How to Prove Gas Fireplace Logs are in Good Working Condition
Several months ago, I had a listing that had a Temco Ventless Fireplace. The fireplace had once been connected to an exterior propane tank. However, the seller had disconnected and removed the tank several years ago.
The buyer wanted to test the fireplace logs during the home inspection but since it was no longer connected to propane, I suggested the home inspector bring a 20-lb propane tank with him to test the fireplace logs. Unfortunately, the inspector discovered that the gas line didn't have a flange to connect to the portable propane tank. So, the buyer made it a condition of the home inspection that either we prove that the fireplace logs worked or replaced them.
My seller decided to call the propane company to have them come out. They told her they could do it but it would be a week and cost her $250. Not only did the cost seem excessive, if the unit didn't work, the propane company wasn't going to be able to tell us what was wrong with the gas logs.
There had to be a way to prove these gas fireplace logs were working.
First, I got the name of the fireplace manufacturer from my seller. Then, I Googled the company name and found out they were located in Manchester TN. I called there and found they were no longer in business. Once again, I Googled fireplace centers in Franklin TN and Nashville Fireplace popped up. I called Nashville Fireplace and explained the situation. They would be able to help us but couldn't get out to the seller's house for a week. We were scheduled to close in five days. So I asked if there was anyway to get the gas logs to him? Yes, just use a crescent wrench to remove them.
My husband, Tom, and I jumped into the car and drove to the seller's house (she was an elderly woman and had no one to do it for her). He was able to disconnect the gas logs in just minutes. We then headed over to Nashville Fireplace.
The gas logs hadn't been used in five years, so Ken Fargason gave them a good cleaning. He lit the pilot light and turned on the logs. They lit up in seconds.
Ken tested the gas logs on all four settings. Everything was in good working condition. He provided me with written verification and a photo of the working logs. The best part--it only cost $57.
Crisis averted.
The point of this post...things come up. Problems occur. Make sure you have a real estate agent who has the ability to problem solve. It would have been a shame for this seller to miss out on the possibility of selling her home because her agent wasn't creative enough to get the problem solved.
P. S. If you are looking for a real estate agent who has the necessary skills to problem solve, contact Tammie White of Franklin Homes Realty LLC at (615) 495-0752.
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