So… you’re starting to think about what it might be like to own a new home in OKC or Tulsa. Imagine a fresh, modern space that’s all yours, built with the latest, high-performance materials and systems, and an opportunity to personalize your home so that it’s a reflection of you. Sounds pretty spectacular, right? 

If you’re going to be making this move anytime soon (or even sometime in the future), there are a few things to do to be prepared. The more organized you are now, the faster you’ll be able to act when you find that perfect home. Here are six tips to help you get started on your new home journey:

Start a Design Look Book

It’s never too early to start thinking about what you want your new home to look like! When you come across a design detail or a picture that inspires you, save it to a folder on your computer or phone for easy reference later on. The more you can imagine your new home, the easier and faster the design process will be later. Check out our Photo Gallery for inspiration! 

Narrow Down the Location

Make a list of all the locations where you’d consider living and do some internet research to find new home builders in those areas. Take a look at area maps and plats on websites so you can understand exactly where the homes or homesites are located in relation to work, school, family, or favorite recreation spots. Make notes of when communities are releasing new homes so you can be the first to act. (Be sure to join our Interest Lists!)

Join Interest Lists

Once you’ve found a few favorite communities, go ahead and sign up on interest lists to receive news and updates. The housing market is in a bit of flux right now because of extremely tight supply due to scarce building materials. As new homesites and move-in ready homes become available, you can be the first to know and take action (which is when that pre-qualification letter will come in handy).

Choose Your Favorite Floorplans

Once you’ve found a community in your preferred area, have a look at our floorplans and choose a few favorites within your price range. Start thinking about how you would live in the home, and whether or not any customization would be necessary. When you’re ready, the process will go much faster because you’ve already thought through the details.

Speaking of the details… there are quite a few to consider when making your final floorplan choice: 

What size home do you really need? 

Rather than concentrating on square footage, think about how you would use the space. 

How many sleeping spaces do you need? Could a guest room double as an office if it won’t be used often? Think about the space you wish you had (or don’t use) now and prioritize your needs.

Think about how you live.  

Every family has their own style, so choosing a floorplan that meets YOUR needs is essential. Do you need an office? A rec room? A home gym? Would a multi-purpose flex space that changes as your family grows work for these applications or would you prefer dedicated spaces? 

Be honest about your needs.

Before choosing a home plan, ask yourself: 

• Is your family situation changing, either growing or shrinking?
• Do you need guest rooms for overnight visitors? 
• What about longer-term living space for visiting parents or grandchildren? 
• Are you approaching retirement? Will you want to age in place? 
• How do you entertain? Do you want formal spaces or more relaxed gathering rooms? 
• Are you working from home? Do you want a dedicated office space?
• Do you have hobbies or special interests that might require special rooms to enjoy them? 
• Do you need lots of attic or storage space to store your treasures?

If you are considering a new home in OKC or Tulsa, we’d love to help you kickstart the planning process! To learn more about Beacon Homes’ communities or quick move-in homes, give us a call at (405) 358-8615. 

Designing your new home is one of the most exciting and memorable parts of the building process. There are so many beautiful choices of cabinets, flooring, countertops, fixtures, and paint — and the combinations are seemingly endless.

Many of our customers can’t wait to get started designing, and often want to visit the Design Center early in the process so that they can begin thinking about what their new home will look like. With this in mind, we set out to create an easy, fun, interactive way that anyone can use to get inspired with home design.

We are thrilled to introduce Beacon Homes Envision — an all-new interactive design tool that allows home shoppers and buyers to browse, select, and save selections to start envisioning their new home. The tool’s streamlined navigation helps users understand what selections are available and makes it easy to narrow down and compare their choices. Using Envision is simple, and puts you one step closer to realizing your dream home.

How It Works

Envision is easy to use. Start with the Design Checklist to see all the items that are available for your new home, arranged by category. You’ll find selections for:

• Appliances
• Countertops & Wall Tile
• Plumbing Fixtures
• Cabinets and Millwork
• Flooring
• Paint
• Exteriors

Click into each category and you’ll find smaller subcategories. For example, flooring is arranged into hardwoods, carpet, and tile.  From there, just click on the images that appeal to you to open enlarged versions with descriptions. If it’s a favorite, click “Add to Wishlist.”

You can save as many selections to your account as you like, and come back to reference pictures or to compare items any time. The tool also lets you know if an item is included in the base cost of the home, or if it is considered an upgrade.

Why It’s Great

With Beacon Homes’ Envision, you can see all the selections we offer in our Design Center, from the comfort of your home. For buyers, this gives you a head start on your design appointment, since you’ll already have an idea of items you can choose from and which finishes you like. When it’s time for your appointment, you can simply view your Wishlist with our in-house design consultant. These images will help her pull together several design packages that you’re sure to love, and you’ll be able to make decisions faster and with more confidence.

