Hope Leitner, Realtor®, CRS

Creating a video record of your possessions is a good idea, especially if you describe the items out loud as you record. Be sure to make backup copies as well. Creating a home inventory for insurance doesn’t need to be complicated. All you really need is a pencil and paper. The key is to have a record of your possessions in the event you experience a theft or casualty loss from flood, fire, or other disaster. But the more thorough the documentation of your belongings, the less likely you are to run into problems when you file an insurance claim. That’s why you should consider using a digital camera, fireproof safes, and other equipment to create and store your home inventory. Devote a full day to the task. Take pictures of your belongings Photos of your belongings go a long way toward demonstrating ownership and value. Digital photos are preferred, since they’re easier to print and store. A decent digital camera costs less than $100. Be sure to get full-room shots, as well as close-ups

Consumers cannot be forced to waive right to make critical or disparaging statements about a business. This law prohibits a contract or proposed contract for the sale or lease of consumer goods or services from including a provision waiving the consumer’s right to make any statement regarding the seller or lesser or its employees or agents, or concerning the goods or services. It imposes civil penalties upon any person who violates the provisions of the law, of $2,500 for the initial violation and $5,000 for each subsequent violation, as well as an additional penalty of $10,000 if the violation was willful, intentional, or reckless in actions that may be brought by the consumer, the Attorney General, or a district attorney or city attorney. It does not prohibit or limit a person or business that hosts online consumer reviews or comments from removing a statement that is otherwise lawful to remove. Assembly Bill 2365 codified as Civil Code 1670.8. Effective January 1, 2015.