Buyer Resources Archives

Posted on December 19, 2022January 17, 2023

Before settling down in a new home, there are a ton of questions running through your mind. If you’ve already chosen a Beacon home in Oklahoma City or Tulsa, you’re ready to move on to the next part of the equation: financing. Allow Beacon Homes to assist you in answering some of the questions you may have about financing a home in Oklahoma.

Home Financing Options with Beacon Homes

There are a variety of home financing options available with your new Beacon home. Depending on your financial situation, you’ll have several different possibilities. Here’s an overview of some great financing options available to Beacon homebuyers.

What Is A Buydown?

A buydown is a financing option that allows you to obtain a lower interest rate for the first few years of the loan, in return for an extra up-front payment. It is similar to the practice of buying discount points on a mortgage in return for a lower interest rate.

Option #1: 3-2-1 Buydown

Here is how a 3-2-1 buydown works: With a 3-2-1 buydown mortgage, the borrower pays a lower interest rate over the first three years in return for an up-front payment to the lender. The interest rate is reduced by 3% in the first year, 2% in the second year, and 1% in the third year. After the buydown period ends, the lender charges the full interest rate for the remainder of the mortgage. This is a fixed rate that is secured when you purchase the home.

Our 3-2-1 Buydown financing strategy can bring down your interest rate as low as 3.375% in the first year saving you up to $770.00 per month!

Option #2: Long-Term Rate Buydown

Here is how a long-term rate buydown works: With a long-term rate buydown, you’re buying a lower rate for the entire term of your loan. The lender offers a lower rate by charging discount points. Typically, the more discounts you pay the more you can reduce your mortgage rate. The rate never increases as long as you keep your loan. The buydown cost is paid at closing. The lender adds the cost of the mortgage rate buydown to your closing costs.

Our Long-Term Rate Buydown increases your buying power now while saving around $90,000 over the life of your loan and an average of $300 every month!

Option #3: $20,000 to use as you choose

Save your cash for Christmas and use up to $20,000 from us and our participating lenders towards lowering your interest rate or closing costs. Or you can apply it toward designer upgrades, a fence, appliances, blinds, or anything you want to make your home move-in ready on day one!

Disclaimer: Savings amount is based on home price, credit score, down payment and other factors. Dollar figures provided are estimates only. This promo applies only to those who use a participating lender.

What Does it Mean to Build with Beacon?

At Beacon Homes, we use a combination of features and products that make our homes smarter, safer and easier to maintain. From an intuitive digital assistant to outlets that can power anything you plug in, your new Beacon home offers you complete control. Smart locks mean the days of your kids forgetting their keys are over. And with a smart doorbell, you can see who – or what – is at the front door 24/7.

While Beacon homes are modern, highly livable, and stylish, we’re even prouder of what’s behind the walls. We put a lot of thought into how we build our homes, and that means using the best techniques and materials. From the roof to the foundation, our homes are energy efficient and built to last.

We’ve made thoughtful and eco-friendly choices that give our homes cleaner air, as well as making them healthier and more comfortable. State-of-the-art fresh air systems deliver filtered clean air via MERV filters, fresh air intake, and UV light. This system reduces dust, odors and indoor contaminants for improved indoor air quality, giving you healthier, cleaner air.

The house wrap system air and water barriers help make our homes more durable, comfortable, and energy-efficient. They help extend building life, by resisting moisture and air, and reducing the risk of condensation damage, wood rot or mold growth.

Direct vent fireplaces vent directly to the outside, drawing fresh air in, and expelling gasses out. They allow radiant heat to pass into the room without robbing it of oxygen or heated air, while also keeping it free of fumes and combustible materials such as embers or ash.

Some paints may emit volatile organic compounds (VOCs) that can serve as an irritant to people with certain allergies. Our homes feature low-VOC paints that help improve indoor air quality.

Contact Us Today for More Info on Our Home Financing Promo!

One of the most intimidating parts of buying a new home is often setting up the financing. Especially if you’ve never done it before. Hopefully, we’ve given you a good foundation for starting the home financing process.

Even with rates rising, now is still a great time to buy. If a new construction home is what you’re considering, Beacon Homes has homes available throughout Oklahoma City and Tulsa. Connect with us when you’re ready to find your dream home.

