May 9, 2023 – Home Owners, Safety
What do propane and real estate agents have in common? They’re both readily available to customers and extremely efficient! It’s true: Propane burns cleaner than other fuels and is safe when properly handled and used.
Many people are already familiar with the benefits of propane; however, even America’s best real estate agents must brush up on the latest propane news from time to time. After all, propane laws vary from region to region and state to state. So whether you’re selling a home in Texas or California, it’s important to be equipped with key information.
Be Aware of Regulations and Laws
Different states and localities have regulations and laws regarding propane. For example, in California, sellers must disclose the type of fuel used to heat homes and the estimated annual cost of propane if used.
Likewise, many state laws require sellers to disclose information about their homes and properties. This is partly because if properties are located in a propane gas system service area, special charges or costs may be levied for the new homeowner to receive that propane.
Be Familiar With the Advantages of Propane
It’s important to educate inside sales agents about the benefits of propane. Real estate companies can use these benefits to help encourage market transactions, after all.
For example, propane is relatively affordable as a fuel source; it’s often less expensive than natural gas and electricity and is easy to purchase from companies like Paraco. It’s also a clean-burning fuel with fewer emissions than diesel and gasoline. However, propane isn’t available in all areas, so real estate agents must be familiar with these regions to properly inform potential buyers.
Here is an interesting fact, according to the latest data from the U.S. Energy Information Administration, approximately 5.5 million homes in the United States use propane as their primary heating fuel. Propane is commonly used in rural areas where natural gas is unavailable. It is also a popular choice for homeowners who prefer the benefits of propane heating, such as lower energy costs and excellent reliability.
Prepare to Answer Questions About Propane
Potential buyers will undoubtedly have questions about a home within a propane service area. They may be concerned about the safety and cost of propane, for example. Therefore, it would benefit potential buyers, sellers, and real estate agents if the agent were familiar with the answers to these questions.
Propane is very safe when it’s used properly, and it’s readily available. The fuel is reliable and used as a backup energy source for many residential and commercial properties. Real estate agents must ensure they can provide accurate information about propane and address buyers’ concerns to help facilitate the sale of the home.
Inspect the Propane Tank
Whenever a home uses propane as its fuel source, a propane tank will be onsite. During the inspection of the home, the propane should also be inspected. The real estate agent should disclose the condition of the tank to potential buyers while also always relaying the importance of having a propane tank regularly inspected by propane experts.
Additional Tips for Real Estate Agents
Agents who are not familiar with propane must do their research. Being prepared for questions about propane tanks and fuel is the best way to help facilitate the sale of the property by putting the buyers’ minds at ease.
Understanding how to prepare for the sale of a residential property with propane on the property can make it a smoother transaction and process for all parties involved. An inside sales agent real estate can also become more knowledgeable about all that is involved with this type of transaction and better inform both the buyer and seller of what to expect.