NYT - Buying a Condo: Now vs. Later

"“We were in a position where we could buy,” Ms. Archibald said, “so we realized we should just do it.” "

this shows really deep thinking.

“There are some developers who have excellent reputations, do excellent construction and are well funded — and there are some buildings I wouldn’t buy in if you paid for it,” Mr. Wagner of Wagner Davis said. “So would I buy? Yes. But I would be very careful.”

It truly is a minefield for those convinced of buying now. Even solid developers cut corners or convinced themselves of impossible margins. The real work of the dedicated condo hunter is research, financial analysis and patience.

I would add the following risks with regards to buying too early

Sponsor making changes to the offering plan(amenities, floor plan)
Unanticipated obstructions to views, etc