Hello Jay- I would say go for it. The builder may not care about affecting other properties, unless he has built or is trying to sell other properties in the neighborhood/ town. Other than that, he just needs to get out from under the construction loan/ bridge loan, etc (which are expensive!).
A typical builder will build in about 15%- 20% of profit to his new construction homes. So you would likely be eating into all of this, but if he could unload right now he might do it. Keep in mind he probably wouldn't go much lower than that- as his direct costs are right at that level.
This is why you "may" have better luck with an offer on an older home that has someone that has been living in it for a long time, etc. If you have any other questions, please let me know.
Thanks, and good luck,

Ken L.

Builders are less emotional than property owners and depending on their situation may be willing to drop it 15%. That being said - if you really only want to pay 85% of the listed price - offer 70% of the asking price as a starting point.

Builders are more inclined to offer upgrades, closing costs, rate buy down, and or financing options. Try those options and you might have the best rate and the best house on the block.
Your agent can do the calculations for you and you will see that your monthly payments will be more affordable.

The builder may be doing everything they can to preserve the values of the people who already purchased as best they can. Some builders may be willing to negotiate, others may not. You won't know the motivation of the builder unless you try and write an offer.

Write The Offer! No Need To Baffle Anyone With Statistics Here.Thank You,

Jay,
On average, over the last 3 months, homes have been selling for approximately 4-5% less than their listing prices in Medford. That's not to say that 15% under asking is not a good place to start. Savvy builders are aware that buyers are driving the current market. Can you show the builder similar homes that have recently sold to support your offer? Is your offer market-driven? Depending on the specific situation the builder is in (construction loan? Other houses sitting on the market? etc...) will effect his motivation level. Plus, who's to say if his list price is even in-line with the market? Maybe his list price is 15% more than it should be for the current Medford market. If you can get some strong advice and market data analysis from a local real estate expert, that will go a long way to support an offer. I make sure my buyers are (a) very well-qualified financially with a solid, water-tight mortgage pre-approval and (b) present all offers with specific market data to support the offer. If the seller/builder stills says "no way" you have to be willing to walk away. Tough to do sometimes, I agree, but always better than over-paying ESPECIALLY in the current buyer's market. Good luck! Get a solid pre-approval, show the builder WHY you are offering what you are offering and if he/she still doesn't want to budge, walk away. Plenty of fish out there....