I bought my house in 2007 for $152k. It now comps out at $220k. Through extra payments and refi, I owe $83k at 3.2%, PITI is $1100. I talked to a property manager who says I should be able to rent it at $1950/mo. I was offered a job that would relocate me from Ft Worth, TX to Cary, NC.
The house was built in 1995, and the original owners seemed to like 80's fake brass and golden oak cabinets. I have replaced most of the brass light fixtures. A few months ago I stripped and stained the cabinets in the kitchen and master bath. I also pulled down the flower wallpaper in the kitchen. However, since I just don't have the color picking gene, I have not put in a backsplash or replaced the white Formica counter tops. Since the backsplash, counters, and doorknobs are already in the budget for this year, I was going to move forward. However, she said to wait until I move out, then I could write off those improvements, since it would be rental expense and not residence expense.
Is she giving me good info? Can I really finish my home improvements and get a tax break?