2012 remodel of the front house of kitchens and baths, adding granite and hardwood floors.

My husband is a hardwood flooring contractor in NJ and has a payment schedule for his new clients,. 1/3 upfront- not because he needs the cash, but because it has eliminated last minute cancellations, 1/3 after installation of the floors, 1/3 after final inspection at completion of the job.Builders and developers he works with frequently and trusts, he uses a different payment schedule, usually net 30This wasn't always the way he did business, but after getting beat on enough jobs from homeowners and GC's, he had to do something to minimize any potential loss, which included payment schedules and signing contracts.

. - Lay down Engineered Hardwood?.

It is written in the lease because I have had damage to hardwoods in a whole house due to cats. 

So, depending on your amenities such as new appliances, central air, new floors ( real hardwood) etc, and they area rents are they calculate what they will pay.

In this price range, I would recommend installing hardwoods and painting (use neutral grey tones) even without seeing the property, assuming the property is in good condition without major systemic problems.  

There is real hardwood in the 3 bedrooms. 

For example, last year I gave one of my tenants a choice to add a new lighting fixture, refinish the hardwood floor in one of the rooms, or add some new carpeting to one of the rooms.

I install hardwood (not laminate) so that minor damage can be repaired. 

Refinished hardwood floors.