Not only right before their quarter ends - before the end of the year can be even better. We saw lots of local incentives from national builders in the late fall/early winter, up until Dec 31st. Once the year ended, the incentives quietly went away, and the focus turned to the growing spring market. In general, early Spring through late Summer have seen the fewest incentives - because demand is much higher, and bids become much more competitive.

In a stable market it seems as if the best time is just before the quarter ends.

Does this hold true in a declining or compacting market?

It seems to me that one should buy after all of the quarters that are in the declining market and just before the end of the last quarter in that declining market. The problem is, when is that last quarter in that declining market?

In a moderately appreciating market, it seems as if the best time to buy is anytime, but especially near the end of a quarter.

And in a frenzied appreciating market, then it seems that there is no best time to buy because the music may stop and you are left holding an over-priced product.

Any discussions, additions, or edifications?

Before the quarter ends...they are more willing to negotiate and at the end of their fiscal year.