Posted on November 1, 2022December 22, 2022

Moving to a new state can be a difficult choice to make, but it can also be the best decision when you find the right place to call home. Oklahoma is definitely one of those places. This state is located right in the heart of the country and provides many benefits to all who relocate here. Things like the four-season weather, low cost of living, vibrant economy, and easy commuting, are just a few of the many reasons thousands of people are moving to Oklahoma.

At Beacon Homes, it’s our mission to build homes with the utmost quality, excellence, and integrity for families across the Oklahoma City and Tulsa areas. We’ve upheld that mission for over 20 years and can’t wait to continue it with new buyers from all over the country. If you’re unsure about moving states, read on to learn some benefits of living in Oklahoma and reasons it’s a good idea to move in the first place.

Living in Oklahoma vs. “Those Other States”

Though many people are working remotely, having an easy commute is a huge positive when relocating. In some states going to work or running a few simple errands can take hours when factoring in the endless traffic. Commuting time in Oklahoma is shorter and faster than the national average which means less stress and a longer lifespan. The well-developed and maintained public transit system and roadways make it easy to travel throughout the state and the rest of the country.

Speaking of working, Oklahoma’s unemployment rate is well below the national average with job opportunities flourishing across the state. Some of the major industries propelling the state’s economy include agribusiness, automotive, bioscience, information and financial services, renewable energy, and manufacturing. This combined with the lower than national average cost of living (including groceries, utilities, and transportation) and affordable housing (more than 70% of Oklahomans are homeowners) make it an ideal place to live and work.

Oklahoma offers beautiful four-season weather. Whether you love sunny summers for swimming or cold winters to cozy up to a fireplace, you can enjoy it all here. Plus, there’s always something fun to do no matter the season. A move to our homes in OKC and Tulsa will get you close to tons of outdoor activities, festivals, state parks, and museums. Spend one of the 234 average sunny days per year enjoying one of the many music festivals, exploring the unique shopping districts, or a one-of-a-kind park like The Gathering Place in Tulsa.

There’s More to Moving to a New State Than a Fresh Start

As mentioned, the decision to move may not always be an easy one and oftentimes go beyond just a fresh start. If any of these reasons resonate with how you’re feeling, it’s probably a good sign it’s time to move.

Your Household is Growing

Whether it’s a new baby or an aging parent moving in, sometimes your current home just isn’t big enough for your growing family. It’s a sign to move when you no longer have room for your personal things let alone your family members. A Beacon home with spacious living areas and extra bedrooms is the perfect solution to avoid tripping over items or bumping into relatives and guests.

Time For An Upgrade

While we’re sure you’ve built some great memories there, an older home in need of several renovations isn’t worth the suffering. Moving to a new home will provide a major lifestyle upgrade for you and your family. Just imagine updated appliances, a modern kitchen and floor plan, more storage, and overall healthier living with energy-efficient features and brand-new home systems. Not to mention, community amenities and overall improvements to your family’s lives.

Rising Costs of Living

Your finances have a huge impact on where you live and sometimes the rising costs of living can be too much to maintain a standard of living in certain areas. Especially if you have a family to think about, moving to an area with a lower cost of living can be ideal regardless of your financial situation. There may even be better job opportunities with more earning potential in such places, or if you work remotely your earnings will stretch even further.

The Commute is Slowly Killing You

Studies have shown that a shorter commute could increase your lifespan. Think about it. The process of commuting to and from work, your kid’s sports events and recitals, or anywhere you need to be one time can be extremely stressful. Over time, this stress can heavily weigh on your sleep and overall health. A move to a low-traffic area like OKC or Tulsa might just be the solution you need.

Thinking of Relocating to Oklahoma? Beacon Homes is Here for You!

Beacon Homes offers a wide variety of homes for sale in the Oklahoma City and Tulsa areas that’ll have you reaping all the wonderful benefits mentioned above. Take advantage of beautiful weather, low cost of living, tons of activities, and more with a move to one of our many communities.

If you have any questions or would like to learn more about moving to Oklahoma, connect with us online. We look forward to helping you!

Posted on July 14, 2022

Figuring out the formula for mortgage rates can seem like magic. There are so many factors that can nudge rates up or down. So here at Beacon Homes, we thought we’d offer a bit of insight into what makes mortgage rates change.

WHAT DOES THE FED HAVE TO DO WITH IT?