If you’re a home shopper and haven’t quite committed to a floor plan yet, but you’re still curious about the selections available to you, you’re free to use Envision, too! Create an online lookbook right within the tool to spark your creative design ideas.

Envision will not replace an in-person meeting with your designer when it’s time to make final selections, but it’s sure to make the process more streamlined, fun, and accessible. To get started, visit our website and we can’t wait for you to get started!

Beacon Homes are Built Smart. Built Healthy. Built to Last.™ If you are interested in a new home in Oklahoma City or Tulsa, OK, please contact Cori at (405) 358 – 8615.

Are you looking for a neighborhood that offers more than a nice home in a good location? When you’re ready to get more from your new home, Beacon Homes has the perfect place. We’re making great progress at Woodland Park in East Edmond, OK, a neighborhood where you can experience the staycation lifestyle year-round.

Beacon Homes has begun building a community in Woodland Park on Covell Road in Edmond, one of the best places to live in the country, according to Money.com. The amenities will be beyond anything offered in the area: two swimming pools, a clubhouse, fitness center, full-sized basketball court, and playgrounds.

When you want more activity, you don’t have to travel far. From here, it’s just 2.5 miles to I-35, which leads you easily into Oklahoma City and around Edmond. Get out and enjoy all the things to do in this area, and then come home to a community that feels like a resort. No matter what you like to do, you’ll find it close to Woodland Park.

Go 2.5 miles in another direction and you come to Arcadia Lake, a popular place for swimming, boating, water skiing, and all things aquatic. You can also picnic, camp, hike, ride your bike, or take a horseback ride along the equestrian trails. Drop a line in the lake from the fishing pier or heated covered dock, and you’re likely to pull out bluegill, catfish, and largemouth bass.

Making Woodland Park your home also means that your children get the benefit of the top-rated Edmond School District. Centennial Elementary School earned a perfect “10” from GreatSchools.org and 5 stars from SchoolDigger.com. Central Middle School also received 5 stars, and Memorial High School achieved a 10 for student progress and 9’s for exceptional results on standardized test scores and college readiness, plus a 99% graduation rate. Memorial High was also ranked #22 among all high schools in the entire state.

Model home coming soon!

From 2,000 to more than 3,000 square feet, single-level or two-story, we’ve developed a collection of home designs that give you the most important feature in a new home: a choice. Beacon Homes offers 10 unique floor plans for Woodland Park, each with options to personalize it to your style.

We chose the Charleston Bonus floor plan for our model home, now under construction at 8709 Cherry Blossom Road. Our designers have incorporated so many details to show off Beacon Homes’ creativity and craftsmanship. Custom stonework, coffered and beam ceilings, exterior architectural detail, a gourmet kitchen with custom cabinetry—it’s all here. This 2,972-square-feet home includes a second-story bonus suite that adds almost 300 square feet of living space, plus a full bath and closet.

We’ve started building four other 4-bedroom homes in Woodland Park. Are you ready to be one of the founding members of a neighborhood that is destined to be one of the most sought-after addresses in Edmond? Take a look at what’s coming soon. Contact us to review Beacon Homes’ plans: the sitemap, home designs, amenities, and all the features available to you.

As an Oklahoma City homebuilder, it’s hard for Beacon Homes to choose any one area as a favorite. Each one presents its own unique character and benefits. Wherever we decide to build a community of new homes, our goal is to make it a true neighborhood. Come inside The Grove community in Edmond and let us show you what makes it special.

Superior schools

Families set their sights on Edmond because of the city’s reputation for quality schools. The Deer Creek School District is among the best, not just in Edmond, but the entire state of Oklahoma! Deer Creek High School, which is assigned to students living in The Grove, maintains a 100% graduation rate. Students of all abilities (including disadvantaged) score far above the state average. Grove Valley Elementary School was recently built right here in the neighborhood, so getting your kids back and forth to school and activities couldn’t be easier.

A staycation location

Once you’ve decided that the Deer Creek area is right for you, consider the amenities a neighborhood can offer. The Grove won’t disappoint! You shouldn’t be hearing anyone complain, “I’m bored” when you live in a community with so much to do: 2 clubhouses, 2 swimming pools, splash park, treehouse park, 2 fitness centers, basketball court, soccer fields, fishing pond, and walking trails. It’s like having a private rec center! Think about time and money spent on memberships and travel back and forth to clubs, playgrounds, parks, and activity centers. The Grove gives you the convenience of first-class amenities at an affordable price.

