Engineered or pure hardwood flooring - which is better and why?

That's going to depend on comparable market prices for homes in your neighborhood. If your you're going to end up spending 15,000++ whatever, on solid hardwood you may be taking value away from your home based on market value. You could end up having to overprice your home in the current market for your area and never regain your investment. Therefore the engineered flooring would be a better choice. On the other hand, if you live in a historic home district with $5,000,000 homes engineered wood may be frowned upon. For any to give you specific advice they would need more information.