The role of the Federal Reserve Bank in mortgage rates is a bit confusing. The members of the Federal Reserve Bank do not set mortgage rates. Rather, they control the Fed Funds Rate, which is the interest rate at which financial institutions borrow money from each other in order to meet short-term loans and withdrawals. Short-term interest rates do not impact long-term financing, like mortgages.

What about the “prime rate”? Each bank decides on its own prime rate, which is the interest rate for lending money to customers with good credit. These financial institutions may set their own prime rate according to the Fed Funds Rate, often a few percentage points higher. Credit cards, for example, reflect the prime rate. If you have a good credit rating, you get a lower interest rate on your credit card balance.

WHAT ARE MORTGAGE-BACKED SECURITIES?

Home loan rates are actually determined by investors who purchase mortgage-backed securities (MBS). These investments are bonds that are backed by mortgages in the United States. As bonds are traded in the stock market, the MBS pricing changes—up and down. MBS are traded every day, so the rate is in constant flux. Every type of mortgage is affected: conventional, jumbo, FHA, VA, and USDA loans.

WHAT ABOUT SUPPLY AND DEMAND?

In some industries, when demand goes up, the price goes up as well. In mortgage bonds, however, the opposite happens. When the demand for mortgage bonds increases, the price increases, BUT mortgage rates fall.

Tim Lucas, editor for The Mortgage Reports, explains, “Demand for mortgage bonds can change for a multitude of reasons, but the most common driver is risk–avoidance. Most mortgage-backed bonds are guaranteed by the U.S. government, so they’re considered ‘extra safe’. Default risk is practically nil with U.S. government-backed debt.

“During periods of economic or political uncertainty, U.S. mortgage bonds tend to be in high demand. This trading pattern is known as a ‘flight–to–quality’. When there’s a bona fide flight–to–quality going on, consumer mortgage interest tends to drop.”

For example, in 2020 and 2021, the Feds bought billions of dollars of consumer mortgages to keep mortgage rates low and pump cash into the economy. At some point, though, when the economy improves, the government no longer intercedes, and rates go up. When the Fed sells government securities (MBS), it reduces the amount of cash in the system, and banks then raise interest rates. We’re seeing that trend now.

MORTGAGE MYTHS: FACTORS THAT DON’T MAKE MORTGAGE RATES CHANGE

Let’s look at things that DO NOT impact mortgage rates.

The 10-Year Treasury Note

Contrary to popular belief, mortgage rates do not change according to the 10–Year Treasury Note. According to mortgage expert Tim Lucas, “The 10–Year Treasury Note is a debt–issuance from the U.S. Treasury. Over time, the 10–year note and mortgage–backed bonds will trend together; but, on any given day, the two can diverge. Therefore, you can’t watch the yield of the 10–Year Treasury Note and know in which direction mortgage rates are moving with certainty.”

So, why do people use the Treasury Note as a measuring stick? Lucas explains, “One of the reasons is because access to real–time MBS data is expensive whereas data on the 10–Year Treasury Note is as close as turning to CNBC.” If you want an accurate predictor of what makes mortgage rates change, pay attention to MBS prices.

Members of Congress.

Don’t direct credit or blame for the current mortgage interest rates at your elected officials. While they create legislation and might spark demand for MBS, this government body has no say in the rise and fall of those figures.

Even though mortgage rates are fluctuating, now is still a great time to buy. If a new construction home is what you’re considering, Beacon Homes has communities in the Oklahoma City and Tulsa areas.

Posted on June 28, 2022

When buying a to-be-built home, it’s understandable to have a million questions running through your mind from the timeline for completion, to what upgrades are available, and more.

At Beacon Homes, we want to alleviate some of these questions and make sure the home buying process is a breeze. Here are some frequently asked questions and their answers.

How long does it take to build?

The time it takes to build can vary. Especially if you’re looking to buy a quick move-in home versus a to-be-built.

A quick move-in home refers to a home that has been pre-designed and is currently being built, if not already completed. These types of homes would take a shorter time to build as most of the design and style decisions have been pre-selected. These could be ready in one to six months depending on what stage the home is at in the building process.

For a to-be-built home, you start by choosing your homesite and floor plan. This means you have more flexibility when it comes to personalizing details with a Beacon design consultant. Each month we reserve a number of openings in our construction schedule for to-be-built homes. Your Beacon Sales Specialist can tell you what the next available opening is and provide an estimated time frame for the entire process.