So easy to get where you’re going

The Grove is located off Summer Grove Avenue, near North May Avenue, and with easy access to the highway. The commute to downtown Oklahoma City—and popular places like Bricktown—is a breeze!

Choices to fit your lifestyle

The Grove is a community that will enhance a homeowner’s lifestyle. These single-family homes are sized from about 1,500 square feet to nearly 3,300 square feet of living space. Whether you’re a first-time homebuyer, growing family, single professional, or empty nester, you can make yourself right at home.

The homesites contribute to this distinction. We have cul-de-sacs, too. Maybe you want to live within walking distance of the clubhouse and pool. Tell us what works for you and we can likely find the perfect match at The Grove.

And a $7,000 bonus!

Are you ready to move? We’re offering $7,000 toward closing costs on a selection of new construction homes that are move-in ready right now:

3348 NW 188th Street: A 2,522-square-foot, single-level home, with 4 bedrooms, 2.5 baths, and 3-car garage. $327,900

3400 NW 188th Street: 2,500 square feet includes 3 bedrooms, 2.5 baths, a flex room, and a massive second-floor bonus room. $319,900

3349 NW 188th Street: A 2,366-square-foot design with 4 bedrooms, 2.5 baths, hearth room, and 3-car garage.  $314,900

We also have a beautiful new home for sale at 18109 Autumn Grove: 2,221 square feet, with 3 bedrooms, 2.5 baths (including jack-and-jill bath between the secondary bedrooms). At the special price of $294,900, the closing costs offer is not included.

When life leads you to live in the OKC region, take a direct route to your dream home in The Grove in Edmond. Beacon Homes is ready to show you the life you could be living here.

When Andrea and Jeff Amos were house-hunting a few years ago, their search brought them to an open house in Edmond, OK. The newly constructed home was located in Rush Brook, a Beacon Homes community. They were impressed with Beacon Homesthe home’s design and construction, as well as the neighborhood itself. Their path to homeownership took an interesting turn and recently they spoke with us, shining light on and their homebuying experience.

The couple was then working with Beth Byrd, the Rush Brook sales consultant on developing plans for their home. They described what they wanted for their new home, and they were a bit surprised when Beth suggested they look at a home that was under construction in Thornhill, a different Beacon Homes neighborhood.

“When Beth recommended that we go look at a property that wasn’t in Rush Brook, we were a little hesitant to do so,” explains Jeff, an operations trainer for an insurance company, “but when we walked in, Andrea looked at me and she said, ‘This is the house’.”

Jeff and Andrea had never built a home before, but they were encouraged by Beth. After meeting the principals of the company, they were convinced that Beacon Homes reflected the values they wanted in a homebuilder.

“Her welcoming and her attitude and her transparency really spoke to the commitment that Beacon [Homes] has to their customers,” says Jeff, who is now a licensed Realtor as well as a corporate trainer.

The feeling was mutual for Beth. “Jeff and Andrea were such a joy to work with! They were so open throughout the process. They helped me understand what their family needed in their new home, and they were very receptive to my suggestions.”

Finding Their Way to the Finishes

With love at first sight, the Amoses bought the Thornhill home, a Plymouth model that was well underway. Still, Beth presented them opportunities to personalize a variety of details to make this house a true reflection of their vision. They added beams to the ceilings, a custom floor in the master bath, and custom tile in the kitchen. Andrea, a Starbucks District Manager for the Oklahoma City region, was also excited to upgrade to extended kitchen cabinets.

While some people accept the myth that building a home can be stressful, Andrea and Jeff found it enjoyable, from start to finish.

“It was a fun process,” Jeff told us. “Beth and the whole Beacon Homes team worked to ensure that not only was the process easy to follow, but they really wanted to make it fun. They had lots of opportunities to just really encourage us and have fun with it.”

Looking back at the process and the outcome, Jeff says, “We did not end up with the home that we expected, but we definitely ended up with the home that we needed.”

Whether building or buying a new construction home, it’s important to choose a builder who understands the importance of details. At Beacon Homes, we take pride in the building process that Andrea and Jeff Amos experienced. So, when you’re ready to think about your future home in the Oklahoma City metro area, please think of us.

Back to School: Finding the Best School Districts in OKC

The quality of a school district is one of the most important considerations when parents are considering the location for their new home. Luckily, if you’ve narrowed in on the Oklahoma City metro area, you have some great choices. As your children are heading back to school, maybe you should do your own homework: finding the best school districts in OKC.

Oh, Deer!

For a superior educational experience, Edmond tops the list of quality school districts. Both Edmond and Deer Creek School Districts have earned top ratings—perfect “10s”  from GreatSchools, 5 stars from SchoolDigger, and an “A+” from Niche.com. The academics, faculty, diversity, activities, health and safety, and college preparedness are second to none in this region!

