Think back to memories of family and friends gathered together to share special moments. Holiday meals, Sunday dinners, birthday celebrations, card/game nights and other special occasions all come together in which room of the house? The dining room, of course. It is the focal point for all of our get-togethers with our families and friends, especially if there's going to be food!
Many people may not use their dining room on a regular basis and some people may even choose to use it for other purposes altogether (e.g., craft room, sewing room, office, kid's study area). If you have an eat-in kitchen or an active family, chances are you all eat where you can, when you can. The daily meal at the formal dinner table is a rarity. However, there are always special occasions when families and friends gather around the dining room table and share a meal together. Buyers are looking at your dining room and imagining their own get togethers. They are most definitely one of the key features on a home buyer's radar.
If your home has a formal dining room, you need to present the space as it was originally intended: for meal times. Buyers need to be able to see what they are paying for, and if you're selling a dining room, show them where it is; don't make them guess. Buyers will be previewing many properties and often can't remember the specific rooms in each house, especially if they haven't actually "seen" it. They may remember the "office in a strange location" if that's what your dining room is being used for, but they won't remember the dining room because, to them, there wasn't one.
Showcase your dining room as a place for those wonderful meals they'll be hosting and memories they'll be making. If you lack furniture for the space, beg, borrow, rent or simply buy a dining set. It does not need to be elaborate or expensive. Also, leave the extensions out of the table. Showcase the space in the room, especially if the room is small. You only need to place four chairs around the table. You don't need a table set for 12 unless the room allows such a large arrangement. If you have a large china cabinet consider storing it or at least removing the hutch portion to open up the room. Light fixtures, if dated, can be purchased inexpensively and can instantly update the room. A beautiful tasteful centerpiece, candle sticks or place settings set the stage for a lovely, inviting table and dining room. For safety reasons, it is not recommended that flatware be placed on the table, especially knives. Remove dated wall paper and repaint personal paint choices with a warm neutral tone. Clean the light fixtures and all nooks and crannies.
Again, buyers will surely notice the dining room, and you can help them see the value and potential if you set the stage for them. The goal is to make it look like a place that buyers will want to have their own family gatherings.