Do I need an appointment to view model homes?

Yes. In order to make the most of your visit and dedicate time to any questions, we recommend scheduling an appointment. Though we have a few model homes, they are not always open. Our sales team is available 7 days a week, but they often out at the model home showing homes and homesites to other clients. Scheduling an appointment ensures that we are able to give you the time and attention you deserve.

Better yet, we recommend connecting with our New Home Specialist, Cori. She is available to help answer any preliminary questions you have and guide you to the right community and home that fits your needs. She can also schedule an appointment for you to meet with our team in person.

Will I need to make a lot of upgrades to the home?

No. A large percentage of our buyers don’t spend very much adding options to their home. We put a lot of consideration into the way our homes are built and designed and include a lot of great features that might be an extra cost for other builders.

What options do you offer and what color choices do I have?

We currently offer 8 design packages that our wonderful designer, Chelsea, has put together.

Fresh & Airy
Opposites Attract
The Modern Farmhouse
After 5PM
Cool Breeze
Au Natural
Something Old, Something New
Simply Classic

Start with the package that speaks to you. Do you prefer something bohemian with warm, neutral colors? Choose Fresh & Airy! Maybe you prefer a more moody, trendy feel? After 5PM would be your best option.

Once you’ve selected a design package, we can then move on to personalized details and finishes that speak to your unique style. From paint to countertops, lighting to flooring, and more, we offer a wide variety of options to create a home that is designed just for you.

Do you allow changes to your floor plans?

Yes! We have invested a lot of time studying the different ways that people use the spaces in their homes and creating options to meet those needs. We offer a wide variety of pre-designed choices to change your floor plan. You can even use our interactive guide to see these options and exterior color schemes

How many years has Beacon been in business?

We’ve been in business for almost 20 years. Within those 20 years, we’ve kept our promise to build with integrity and build homes that last the test of time, focusing on serving families of all shapes and sizes by helping them find a home that fits their lifestyle.

With our team’s hard work and maintaining our core values, we will continue building dream homes for many years to come.

What kind of new home warranty does Beacon Home offer?

We offer a 1-year builder’s warranty along with additional manufacturers’ warranties. The BHG, or Beacon Homeowner Guide, includes clear details about your warranty so there’s no guesswork when it comes to what is and isn’t covered.

Our customers also enjoy our in-house warranty service with Chelsi,Billy, and Daniel. We believe this sets us apart from other builders by allowing us to truly be with you every step of the way.

How much money do I have to put down?

The answer to this question varies. It would depend on whether you’re interested in purchasing a quick move-in versus a to-be-built home.

With a to-be-built home, you choose the community, homesite, floorplan, and finishes, then we construct the home from the ground up. The investment needed to get started on this process varies from 3-5%. If there are additional options you’d like to add to the home, this may require a bit more of an investment.

Quick move-in homes are already in development and have the home options already picked out. The initial investment for this type of home ranges from 1%-3% depending on the home you select.

Do I have to get a construction loan?

No! As your new home builder, we take on the responsibility of the construction loan. All you need by the time of the contract is a pre-qualification letter from a lender.

But don’t worry, our team will assist you with any questions throughout the process and we can recommend a fantastic lender to assist you with pre-qualification at the beginning of the process and your mortgage when you’re ready to move in.

If I’m interested in a particular new home or community, what do I do next?

Contact Cori! Cori is our New Home Specialist. She is available whenever you decide to build and will be the start to your new home journey!

Give her a call at 405-358-8615 or email Cori@Mybeaconhome.com. We also offer a convenient chat option on our site!

Posted on April 7, 2022

At Beacon Homes, we believe that excellent customer service doesn’t stop at the closing table. We understand the financial and emotional investment in building a new home, so we want to be there for you even after the sale to make sure you’re 100% satisfied.

Many other builders outsource their warranty departments, but we believe that our customers are best served by our own, full-time, in-house warranty team. Beacon Homes’ warranty professionals are familiar with our homes, our service, and most importantly, our standards of excellence. Meet the warranty team!

Beacon Homes Warranty Department

Chelsi Leard

Warranty & Homeowner Satisfaction Administrator

“My heart has always been happiest helping people, which is why I look forward to maintaining a positive and lasting relationship with you beyond the completion of your future home!”

