Buying Local Podcast · September 11, 2026 · 34 min

Building Your Dream Home Without the Bidding War | Buying Local #90

What does the current real estate market look like, and could new construction offer buyers a way around bidding wars and costly repairs? Mike Nelson talks with Sarah Itterman and Michael Caruso of Sterling Real Estate Group about the Capital Region housing market, modular home construction, customization, pricing, factory-built quality, and the new construction communities they represent. Learn more about Sarah Itterman and Michael Caruso at Sterling Real Estate Group at sterling518.com . 0:00 Meet the Sterling Real Estate Group agents 2:19 Why Sarah and Michael chose real estate and Sterling 4:27 The current state of the real estate market 6:21 How the new construction buying process works 7:49 Avoiding bidding wars with new construction 9:02 Modular homes and faster construction timelines 10:38 Why modular construction can be more predictable 12:59 How modular homes are built and transported 14:37 Precision construction and crane installation 15:14 Customizing floor plans and home designs 17:29 Who is buying new construction homes? 19:29 New construction pricing and value 21:43 Touring the factory and seeing homes built 23:28 Basements, foundations and future living space 26:05 Finishing attic space and adding square footage 30:42 Available home sites and how to learn more Want more Buying Local? Website: buyinglocal.us Facebook: facebook.com/buyinglocalny Instagram: instagram.com/buyinglocalny Twitter/X: x.com/buyinglocalny LinkedIn: linkedin.com/company/buyinglocal #BuyingLocal #RealEstate #NewConstruction #CapitalRegionNY #ModularHomes