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Should I Hire a Realtor for a New Construction Home?

Friday, March 13, 2020

Do I need to hire a Realtor to buy a new home in Candlelight Place? The answer isn’t so simple.

Our team has decades of experience building luxury, semi-custom homes. We also treat our customers like family and do everything we can to make them happy. However, it is still beneficial to hire a Realtor to assist you.

Realtors Can Help You Navigate Financing

Gaining financing for new construction can be more complex than getting a loan for a resale.

New homes can take months to build depending on square footage and features requested.

If a buyer barely qualifies to purchase a home at the time of the contract, then they may not be able to buy if mortgage rates increase. Most lenders will not lock in an interest rate for more than 90 days in advance.

A realtor who is accustomed to dealing with new construction homes will be able to recommend lending options and keep you within your desired price point. The builder’s agent is also aware of preferred lenders and can connect you with a bank who knows the builder’s reputation and is more likely to approve the loan.

Realtors Are Your Advocate During Inspections

Every home in Candlelight Place is built with the greatest attention to detail, the best materials available, and with the skill that only comes from decades of semi-custom home building experience.

Although we are confident in our product, we still encourage customer walkthroughs. We want to be sure you’re 100 percent happy with your new home. If there’s anything you are not completely satisfied with or your realtor discovers, we will get it fixed right away.

Realtors Do Almost Exactly What the Builder’s Agent Does

Buying a new construction home has a lot of moving pieces. Adding the Realtor to the mix means you have yet another person to communicate with in addition to the builder and the builder’s agent.

Whether you choose to hire a Realtor or not is up to you. We want you to be informed, happy and relaxed throughout the process.

Come tour Candlelight Homes and see how you feel.

 

4 Reasons to Move to Oak Forest

Friday, March 13, 2020

Houston is one of the fastest-growing urban markets in the nation. There are multiple reasons why families are flocking to Houston and settling down in a thriving community like Oak Forest.

This list is just a snapshot. We encourage you to do your research and find out why making the move is the right choice for you and your family.

1. Moving to Oak Forest is a Wonderful Investment

If you’re moving from Boston, New York, or Los Angeles, your money will go a lot further in Houston. You can purchase a beautiful, luxurious home in the newly-developed Candlelight Place community in Oak Forest from $1.1M. For that price, you can get a new, luxury home with over 4,000 square feet.

Home values in the Houston metro have steadily increased over the years, so now is the perfect time to make the move if you want to cash in on the equity down the road.

2. The Food is Amazing

From authentic taquerias to high-end restaurants, there are great places to eat in Houston’s Oak Forest for every budget and palate.

Because there are so many restaurants, you can eat at a different restaurant for every meal and it would take years before you had a duplicate.

Considered a foodie paradise, Houston is home to multiple James Beard Award-winning chefs, and Michelin Star restaurants. Do yourself and your tastebuds a favor and give Houston’s cities diverse food a try.

3. Jobs are Plentiful

From medical and tech to engineering and energy, the job market in Houston is one of the strongest in the nation.

Candlelight Place in Houston’s Oak Forest is conveniently located near downtown with easy access to the medical district and Energy Corridor. With new companies establishing their headquarters here, even more opportunities will be available soon.

4. Healthcare is Revolutionary

Houston has the largest medical center in the world with over 21 hospitals, eight research institutes, and over 50 related healthcare organizations.

Millions have been spent to fight cancer and advances in research have led to an increase in positive outcomes. Houston’s MD Anderson Cancer Center has attracted prestigious individuals from around the world because of its cutting-edge treatment and track record for curing cancer.

If you need more reasons to move to Houston or Candlelight Place in Oak Forest, just check out our available inventory.

3 Gadgets That Will Take Your Home to The Next Level

Thursday, March 12, 2020

New homes in Candlelight Place are built with the highest quality materials and extreme attention to detail. While these dream homes are built to exceed your expectations, they do not come fully furnished.

Part of the excitement of moving into a new home is purchasing the latest and greatest technology to make your life just a little bit easier. From 4K TVs and sound bars to smart speakers, the list of homebuyer gadgets is endless. Take a look at some of our favorites.

