Guys may I ask for your opinion?

I am doing living room renovation in my SMALL 3 bedroom house in south bay.

The layout of the wood fireplace is awkward. It is sort of at the corner of the living room. And it has a ground extension that protrudea out. And I don't use it at all.

My first option is to renovate it by removing the exterior and inserting a gas insert. That will free more space in the living room. The fireplace will be flushed to the wall.

Second option is do a partial removal and make the fireplace into a wall. No more fireplace

What is the current sentiment of fireplace in south bay? Does it add value at all or do perspective buyers appreciate more wall space?

Again I am not sure if I would even use the gas insert. If insert is done, it would be there for decoration. But I don't want to harm the value of my existing home if fireplace in the bay area does add value.

Fyi house is a 1300 sq foot with 3 bedroom. I am going for an open kitchen living room concept.

Thanks!

Edit: if I choose removal option, is a complete removal worth it? It would be dramatically more expensive as there is structural issues involved.. thanks