I've got about 15k that I've saved over the last year (5k of that in the last 2 months). By the time we close I might could be up to 20k. The new build is appealing because of the builder incentives. I can use their money to pay closing costs and maybe buy down some points, and hang on to more of my money to keep in reserve. Maybe I can negotiate even more.

I only plan to buy the absolute basics (beds, fridge, washer, dryer) and fill the rest in over time. I can put my socks and underwear in plastic drawers for a while.