[quote author="CK" date=1210378357]jbatz and schb --- Seems like you guys know these pretty well. We toured the models only once, and really liked the ones facing the greenbelt and play area. That location is the only one I would consider for this community. What do you think of these prices? I'm thinking something like $600k ($280 sq ft) might be a fair price on this new construction given the location premium and upgrades included. What do you guys think? Fair price or knife catching?</blockquote>
The issue with this market is that a well-negotiated "fair price" now is still almost certain to be a knifecatch. It is nearly impossible to come to a meeting of the minds with any seller that incorporates the upcoming $ drop in value X the probability that it will occur, which is all that should reasonably be expected. That is why transactions are still so low.
Basically, if one looks at the comps from new sales over the last year and other homes for sale, $600k may look reasonable. But when this same property is valued below $500k (my guess will be $475) in the next two years, it doesn't matter how "relatively" good the deal was when purchased. Just because you might be the least underwater of your neighbors isn't going to really matter.
My advice- be overly patient and stay away for now.
SCHB