Billy Parkman

Warranty & Homeowner Satisfaction Technician

“I am so grateful to be working in the Warranty department at Beacon Homes. The quality of the members of our team has greatly impressed me. I look forward to meeting you and serving you in your journey of making your house a home.”

Daniel Manning

Warranty & Homeowner Satisfaction

“After 21 years in many roles in the construction process, I am excited to oversee the day-to-day construction of new homes. I have always wanted to be a part of a team like Beacon.”

This is the team that is dedicated to giving you unconditional support throughout your new home journey, even past your closing date! Learn more about our warranty program or feel free to contact us with any questions.

Posted on March 21, 2022April 7, 2022

We know you’re busy, and we understand that traditional sales office hours don’t work for everyone to visit new home communities or tour model homes. That’s why Beacon Homes offers three ways to tour our beautiful new homes in Oklahoma City and Tulsa, without having to make an appointment. You can:

1) Do a self-tour

2) Watch a video walk-through

3) Take a 3D virtual Matterport tour

1) Self tours allow you to tour a great number of our model homes and quick move-in homes at any time that’s convenient for you. As you drive through the community, no matter the time or day of the week, you’ll see “Tour Now” signs identifying which homes are available to be viewed right away. If you see a home you like, simply call Cori, our online sales counselor, follow a few simple steps, and you’re in! Take as much time as you need to walk the home and consider how you might live there. No need for a sales representative to be there with you — no pressure.

2) Our video walk-throughs are professionally-shot tours that offer viewers a sense of how our homes look, feel, and perform. And you’ll love our birds-eye view drone videos that highlight the layouts, amenities, and locations of our communities. View the video gallery.

3) Matterport tours are 3D virtual tours that allow you to “walk” through a home virtually and visit every room, view every angle, even peer into bathrooms and out of windows! You can zoom in and out to see rooms from the exact view you’d like, and quickly jump from room to room if you wish. You can even take measurements to determine if your furniture would fit in the space. See our virtual tours.

At Beacon Homes, we understand that your time is valuable, so we have brought our homes to you! Whether in-person on your schedule, by video, or through virtual walk-through, however you want to tour our homes works perfectly for us. When you’re ready for more information, we’ll be here ready to help. Contact us for more information.

Posted on December 20, 2021January 19, 2022

When you trust Beacon Homes to build your new home, we are committed to a process that’s efficient, easy to understand, and entirely smooth. Part of this process is your initial online research, and we believe that this stage should be just as easy as everything else!

That’s why we’ve recently revamped our entire website, so when you’re looking online for the perfect new home in Oklahoma City or Tulsa, you have the most user-friendly and informative website possible. Like our beautiful, energy-efficient homes that are built to last, our brand new website is designed with you in mind. Here are a few of the biggest additions that will guide you on your journey:

#1 Better Mobile Experience

From communicating with your friends and family to researching important information, it’s never been easier or more convenient to connect and access the world through your phone. When you’re on the go or pressed for time, now you can browse our website just as easily on your phone as you can on your computer.

Our new mobile-friendly interface lets you explore everything that Beacon Homes has to offer right in the palm of your hand (literally)! While you’re making coffee, going for a jog, or waiting to drop your kids off, you can sort through floorplans, browse communities, and contact our team with the tap of your finger.

#2 Easy to Connect

When you’re looking to find the right builder for your new home, you need a team that prioritizes communication. At Beacon Homes, we ensure that every question and concern is attended to promptly, and you always have the answers that you need. This way, you can feel confident every step of the way.

When you’re on our website, you’ll notice an “Ask Cori” box in the top right corner — simply click and a form will show up. Cori, our Online Sales Counselor, is the first person you’ll be in contact with on your journey. Knowledgeable, attentive, and as friendly as can be, Cori will go over all of the incredible things that lie ahead.

#3 Our Homes Front and Center

We know that our incredible selection of homes that are Smart, Healthy, and Built to Last are the stars of the show. That’s why they are front and center on our website, with a spotlight shining on them! Now more than ever, our homes are easy to find, easy to sort through, and easy to compare.