Deer Creek schools add a distinct benefit to living in the Edmond area served by this district. From Pre-K through grade 12, the schools are committed to delivering a well-rounded education, with experienced teachers, updated technology, and innovations in programs and activities.

Four of the best high schools in the state of Oklahoma are located in Edmond! U.S. News & World Report rated Edmond North High School as #6, Memorial High School placed 8th, Santa Fe High School earned #10, and Deer Creek High School is ranked #12. The students attending these high schools score far above both the state and national average for standardized tests and present perfect or near-perfect graduation rates. Isn’t this the education you want your child to experience?

Make an educated decision

Beacon Homes builds communities of new homes for sale in Edmond—Deer Creek, East Edmond, and Northwest Edmond.

Monarch Ridge is Beacon Homes’ new community in Southwest Edmond. Floor plans for this neighborhood are sized from 1,607 square feet to more than 2,600 square feet. Students have the advantage of being in the Deer Creek School District.

Rush Brook includes a pool and splash park, and a convenient Northwest Edmond location. The spacious homes here span 1,998 to almost 3,000 square feet, so we have a floor plan to fit your family. Rush Brook students attend Washington Irving Elementary School and Santa Fe High School.

The Grove offers resort-style amenities: swimming pool splash park, fitness center, and clubhouse. The diverse array of floor plans has something for everyone, from 1,514 square feet to 3,264 square feet. In addition to Deer Creek Intermediate School and Deer Creek High School, students living at The Grove are assigned to the district’s new Grove Valley Elementary School.

Woodland Park presents a truly unique community in East Edmond. The amenities of this new neighborhood will include a clubhouse, two pools, fitness center, full-sized basketball court, and playgrounds. Beacon Homes has developed a portfolio of home designs that offer 2,237 to almost 3,000 square feet of interior living space. Centennial Elementary School, Central Middle School, and Memorial High School are designated for students living in Woodland Park.

Give your children the educational advantage that comes with living in Edmond, OK. Beacon Homes has move-in ready homes now available in our Edmond communities, so you can get moving this school year! Contact us to make the smart choice.

Long before Money.com named Edmond one of the 50 “Best Places to Live”, we knew this Oklahoma City suburb is a perfect place to call home. From the quality of our schools to the variety of things to do and the abundance of warm-hearted people, Edmond gives you the best of everything. Beacon Homes is carrying on that tradition with the new homes and friendly neighborhoods we’ve been building around here since 2003. We want to serve up some information about building a new home so you can get a taste for it. We invite you to come for our ice cream social and get the scoop on building at our Rush Brook Open House on Sunday, July 15.

From 2-4 p.m., stop by our model home at 18604 Trailview Way in Northwest Edmond. Take a look around, ask questions, and find out how the new home construction process works. For example, did you know you don’t need a construction loan when you build within a new home community? 

Knowledgeable mortgage professionals from Legacy Bank will be on hand during our Open House. In fact, they’re the ones providing the ice cream. Take advantage of this opportunity to find out about financing a new home, with no obligation! It’s worth gathering up all the information available so you can understand your opportunities and options. 

Whether or not you choose to build a home at Rush Brook, we want you to dig deeper into the home building process —well, the way Beacon Homes does it, including energy efficiency—rather than make assumptions.

Live like you’re on staycation

While you’re visiting, be sure to check out the community amenities planned for Rush Brook. Beacon Homes has big plans for this neighborhood! For starters, residents have a pool and a splash park. In fact, it’s right next to the model home, so you can take a look during your visit. 

We’re incorporating green spaces, like a park and walking trails, too, so you have plenty of reasons to enjoy living here. You deserve a place that feels as though you’re living in a resort—like having a year ‘round staycation.

The broad portfolio of floor plans for Rush Brook present many options for your new home— 1,744 to more than 3,200 square feet of indoor living space. With prices starting as low as the $240,000s, it’s also very affordable to get this level of quality living in such a great location!

The model home is Beacon Homes’ Finn’s Point floor plan, which includes stylish features like sliding barn doors to the flex room off the main living area. You need to see the great room, with the beam ceilings and the custom fireplace surround, created with herringbone brick and Craftsman-inspired woodwork. The kitchen is a chef’s delight, featuring a gas cooktop, wall oven, designer cabinetry, open shelving, and an oversized center island.

You can also preview the available homes now under construction in Rush Brook, like another Finn’s Point design at 18513 Windy Ridge, which will be ready move-in ready later this summer, and the distinctive Prescott floor plan at 813 NW 188th Street, with almost 2,000 square feet for $279,900.

