Letter of Intent to Purchase - Construction Planning Process - Seller is Pressuring

Hello, we would logically like to build a house. We live in an area where plots are scarce and there has been a significant price increase in recent years. Meanwhile, we found a plot bound to a developer on the internet. The developer also offers houses that appeal to us visually. After an appointment with the developer, he informed us of the address of the plot. In this appointment, we gave our wishes regarding extras such as glass bays, gables, etc., and he wanted to work this into a price calculation for a specific house type by the next appointment; meanwhile, we were supposed to look at the plot. The second appointment was one week later. As described above, we find the plot good in terms of location and price (very good price), but we have never really been able to go on it and could only inspect it from outside. Regarding the house type that appeals to us visually, we would like to make changes to the floor plan in the attic, but we do not yet have the right idea.

At the second appointment with the representative of the house building company, we were presented with a letter of intent to purchase regarding the plot with the house type, subject to financing in spring 2018. Upon inquiry that we do not yet know exactly what extra costs will come, such as higher quality choices during the standard fittings (assumed flat rate of €4000), extra earthworks (soil survey will only be done after purchasing the plot), or even whether floor plan planning according to our needs is actually possible with this house type, he said it had already been very well calculated and the architect will find a solution with us and then advise us. Is that usual? We would like to have the feeling that this will be our house! Exactly like that, where do I sign? Will the architectural services always be done only after signing the house construction contract? Then our extras have been calculated for, but what if we say afterwards that it is too expensive, we would rather omit it and, for example, choose items above the flat rate €4000 during the standard fittings? For example, no dormer?

We would be very grateful for help!

Who pays definitely determines the music. Go at your own pace, if the other then hangs the house around someone else's neck, ok. Only you can be responsible for your finances. Be cool, be completely grown-up, name this pressure, tell the seller what you want. If you don't agree, it is the wrong contracting partner for you. Karsten

I agree with Nordlys. I wouldn’t rely on statements like "We’ll find a solution." Basically, that means "We’ll see what’s possible and if not according to your wishes, then you’ll just have to compromise and live with it." Feel free to ask him for a preliminary sample or where you can check out the selection. That way you could already estimate the additional costs before signing. You can also tell him directly that you won’t be pressured. If he sells to someone else in the meantime, that’s just how it is.
We only signed after having the preliminary sample and knowing the approximate costs. Back then, our (verified) contract even stated that we could withdraw free of charge (except for architect fees in the amount of [Summe xxx]) if the written financing commitment didn’t come through. We had already received the verbal one.
Therefore, everything should be possible to arrange, and if he doesn’t agree to that, then he’s out of luck.

I see it the same way as Mike!

No idea what services and equipment are included in the [Bauleistungsbeschreibung], but just to mention it with our example:
The house was offered at 149000 (without the plot, it was a [GÜ]), we then paid 45000 more for extras like [KfW], ventilation, windows, chimney, etc. On top of that, there were electric, sanitary, and tile upgrades of about 10000€.
We don’t have equipment like in a villa! And there’s no expensive dormer or anything similar included in the price. These are more or less necessary things that turn a catalog price into the final house price.

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