From our quick move-ins to our floorplans, you’ll see every bit of information that you need — address, price, square footage, availability date, bedrooms and bathrooms, etc. — at first glance. Once you hit “Home Details,” you’ll be taken to a page that details everything, from a general description to interior features to energy-efficient features to school info and beyond. Finding your perfect match has never been easier.

#4 More Interactive

The process of searching for and choosing a new home is an intensely visual experience. And with so many beautiful selections and options to choose from, we know the design aspect can be overwhelming. That’s why we’ve developed an all-new Online Design Studio. Here, your dream home will come to life virtually as you select flooring, cabinets, color palettes, light fixtures, exterior designs, and more. Seeing is believing!

At Beacon Homes, we put ease and comfort into the homebuilding process. This is a guarantee that we incorporate into every aspect of our work, from our website to the construction process to warranty. Our new site is designed for you to easily navigate the initial stages of your greatest journey yet. We hope you enjoy discovering your new home!

Posted on October 11, 2021January 19, 2022

If you are considering relocating to the great state of Oklahoma — either for the low cost of living, great career opportunities, unique culture, or tons of activities — you’ve chosen well. There are so many advantages of living in this state that’s located smack dab in the heart of the country, that embraces innovation just as much as its rich history. There are many more, but here are our top 10 reasons to relocate to Oklahoma — particularly its two largest cities of Oklahoma City and Tulsa!

1) Low Cost of Living

The overall cost of living in Oklahoma is well below the national average, which means your dollar stretches further for both basics like utilities and food, and for the fun stuff like shopping and entertainment. A new home in Oklahoma City or Tulsa is an especially good investment, since both markets are currently about half as expensive as the national average, and home prices continue to rise.

2. Fun Activities for Everyone

There are tons of interesting, fun, and downright exciting things to do in Oklahoma! In Oklahoma City, stop by the Oklahoma City National Memorial & Museum for a casual stroll through the recently-renovated, state-of-the-art facility, or turn the energy way up at a Thunders’ basketball game at the Chesapeake Energy Arena. In Tulsa, spend a Saturday night in the Blue Dome Entertainment District for tasty food, cocktails, and live entertainment, or bring the kids to the fantastic Oklahoma Aquarium in Jenks, about 20 minutes south of Tulsa.

3. Unique Shopping Districts

The state’s two biggest cities have some of the most unique specialty shopping in the Midwest! In OKC, head to Stockyards City to stock up on quintessential western wear like cowboy boots, hats, and jeans. Western Avenue has plenty of one-of-a-kind shops for antiques and records. And in Midtown you’ll find hip and trendy stores for the fashion-forward shopper.

In Tulsa head to The Boxyard, an innovative shopping experience where each retailer is housed in a refurbished shipping container. No big box stores here — only little ones! From women’s wear to skate gear, if it’s unique enough you’ll find it here. In Utica Square you’ll find the perfect mix of upscale national retailers and smaller, independent shops.

4. Amazing Restaurant Scene

Did you know? Oklahoma is a test market for many national restaurant chains. The state is literally in the heart of the county and its residents represent a microcosm of the American population. If a restaurant or new dish does well here — chances are it’ll be a national success!

Oklahoma cities also have their fair share of local restaurants that attract foodies from all over the state. From BBQ to international flavors, you can find the best of it here. In the OKC area try the Onion Burger at Tuckers, or stroll through Chisolm Creek and take your pick from a number of excellent casual and fine dining places. In Tulsa, try any of the restaurants at Mother Road Market or along Cherry Street and you won’t be disappointed.

Oklahoma is especially known for a good old-fashioned hamburger, and all the variations of it! Check out The 13 Best Burgers in OKC and Tulsa and add as many as you can to your “must-do” list the next time you’re in town.

5. Not Your Ordinary Public Parks

Public parks are a source of pride for many Oklahoma cities, and with acres upon acres of green space, walking and biking trails, gardens, playgrounds, water features, and other attractions, residents take full advantage of them. In OKC the main attractions are Lake Hefner, Martin Park Nature Center, and Scissortail Park. In Tulsa, The Gathering Place is a 100-acre, world-class, riverfront park with various activites like Mist Mountain and Chapman Adventure Playground, educational activities, and year-round events. It’s the ultimate park, and it’s right here in Tulsa!

