It depends.
- Repairs are generally not deductible and cannot be added to the cost basis of a home. It depends though on the nature of the repair. The IRS indicates what constitutes a real property capital improvement as follows:
- Fixing a defect or design flaw
- Creating an addition, physical enlargement or expansion
- Creating an increase in capacity, productivity or efficiency
- Rebuilding property after the end of its economic useful life
- Replacing a major component or structural part of the property
- Adapting property to a new or different use.
If any of the repairs fall into any of these categories, then the repair could actually be classified an improvement and be added to the cost basis of the house.
2. Of the things listed in your second question, only the mortgage interest and property taxes can be deducted as itemized deductions in your return if you are able to itemized. These are only deductible if you paid for these while waiting for your house to close.
3. As far as IRS publications go, this link addresses the sale of a second home and how it is treated. Also within this link are additional links to research that maybe helpful to you.
4. Also this Turbo Tax source addresses how to report the sale of a second home.
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