This is typically spelled out in the purchase contract. In California, there is no set requirements as to who pays what in a transaction. There are required guidelines for certain types of loans such as FHA or VA. There are limits to the amount of concession/credit a seller may provide to the buyer and I know VA limits the items that can be paid by the buyer. But other than that it is decided in the purchase contract and negotiated.

Industry norms in California:
Closing Costs - Buyer and Seller are each to pay own (escrow fee, etc)
City/County Transfer Fees - Seller
HOA Transfer Fees - Seller
Seller's Title Insurance - Seller
Alta Title Insurance for buyer's financing - Buyer
Natural Hazard Disclosure Report - Seller
Termite Inspection / Section 1 repairs on WPA - Seller
Section 2 repairs - Buyer
Retrofit requirements (water heater, smoke detector, low flow water fixtures, etc) - Seller
Buyer's Basic Home Warranty (3rd party provider) - Seller

I hope that helps!
Tara

Tara Steinke
San Diego Real Estate Specialist
Residential Sales and Appraisal
619-384-6014
SDRealtor.Tara@gmail.com