We just got back from choosing our finishes. There are four packages to choose from, no mixing/matching, no substitutes and no opportunity for upgrades. And once you make your selection there's no going back.
our agent is confident about choosing our finishes later rather than sooner. he said some projects choose their finishes too soon (sometimes a year ahead) then they're not available at time of building so crummy substitutions are used (which is allowed bc it's in the agreement of purchase and...
we bought in november 2009 in phase one. it was approx $310/sqft. we were under the impression that phase two would be built soon after phase one was underway. although, it could be wishful thinking as we will face phase two and don't want to look over a construction pit :P