Plan now to come to Rush Brook on Sunday, July 15, for our ice cream social open house. You’ll get a big helping of inspiration and information. Contact Beacon Homes for more information, and feel free to browse our other communities and floor plans, and get to know us a bit more before you come!

The top-rated schools in the Deer Creek School District in Edmond, Oklahoma, attract families to this Oklahoma City suburb. This city offers so many advantages, including accessibility to downtown OKC. Beacon Homes chose a serene section of Edmond to build our new home community, Monarch Ridge—a quiet retreat in the Deer Creek School District. In fact, Deer Creek Elementary School is within walking distance of the homes here.

The peaceful, country setting of this community will seem like you’re living far away from the city, but Monarch Ridge is only a few minutes from Hefner Parkway. You can get in and out of downtown Oklahoma City and the airport in 20 to 25 minutes. You’ll also be close to exceptional hospitals and Quail Springs, a popular venue for shopping, dining, and entertainment.

Beacon Homes has recently invested in the community of Monarch Ridge. We’ve worked closely with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers to protect the natural wildlife habitat and pond in the center of the neighborhood. Most of the homesites present views of this green space, a calming feature that enhances the country feeling here.  We’ve also increased the landscaping budget—more than double—to add stonework and more mature plantings that significantly add to the curb appeal.

Another addition to Monarch Ridge is the playground that we recently completed. Kids are now experiencing the vision that Beacon Homes had for a family-friendly community. The adjacent pavilion is under construction and will include charcoal grills to encourage people to get together and enjoy the safe, healthy environment of Monarch Ridge.

Beacon Homes currently has move-in ready homes at Monarch Ridge—all new construction!

5220 NW 164^thTerrace reflects our versatile Prescott design, presenting distinctive architectural detail, inside and out. With 2,057 square feet of indoor living space, this new home features three bedrooms, two baths, and a large flex room in the front. This room could be used as a formal living room, home office, library, playroom, or whatever else you have in mind. The open concept is welcoming for a family that likes to spend time together. We’ve added a built-in buffet in the kitchen. The master suite includes a luxurious master bath and walk-in closet with built-in shelves and organization. And we’ve incorporated closets throughout this home—front hall, laundry room, linen closets, pantry, and, of course the bedrooms. You can have all this, and the beautiful location of Monarch Ridge, for only $277,900. 

16420 Monarch Field Road represents Beacon Homes’ Camden floor plan, a Craftsman-inspired design on a large, greenbelt lot. This three-bedroom, two-bath home offers family-friendly spaciousness and a variety of custom details, like a mud bench in the laundry room, and two-tone kitchen cabinets finished with crown molding. With 1,825 square feet of indoor living space, this home is right-sized for a variety of lifestyles—from the first-time homebuyer to the empty-nester! Affordably priced at $247,900, this new construction home is worth a look.

16304 Monarch Field Road provides the opportunity to live large in Monarch Ridge. The Monarch floor plan delivers in a big way. We’ve artfully designed 2,188 square feet of interior space to give you comfort, convenience, and easy living. Look at the hearth room here, separated from the open living space by sliding barn doors. Keep it open if you want this flex space to be a playroom, or close it for a den, library, or formal living room. Three bedrooms, 2.5 baths, a gourmet kitchen, an oversized garage, and so many more details make this home a great value at $295,900.

Explore a truly unique lifestyle within a truly unique city. Contact Beacon Homes to learn more about these new homes for sale in Monarch Ridge in Edmond. And check out our other new home communities in this area.

Edmond is a great city to live, no matter what stage of life you’re in. This Oklahoma City suburb presents so many amenities—shopping, dining, entertainment, and services—as well as first-rate schools. Beacon Homes is developing new home communities in Edmond, and we currently have a selection of new construction homes that are move-in ready. You could be in your new home this summer! See what’s waiting for you in Edmond communities of Monarch Ridge and The Grove.

Monarch Ridge Quick Move-In Homes

16205 Monarch Field Road: 3 bedrooms, 2 baths, 1,692 square feet. $231,900.

16304 Monarch Field Road: 3 bedrooms, 2.5 baths, 2,188 square feet. $295,900.

5220 NW 164^thTerrace: 3 bedrooms, 2 baths, 2,057 square feet. $277,900.

16408 Monarch Ridge Boulevard: 3 bedrooms, 2 baths, 1,940 square feet. $249,900.

The Grove Quick Move-In Homes

2905 NW 187^thStreet: 4 bedrooms, 2 baths, 1,959 square feet. $258,900.

3348 NW 188^thStreet: 4 bedrooms, 2.5 baths, 2,522 square feet. $332,900.

18009 Groveton Boulevard: 4 bedrooms, 2.5 baths, 2,231 square feet. $295,900.

3008 NW 187^thCourt: 3 bedrooms, 2 baths, 1,885 square feet. $248,900.

Our family-friendly communities feature community amenities, great location, and quality construction. Contact Beacon Homes to arrange a personal tour of any of these homes. Also, browse our new home communities and floor plans to see more homes. 

