Sorry, this is tangential to the question, but what are you guys talking about? In the UK, if a builder offers a new house, then generally they offer basic fitments as part of the total cost - all the purchaser usually has a choice of is in the colour of the finishes, etc (and sometimes not even that).
The only thing I can add is that in my experience builders are less likely to jerk you around than private sellers (at least, that's been my bitter experience in the UK
). Also in the UK if you buy a house, then all reputable builders offer as standard a ten year guarantee against major structural defects (and the remainder of the guarantee passes on to your purchaser if you sell within the ten years), something you obviously don't get with a private sale on an older house. Does the same apply to the USA?