What are some of the normal closing costs a Seller and Buyer incur in a CA real estate transaction?   In paragraph 7-C of the purchase Agreement, who pays escrow charges is usually filled in: "split 50/50 with each paying their own specific costs".  This means the escrow fee will be shared equally, but if the Buyer or Seller incurs a personal expense (e.g. notary or messenger fee) they will pay in full unless mutually agreed otherwise, in writing.  Below are typical closing costs:

Seller generally pays:
- real estate commission
- owner's title insurance policy
- deed preparation fee
- documentary transfer tax (typically $1.10/per $1,000 of sale price)
- City transfer or conveyance tax
- pay-off of all Seller loans plus any associated lender fees
- home warranty (if desired)
- any judgments, tax liens, etc.
- property tax proration (if unpaid at the time of closing)
- any unpaid homeowner dues or transfer fees per their Association
- recording charges to clear all documents of record
- any/all delinquent taxes

Buyer generally pays:
- lender's title insurance policy
- document recording charges in Buyer's name
- property tax proration (from date of acquisition)
- new loan charges (interest on loan from date of funding to 30 days prior to first payment date)
- property inspection fees (some can be paid through escrow)
- home warranty (if not paid by Seller)
- first year fire insurance premium

Estimated closings costs are calculated on the purchase price.  The Seller will pay 1.5% to 2.0% plus the commission, and the Buyer will pay about 1% to 1.5% of the purchase price if a loan is needed.