Smart Thermostat

A smart thermostat is a thermostat that can be controlled with a phone, tablet, smart speaker, or other bluetooth enabled device.

Depending on the specific model, smart thermostats can offer a variety of cool features. Smart thermostats, like the Nest, can learn your heating and cooling preferences, detect issues with your HVAC system, and remind you when it’s time to change your air filter.

Most homes with modern HVAC systems can upgrade to a smart thermostat, provided there’s a wifi connection. Shop around to find the best thermostat for your budget and start living comfortably while saving on electricity today.

Smart Speaker

You’ve probably heard of the Amazon Echo and Google Home. They are two of the most popular smart speakers and home assistants available on the market today.

Smart speakers can play music, answer questions and control other connected devices when you say a key phrase. These speakers come in different styles, operating systems and price ranges.

It’s pretty much a personal robot and is something every home should have.

Wifi Extender

When an area in your home doesn't get strong wifi reception then a wifi extender or booster is worth investigating.

The best wifi extenders will simply pick up where your router starts to lose coverage, and increase your network’s range to give you a significant boost in your wireless coverage by repeating that signal.

Want to stream movies in the backyard by the pool? A wifi extender can help.

Regardless of which gadgets you decide to purchase, the important part is that your home feels like home. See what’s available in Candlelight Place Today and happy shopping!

3 Reasons Your Kids Will Love Candlelight Place by Lancaster Homes

Thursday, February 13, 2020

Candlelight Place by Lancaster Homes is different from other neighborhoods in Oak Forest. It is the only neighborhood in Oak Forest with brand-new luxury homes that have a suburban feel.

Imagine an idyllic setting with wide sidewalks and lush front yards tucked away from busy roads but still perfectly situated for easy downtown access. The location paired with the beautiful luxury homes makes it easy to see why adults are in love with Candlelight Place but what about their kids?

Here are the top 3 reasons why your kids will love Candlelight Place.

1. There Are New Friends to Make Right Away

Candlelight Place is a laid-back, family-friendly neighborhood that provides new residents with a warm welcome. When you move in, it is common for neighbors to stop by and introduce themselves, and there’s a good chance they have kids.

Because the community is tucked away from busy roads, kids are often seen playing outside and riding their bikes, at least when they’re not playing Fortnite or other video games.

It’s easy for your kids to make friends and as parents, you can feel rest assured that the community is safe for them to play and have fun.

2. They Get to Attend a Great School

Oak Forest Elementary is recognized as one of the best elementary schools in HISD. Most teachers at this school have over 11 years of experience. Your child's future school also has class size regulation, so class sizes do not exceed 18 students. At Oak Forest, you’ll have peace-of-mind that your kids are truly taken care of.

There are also some amazing private schools in the area like Duchesne Academy, The Kinkaid School, and Awty International for parents who prefer a setting for learning that differs from HISD curriculum.

3. There’s Lots of Green Space Nearby

Our neighborhood is located minutes away from Memorial Park where sunshine, green space and fresh air is plenty. It’s the perfect place for you and your kids to burn off energy.

For kids that like to play sports, this park also has multiple baseball fields, soccer fields, and volleyball courts that are open to the public.

If your family is in the market for a new house, make Candlelight Place by Lancaster Homes your first stop. Your kids will be happy you did.

Check out our inventory.

 

Why Homeowners Choose Us As Their Semi-Custom Builder

Sunday, February 02, 2020

Lancaster Homes is a luxury, semi-custom home builder that’s currently working exclusively in the Candlelight Place Community.

If you want a semi-custom home built to fit your families’ needs perfectly, come learn about the benefits of working with Lancaster Homes.

A Perfect Location

Working with Lancaster Homes will give you access to an amazing community in Oak Forest. What’s unique about this community is that it’s the only new home community in the area.

You won’t have huge condos or industrial warehouses as neighbors. In Candlelight Place, you get enforced deed restrictions, wide sidewalks, and all the benefits of a luxury suburban neighborhood.

