What would you do? 3rd bedroom in basement or dining room?

[Pat McCandless]

I have a 2 bed 1 bath ranch I am placing an offer on and need your advice.  I'm thinking this is mainly for the experienced Agents out there but welcome all opinions.  I know I am going to add a bathroom in the basement but my dilemma is where to add the 3rd bedroom. There is a large full unfinished basement, and a dining room that could be converted to a 3rd bedroom.  If you had the option, or if you have done this in the past, what would you recommend?  Is it a huge negative to take out a dining room?  Is it not much of a selling point to say a 3rd bedroom is in the basement?  What would get me my best bang for my buck?  The kitchen seems like there would be enough room to put a table for 4 against the wall to at least have something to eat on.

[Patsy Waldron]

Leave the dining room and add the bedroom in the basement (especially if you are putting a bathroom down there anyway). Most people don't mind a bedroom in a finished basement, but many won't like having a 4-person table in the kitchen as the only option for dining.