6. Outdoor Festivals

As one of the top states with the most days of sunshine in a year (231 days, on average), Oklahomans live for outdoor festivals. The largest are the state’s music festivals — with sounds ranging from country to metal and everything in between. Must-sees include Normal Music Festival in Norman, American Heritage Musical Festival in Grove, and Rocklahoma in Pryor.

If browsing art stalls on a beautiful sunny day is more your speed, check out Festival of the Arts in Oklahoma City, Tulsa International Mayfest, or the Paseo Arts Festival in OKC. Finally, if taste testing specialty food sounds appetizing, find your way to the Frederick Fantastic Oyster Fry, or the El Reno Fried Onion Burger Day Festival.

7. Great Schools and Universities

No matter where you live in Oklahoma, you have access to great schools! Deer Creek School District, where Beacon Homes builds in OKC, is ranked the best school district in the state according to graduation rates and testing. For higher education, The University of Tulsa is known as the “Harvard of the West,” and the University of Oklahoma in Norman, Oklahoma State University in Stillwater, and the University of Central Oklahoma in Edmond are also excellent options.

8) Access to Everywhere

As mentioned earlier, Oklahoma is at the geographic center of the country, and that’s useful for a lot more than just testing restaurants! The state is located on the crossroads of I-40 and I-35, which means you have a straight shot to either coast. For those who travel often for work or fun, you can get to Dallas in just 3.5 hours, Arkansas in 2 hours, and Wichita, KS in just over 3 hours.

9) All Four Seasons

Due to the tilt of the Earth and Oklahoma’s location, the state experiences all four seasons in all their splendor. Whether you love sunny summers for swimming or cold winters to cozy up to a fireplace, you can enjoy it all here in Oklahoma. There’s also plenty to do in each season — lake trips in the summer, balloon fests in the fall, eagle spotting in the winter, and state parks and museums in the spring. Every season is unique and wonderful!

10) Job Opportunities

If you are looking for a career opportunity in aviation, biotechnology, energy, transportation, or business services, there’s a good chance you’ll find it in Oklahoma City or Tulsa. Both cities have unemployment rates well below the national average, and expect positive job growth over the next ten years.

Oklahoma is a great state to consider for relocation. If you are looking for new homes in Oklahoma City or Tulsa, or if you just need some relocation advice, contact us — we’d love to help!

Posted on October 11, 2021January 19, 2022

Real estate markets are constantly changing and responding to larger economic forces, but the last nearly two years have really thrown a curve ball to the industry at large. Although national home prices had been on a steady incline prior to the pandemic, since summer of 2020 they have increased exponentially, by nearly 18% in fact. Although we have seen stabilization in some markets, home prices are expected to continue rising for the foreseeable future. In this article, we’ll explain the reason for this, and why it’s still a great time to buy nonetheless.

Price Increases Explained

For existing homes, scarcity was, and is, the main factor driving up their cost. For new homes, the challenge has been scarcity plus the rising cost of lumber and other building materials. From 2019 to the all-time peak in May 2021, lumber increased by over 400% for a thousand board feet. Lumber is the number one material used to frame houses, and according to the National Association of Home Builders, that cost added an average of $30,000 to each new home.

Today, the cost of lumber has plummeted since May, but at $650 per thousand board feet (as of October 2021), it is still well above the $400 averages we saw two years ago. Based on production and demand cycles, the cost of lumber is expected to continue rising at least through next year, along with other building materials like PVC piping, concrete, OSB (a type of wood panel), insulation, copper wire, and structural steel.

The cost of skilled labor also presents a challenge. There were construction labor shortages prior to 2020, and the pandemic only exacerbated them. While there are national workforce development programs aimed at attracting people to the housing industry and providing the training and certifications they need, companies are currently coping with smaller workforces and workers who may be sick or exposed, and must quarantine for long periods of time. Home building companies must be willing to pay more for skilled trade partners and craftsmen in order to complete homes.

What all this means for homebuyers is that, while home prices have stabilized in parts of the country, they have definitely not decreased, and they, too, will continue to rise for the foreseeable future, though at a slower rate. Due to materials and labor shortages, we are also still seeing delays in starting and finishing new homes. But there is good news…

Why Now is Still a Great Time to Buy

Because of the unpredictable nature of the real estate market, the best time to buy is when you are ready. If you are ready to make a move and build your dream home now, and are financially able, there is no question that it is a great time to buy. Interest rates continue to be low, which means, even with the added cost of lumber and materials, you can still afford “more house” than you could could just two years ago.

