You’ve made it!  You priced your home aggressively, you sold it quickly, you survived the buyer’s inspection period and are nearing the close of escrow. 

But you are not quite done;  prior to close of escrow most California home sellers (other than some institutional or probate sellers) are required to have their hot water heater adequately braced and smoke detectors in the appropriate areas (which differs by city ordinance).  Additional retrofit requirements are mandatory for homeowners in the city of Los Angeles, such as Eagle Rock, Highland Park, Toluca Lake, Sunland, Tujunga, etc. the following must be completed prior to escrow closing: 

1) Low Flow Toilets
2) Low Flow Shower heads
3) Impact Hazard Glazing (bathroom, shower, French doors if not safety glass)
4) Earthquake Gas Shut off valve

Our most recent sale is in Glassell Park, which is a 3 bedroom, 3 bath home with 2 hot water heaters; the seller’s retrofitting expense will run over $1,000.00  I am not a fan of “point of sale” closing requirements; personally I hate wasting money.  Perhaps the buyer has dreams of a bathroom remodel; why should the seller waste $165.00 to have the cheapest ugliest toilet installed?  Why have the hot water heater braced at $85.00 when a tankless water heater is more energy efficient?