Real Estate Transactions Involving Wetlands

When you’re considering buying land, it’s important to know if there are wetlands on the property. Because laws limit development in wetlands, you’ll want to make sure you buy property that meets your needs and future plans. The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources, the Wisconsin REALTORS® Association and the Wisconsin Wetlands Association have partnered to give you an important tool to help you learn if there are wetlands, and to bring that information into your discussion.

Real Estate Addendum

The Addendum W – Wetlands is a legal document that can be filed as an addendum to an offer to purchase. It allows buyers an opportunity to verify that wetlands are present on a property and to negotiate a mutual remedy with the sellerif wetlands are confirmed.

Real Estate Addendum [PDF 67KB]

Thomas D. Larson, Director of Regulatory and Legislative Affairs, Wisconsin REALTORS® Association, answers these common questions about the addendum.

What is the Wetland Addendum? [MP3: 1859Kb]
Where Do I Get The Addendum? [MP3: 279Kb]
What are the options if wetlands are verified? [MP3: 787Kb]
What else should I know about the addendum? [MP3: 575Kb]

Locating Wetlands

Follow a few simple steps to locate wetlands on a property.

Contact Information

For more information about the real estate addendum, please contact:

Cherie Hagen
Wetland Team Leader

Last Revised: Tuesday October 28 2008