In San Mateo County the Buyer typically pays for the real estate escrow fees while in Santa Clara County, it is customary for the seller to pay. Fees include escrow management fees plus city and county title transfer fees and title insurance Other costs typically also paid through escrow during a real state transaction are loans fees and points, property taxes due and the first year's home insurance. In all, total costs typically add up to about 1.5% to 2.0% of the real estate purchase price in San Mateo and Santa Clara County.

All fees are due at the close of escrow, prior taking possession of the home. It will need to paid by cashier's check and is not included as part of the real estate down payment.

The chart below describes some transfer taxes paid in places like San Mateo County that are often paid during a title transfer and who is responsible for paying them. Not all cities charge a transfer tax. In San Mateo County, only the city of San Mateo charges such as tax while in Santa Clara County, there are many more cities charging it.