In 2019, the average interest rate for a 30-year fixed rate mortgage was 4.25%. On October 6, 2021, it was 3.13%. For more up-to-date and complete information on interest rates and mortgage options, we encourage you to speak with a lender. (If you’d like a recommendation for a reliable and helpful lender, please contact us.)

In summary, yes — the real estate industry can be unpredictable, but there is no guarantee that tomorrow, next month, or next year will be a better time to buy than today. In fact, the forecasts are showing that the costs of lumber, materials, interest rates, and therefore housing will continue to increase for the foreseeable future.

At Beacon Homes, we are thankful for our strong vendor relationships, which have enabled us to continue building homes for our valued customers with little disruption. We are staying ahead of market conditions and proactively ordering materials as early as possible to minimize delays. Construction managers also provide weekly updates throughout the build so that our customers are always up to date on the progress of their home. While we have faced the same challenges as most builders throughout the country, we are proud to continue building expertly-crafted, high quality homes in Oklahoma City and Tulsa and with the level of care and customer service that we’ve become known for.

If you are ready to buy, we are ready to build! Contact us today to learn more about our design process and move into the home of your dreams sooner than you ever expected.

Posted on October 11, 2021January 19, 2022

Buying any home, let alone a brand new one, is such an exciting and involved experience. There are lots of emotions and personalities at play when it comes to selecting the right one, not to mention all the details of buying, designing, and building. Wouldn’t it be nice to have just one person you could call with any question?

At Beacon Homes, that person is Cori Masters, and she can’t wait to speak with you! Cori is our Online Sales Counselor, which means she is the first person you’ll speak with when you begin your new home search with Beacon Homes. When you call the number on the website or fill out the inquiry form, Cori will immediately reach out.

She’ll take the time to understand your wants and needs, expertly answer questions about any community or floorplan, and help you narrow down your search to just a few perfect options so that the process isn’t so overwhelming. She’ll even stay with you throughout the buying and building process until you close on your new home!

Cori is a real person with real answers — at Beacon Homes you never have to talk to a bot. She’s also an experienced new home salesperson with six years in the industry and a unique background that helps her to connect with people from all walks of life and from around the world.

Originally from Argentina, Cori worked as a photographer and lived in Italy and Japan before moving to North Carolina with her husband. She speaks English, Spanish, and Italian fluently and has conducted multiple webinars and led podcast discussions on the topic of cross-cultural selling in the new home industry. Here’s what she has to say about her role at Beacon Homes:

“I am thankful and feel blessed every day to work with a company and a team like Beacon Homes! I have been working as an online sales expert for the past six years, and I enjoy getting to know my future homeowners, understanding exactly what they need, and walking them through the process together until they close on their dream home!”

Whether you have general questions about our new homes in Oklahoma City or Tulsa, or you’ve already identified where you want to live and need to know the next steps to make it happen, Cori is the person to speak with! You can reach her directly at 405-358 – 8615 or [email address.] She’ll help make your home buying experience easy and enjoyable!

Posted on March 29, 2021May 4, 2021

Between your first family discussion about a new home and the moment your builder hands over your keys, there are so many memorable experiences to enjoy along your journey. Documenting those experiences will add a whole new level of excitement for everyone! And of course, once you are all settled in, you will love to look back on this unique part of your family’s story.

From a scrapbook to videos, take a look at a few fun ways to document your new home journey:

Pantone’s yearly colors provide endless opportunities to give your home the fresh, contemporary vibe you’re looking for in the new year. And you don’t have to stop there — take a look at the unique shades that major paint companies have chosen to highlight this year!

Ultimate Gray and Illuminating (Yellow): Every year, Pantone announces a “color of the year” that embodies a unique message. For 2021, they chose Pantone 17-5104 Ultimate Gray and Pantone 13-0647 Illuminating (yellow), two uplifting colors that convey strength and hopefulness. These soft, modern hues work beautifully together (and apart) in any space; try using them as wall colors, in furniture accessories, throughout table displays, and more. Pantone’s yearly colors provide endless opportunities to give your home the fresh, contemporary vibe you’re looking for in the new year. And you don’t have to stop there — take a look at the unique shades that major paint companies have chosen to highlight this year!