Required documents for transfer: Preliminary Change of Ownership Report, notary (link, city service)

Fees: http://www.buyerbroker.ws/art_closing_costs_silicon_valley.htm, http://www.arjanihomes.com/custom-tax_guide.htm-CONTENT_TAX_GUIDE,http://www.sccgov.org/scc_ordinance/23103000.HTM ($0.55 per $500), http://www.ci.mtnview.ca.us/city_hall/admin_services/city_tax_information.asp ($1.65 per $500)

Info for new homeowners (link), recording fees (link) and how to record (link, link), transfer answers for Sacramento which are likely similar to Santa Clara ((http://answers.google.com/answers/threadview/id/785501.html, deeds)

Something to check when escrow is done:

I just purchased my property." How am I going to get my tax bill if the Assessor's Office doesn't have my new APN?

Your escrow account should state that there has been some amount put toward the taxes for the "mother" parcel. Your first bill after purchase will be a supplemental, which should arrive about 10 months after purchase.

What is the sales verification letter? It's optional although it helps the appraiser. 

From reading http://www.sccassessor.org/portal/site/asr/faq#null, property tax is 1% of assessed value. Every year in May you are mailed assessment value. There appears to be several links covering appeal of assessment.

Homeowners' Exemption More Info (Link, FAQ)

Exemption for $7000 off assessed value. From the FAQ, to obtain a claim form, whenever there is a transfer of ownership of residential property, the Assessor's Office will automatically mail a homeowner's exemption claim form. Call (408) 299-6460 to request a claim form.

File a claim by December 10th for 80% of exemption.

Overiew of seller process: http://www.nolo.com/article.cfm/ObjectID/D36E9AB3-EF91-49CC-AD6A9BD1BD3D5D4F/catID/DE246952-56DE-4DE2-BB6C29FA50C961A2/213/243/282/ART/