The kitchen is the hub of the home. Here is where you get your morning coffee, prepare and serve food, clean up, and navigate around the company that always finds their way into this busy place. As you’re planning your new home or kitchen remodel, you’ve got plenty of choices. To help you make the right ones, let’s look at what to consider in finding the perfect kitchen layout.

Island or galley? The center island kitchen is a popular design because it provides more space and efficiency. The island can house the sink and dishwasher if you like. This additional kitchen element provides versatility for storage, serving, prep, and cooking space. Some homeowners build the microwave into the island or add a second oven. Extend the countertop and you create a breakfast bar that allows for casual dining in your kitchen.

The galley kitchen features two parallel counters, so it’s a popular choice with a narrow kitchen. Because of the shape, it’s a highly efficient kitchen layout.

Focus on the Triangle
For the most efficiency, pay attention to the flow that is afforded with the kitchen triangle—that direct path that connects the three critical spaces: the refrigerator (prep), stove (cooking), and sink/dishwasher (clean-up). Minimize the distance and obstructions. For example, consider the placement of your kitchen plumbing in order to get the correct placement of the sink, disposal, and dishwasher. At Beacon Homes, we recommend that the distance from one point of the triangle to another is at least 10 feet, to allow for uncrowded movement, but no farther than 25 feet, to maintain efficiency.

Determine your Counter Space
Everyone likes ample counter space—but how much is “ample” in your opinion? Do you like to keep your small appliances and cooking utensils on the counter for easy access? If so, you need more room than the minimalist who stores everything out of sight. Do you require a “catch-all” area to pile the mail, homework, magazines, and other items? Would you like counter space in your kitchen for handling household duties, like paying or organizing bills, or maybe keeping your laptop handy? Envision your countertop needs so you can calculate the right amount of “ample”.

Choose your Countertop Material
You’ve probably heard so much about the beauty and durability of granite countertops that you haven’t considered anything else. Many homeowners are looking at quartz countertops, which are engineered from a combination of quartz aggregate with a little bit of resin. In other words, it’s mostly stone. Quartz isn’t as porous as granite so you don’t have to re-seal it like granite requires. Of course, you have many other choices for countertop materials: concrete, stainless steel, marble, laminate, butcher block wood, soapstone, glass, recycled, and tile. Talk to your builder about the pros and cons of each.

Don’t Skimp on Storage
Cabinets are the focal point, representing the largest expense when remodeling or designing your kitchen. With so many choices in style and color, this decision can be a tough one, so consider your options carefully. Today’s kitchens are trending toward more drawers because of the convenience (you don’t have to dig deeply into a cabinet). Layered drawers allow you to have one drawer with two layers—maybe the top one for eating utensils and the lower one for cooking utensils. Even dishes are being stored in drawers on the lower cabinets or kitchen island.  Narrow pull-out cabinets are ideal for canned goods, spices, as well as pans and baking trays that can be stored vertically to better use space.

Light It for the Task
You perform a variety of functions in the kitchen, so you’ll benefit from a variety of light sources. Overhead lighting, like recessed light, are good for lighting the room. Pendant lights look and work great over a kitchen island and sink. Under-cabinet lights add valuable task lighting for prep work.

Designing the right kitchen layout for your home requires careful planning. In the Oklahoma City region, Beacon Homes is a builder with extensive experience in designing and building kitchens for a wide variety of home styles. If your plans include a new home, take a look at our custom kitchens, as well as the floor plans and our new home communities. Talk to us about everything you need and want in your new kitchen!

If you’re planning a move and Oklahoma is on your radar, here are the 7 best reasons to relocate to Oklahoma City.

#1. It Earned the Nickname of The Big Friendly

People in OKC are happy and easy-going. When you need a hand, you only have to ask. And sometimes, you don’t even need to do that!

When the Skirvin Hilton was trying to recruit an executive chef who had no interest in moving from Memphis to Oklahoma City, they brought him for a visit. The hotel’s manager, John Williams, boasted about the friendliness of the city. He suggested the chef walk outside the hotel and ask any stranger for directions to get to Bricktown, a popular entertainment district in OKC.

“Six out of ten people won’t just give you directions,” Williams said, “but they’ll also offer to lead you to Bricktown themselves.”

Williams was right, and he had himself a new chef.

