsin, you’ll almost certainly complete a Real Estate Condition Report, often called the RECR. It’s required by state law for most residential sales, and filling it out carefully protects you as much as the buyer.
What the report is
Chapter 709 of the Wisconsin Statutes requires sellers of residential real estate with one to four dwelling units to give buyers a completed Real Estate Condition Report. The form asks about the property’s condition and history, including the roof, structure, basement water, mechanical systems, environmental issues, and more.
Who is exempt?
Some sellers are exempt, such as certain personal representatives, trustees and fiduciaries handling an estate, and sales of property that has never been inhabited. Exempt sellers still have to disclose material defects they know about, so an exemption isn’t a license to stay silent.
Timing and the buyer’s rescission right
Ideally the report is provided before the buyer writes an offer. If it isn’t, state law sets a deadline for delivering it after acceptance, and a buyer who receives the report after their offer has been accepted generally has a short window, measured in business days, to rescind the contract in writing. Delivering it upfront avoids that uncertainty.
How to fill it out well
- Answer based on what you actually know. “Unknown” is acceptable when it’s true.
- Disclose known defects, past repairs and insurance claims. Attach receipts or reports where you can.
- Don’t guess about things like square footage or lot lines. Point buyers to documents instead.
- If something changes before closing, such as a new leak, you have a duty to amend.
Why honesty pays
Clear disclosures build trust and reduce the chance of renegotiation after the buyer’s inspection. They also reduce your legal exposure after closing. If you’re preparing to sell, start with a free home valuation and our guide to pricing your home to sell, or see how we market homes.