Rajkot buyers: What's your smart play with builder payment plans?

Since last Diwali, I've been eyeing properties in Rajkot, mostly around Kalawad Road or 150 Feet Ring Road. I work in real estate myself, so I know the super area vs carpet area games, but buying for *me* is different. Builders like Madhav Group or R K Group are quoting some stiff prices, especially for a 3BHK around ₹90L-₹1Cr. I'm really trying to maximize the deal value here. What are people's experiences with payment plans? Is a construction-linked plan always smarter for an investor than a higher down payment? Feels like they push CLPs but sometimes a direct discount for upfront payment is available, off the record. Also, for projects like Ansal API's Krishna Kunj, should I go direct or through a broker for better negotiation? Not sure if brokers still get those 'spot discounts' or if it's just a builder-direct thing now. Any recent experiences?