#2. The Public Schools are First-Rate

Go to GreatSchools.org, a website that assesses just about every elementary, middle, and high school in the country, with “10” being the top score. Then browse the Oklahoma City schools, and you’ll see something unusual—a long list of schools that have earned a 10, followed by an equally long list of those with a “9”. The schools are evaluated by various criteria, including test scores, graduation rates, and parent reviews. Rarely will you see a city that earns such exemplary marks!

#3. You Can Afford to Live Very Well Here

The cost of living in Oklahoma City is an another benefit. Forbes ranked us #9 on its list of “America’s Most Affordable Cities”. Housing, healthcare, groceries, transportation, and utilities offer better value, from 9% to 21% lower than the national average. The unemployment also comes in under the norm, reflecting the strong job market here. And even during the recession, Oklahoma City had a thriving economy, with a 10.6% rise in gross domestic product between 2006 and 2010.

#4. You Won’t be Bored Unless That’s Your Choice

Newcomers to Oklahoma City are amazed by the staggering choice of things to do here. Let’s start with Bricktown, a unique region that’s filled with dining, shopping, cultural activities, and special events. We love our museums, too—from the highly acclaimed Oklahoma City Museum of Art and National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum to the American Banjo Museum and very popular Museum of Osteology (skeletons!). The Oklahoma City Zoo, Frontier City, White Water Bay, and Martin Park Nature Center, and Lake Hefner offer family-friendly escapes. For the fantastic view of the city, take a ride on the Wheeler Ferris Wheel. The Paseo Arts District always presents creative inspiration. The Escape OKC gives you the thrill and challenge of working with your team to unravel the clues to escape a locked room. And let’s not forget cheering on our hometown NBA team, Oklahoma City Thunder!

#5. The Food is More Than OK

Dining in Oklahoma City is a mouthwatering experience. Whether you crave a big burger or barbeque, something ethnic or elegant, or a hometown diner, OKC’s eateries will satisfy your appetite. The city’s chefs and cooks know how to turn a waffle into an art form and sizzle a steak to perfection. Vegetarians and vegans, foodies and fast foodies, picky eaters and gourmets will all discover their favorite place to dine.

#6. It’s a Great College Town

Oklahoma City University, the University of Central Oklahoma, and the University of Oklahoma are in the Oklahoma City metro area. What does a college campus mean to you? Great sports, cultural events, recreation, and first-class education—whether you’re pursuing a degree or just taking classes to broaden your knowledge and skills.

#7. The Great Outdoors is Really Great

In the heart of Oklahoma City, we have 17 acres of unspoiled beauty at the Myriad Botanical Gardens, the perfect place for a lunchtime escape or an afternoon just relaxing in a meticulously maintained park. The 30- acre Will Rogers Park includes playgrounds, serene landscapes, a disc golf course, and horticultural gardens (and teaches tree climbing to kids).

Beacon Homes builds new home communities in the Oklahoma City area. You can enjoy OKC’s exceptional lifestyle in one of our single-family homes and family-friendly neighborhoods, located near top-notch public schools (like the Deer Creek School District). Browse our floor plans for inspiration and then contact us to make the right move to Oklahoma City.

3.99% 30 Year FIXED interest rate. NO CLOSING COSTS. Why are you still waiting to buy a new home?

Some people have been watching the real estate market and waiting for “the right time” to buy a new home. If you’re in this group, the waiting is over. You won’t experience a better time to get an unbeatable deal on a beautiful new home. Beacon Homes is now presenting a special financing offer on select move-in ready homes in the desirable Oklahoma City suburb of Edmond, which offers the highly ranked Deer Creek School District.

When you purchase one of these homes, you will receive a 3.99% 30-Year Fixed interest rate on your mortgage, AND you will pay NO closing costs!** This low rate is below the current rates offered-which has already increased over the previous week.

In addition to the added value of these incentives, many of the prices on these new homes have been reduced-increasing your savings even more.

Check out these beautifully designed and artfully crafted new homes in Beacon Homes’ Covell Valley, Monarch Ridge, and The Grove subdivisions:

6200 Beverly Hills Drive

Covell Valley subdivision: 4 bedrooms, 2 baths, 1,959 square feet. Was $274,900, now $258,900. 

Covell Valley is located in the award-winning Edmond Public School District. With an easy commute to downtown Oklahoma City, you get country living with all of the conveniences of the city.

16417 Monarch Field Road

Monarch Ridge subdivision: 3 bedrooms, 2 baths, 1,959 square feet. $258,900. 

Surrounded by native wetlands and greenbelt areas, Monarch Ridge boasts a gorgeous pond and several walking trails that are perfect for families! Located in the top-rated Deer Creek School District.

16405 Monarch Field Road

Monarch Ridge subdivision: 3 bedrooms, 2 baths, 1,900 square feet. Was $256,900, now $249,900. 

From a spacious backyard to a practical mudroom, this beautiful, open floor plan home has everything to fit your family’s needs!

5301 NW 164th Terrace

Monarch Ridge subdivision: 3 bedrooms, 2 baths, 1,940 square feet. Was $262,900, now $249,900. 

Perched on a beautiful corner lot in the Monarch Ridge community, this HERS rated home has a spacious kitchen, great natural lighting, and a vaulted ceiling.

16408 Monarch Ridge Boulevard

Monarch Ridge subdivision: 3 bedrooms, 2 baths, 1,940 square feet. $10,000 in SAVINGS, now $249,900. 

This 3-bedroom home has beautiful vaulted ceilings, incredible natural light, and gorgeous landscaping.

16305 Monarch Field Road

Monarch Ridge subdivision: 3 bedrooms, 2 baths, 1,940 square feet. $10,000 in SAVINGS, now $249,900. 

With its spacious, open floor plan and charming design touches, this Keystone plan has something for everyone!

16300 Monarch Ridge Boulevard

Monarch Ridge subdivision: 3 bedrooms, 2.5 baths, 2,097 square feet. $6,000 in SAVINGS, now $276,900. 

You’ll love the tall vaulted ceiling in the kitchen and living room in this 2,097′ Brandywine plan! Relax from a long day of work in the spa-like master bathroom with a 6′ tub and large shower. To top it all off, this home is equipped with an alarm system and is HERS rated for outstanding energy efficiency.

3008 NW 187th Court

The Grove subdivision: 3 bedrooms, 2 baths, 1,885 square feet. $248,900.

Home to Deer Creek School District‘s new elementary school, Grove Valley, The Grove understands the meaning of “Family Time”. From splash parks to a large clubhouse, The Grove has something for every family member!

18605 Summer Grove Avenue

The Grove subdivision: 4 bedrooms, 2 baths, 1,959 square feet. $1,000 in SAVINGS, now $258,900.

Entertaining is easy with the Liston plan’s large living, dining, and kitchen area! The huge center island is perfect to have friends and family gathered around. Ask about the HERS rating for low utility bills!

18001 Haslemere Lane

The Grove subdivision: 4 bedrooms, 2.5 baths, 2,227 square feet. $2,000 in SAVINGS, now $292,900.

This home boasts a blue door that leads to the vast living area! Large windows allow sunlight to pour in and brighten every room in the home. The large master suite has a large his and hers granite vanity and an impressive walk-in closet.

3009 NW 179th Court

The Grove subdivision: 3 bedrooms, 2 baths, 2,000 square feet. $269,900.

Right as you walk into this Fairfield plan, you’ll be impressed by the beautiful living and kitchen area. This home has the perfect amount of space for entertaining your friends and family.

18525 Summer Grove Avenue

The Grove subdivision: 3 bedrooms, 2 baths, 1,940 square feet. $254,900.

Fabulous floor plan includes three spacious bedrooms and a large study. Enjoy the upgraded lighting with designer light fixtures and a vaulted ceiling in the living and kitchen area!

18708 Summer Grove Avenue

The Grove subdivision: 3 bedrooms, 2 baths, 1,829 square feet. $241,900.

This new home sits on a corner lot in the desirable Grove North. A spacious entry leads to the large, open living, dining, and kitchen area. The kitchen has ample counter and cabinet space, as well as a walk-in pantry!

16304 Monarch Field Road

Monarch Ridge subdivision: 3 bedrooms, 2.5 baths, 2,188 square feet. $2958,900. 

Surrounded by native wetlands and greenbelt areas, Monarch Ridge boasts a gorgeous pond and several walking trails that are perfect for families! Located in the top-rated Deer Creek School District.

16416 Monarch Field Rd

Monarch Ridge subdivision: 3 bedrooms, 2.5 baths, 2,097 square feet. $283,900.

This beautiful home has a grand entry perfect for your favorite artwork or family photos. The huge open living room and dining is the perfect place to host family or friends year round.

These quick move-in homes are brand new and covered by Beacon Homes’ builder’s warranty. Add up the savings of 3.99% interest rate, no closing costs and the SAVINGS of these outstanding new homes. Include the value of living in a Beacon Homes community, the exceptional education of Deer Creek Schools, and the peace of mind of moving into a new home that is guaranteed by the builder!

This special financing offer is only available on these 13 quick move-in homes for new contracts between 2/1/18 and 2/28/18. Contact Beacon Homes today to arrange a private tour and learn more about our new home communities in Edmond, Oklahoma.

**WITH QUALIFYING CREDIT, SEE BUILDER FOR DETAILS