Candlelight Place, the community built by Lancaster Homes, is ideally located for busy professionals who need to be close to the office. It’s only a short drive to downtown Houston and other work centers from our luxury oasis. The perfect location can only be yours by choosing the experts at Lancaster Homes to be your semi-custom builder.

A Quality Build

Unlike large production builders, Lancaster Homes does not build cookie-cutter houses. We have multiple plans starting at 4,000 square feet and then work with you to customize the build to your needs.

From lumber and drywall to flooring and furnishings, we only use the highest quality materials to provide the level of luxury you deserve. You will be happy you went with us.

A Partner You Can Trust

The biggest benefit you will receive when you work with Lancaster Homes is gaining a true partner in the home building process. We will work with you from the first phone call and continue to assist until you are completely satisfied with your new home.

We are open and transparent with our timelines and will work diligently to help you create the home you've always wanted. At Lancaster Homes, buyers love us simply because we treat them like family rather than just another build.

If you want a luxury semi-custom home, come see what’s available in Candlelight Place.

Top Parks Near Candlelight Place in Oak Forest

Sunday, January 26, 2020

Although Houston is one of the biggest cities in the United States, It doesn’t mean it’s a concrete jungle everywhere. In the community of Candlelight Place in Oak Forest, there are multiple parks for you and your family to enjoy the great outdoors.

T.C Jester Park

One of the top parks near the Candlelight Place by Lancaster Homes is T.C. Jester Park. Situated only a few miles from the community is ample green space featuring multiple amenities for the entire family including:

  • 21 hole disc golf course
  • Large and small dog park
  • Public pool
  • Sporting fields

Address: 4201 T C Jester Blvd, Houston, TX 77018

Memorial Park

As one of the largest urban parks in the United States, Memorial Park should be on your outdoor bucket list. Opened in 1924, this park covers approximately 1,466 acres inside the 610 Loop, within a short drive from Candlelight Place. This park is twice the size of New York’s Central Park and includes even more amenities. Come stop by Memorial Park and explore:

  • Sports fields
  • Nature center
  • Golf course
  • Miles of hike and bike trails

Address: 6501 Memorial Dr, Houston, TX 77007

Terry Hershey Park

For those looking for more solitaire, Terry Hershey Park is a great option. While this park runs between two major roads, State Highway 6 and Sam Houston, it’s 10+ miles of trails weave through dense forests. Notable amenities include:

  • Paved and dirt trails
  • Exercise stations
  • Picnic Areas
  • Playground

Address: 15200 Memorial Dr, Houston, TX 77079

What are you favorite parks near Candlelight Place? Add your comments below.

What's Happening in Houston in 2020?

Sunday, January 19, 2020

On any given weekend in Houston, you may stumble across a festival, farmer’s market or 5k. This city has so much to see and do, but sometimes the amount of activities going on can be overwhelming.

As a luxury neighborhood near the loop, Candlelight Place helps residents stay close to the action they desire while still being tucked away in a secluded area. The following are some of the events our residents are looking forward to in 2020.

Chevron Houston Marathon

On January 19th, more than 21,000 runners will participate in the annual Chevron Houston Marathon. This is one of the few qualifying races for the Boston Marathon.

Over 200,000 spectators will line the route that snakes through downtown Houston. Paired with a half-marathon and 5k race, this event brings athletes of all levels to a spectacular event. Whether you want to put to yourself that you can finish the race or just want to cheer on a crowd of people running through the streets, the Chevron Houston Marathon is an annual event worth attending.

The Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo

From Willie Nelson to Gwen Stefani, the annual Houston livestock show and rodeo hosts 17 amazing musical acts during a two week period. While the concerts are the most popular event, many people come to the rodeo to try a range of fried foods, ride carnival rides, and explore the hundreds of vendor booths.

The 2020 Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo is scheduled for March 3 – 22. It will attract over 2-million visitors and help raise thousands of dollars for local students who showcase their artwork and animals.

This event is considered the largest rodeo in the world and features something for the entire family to enjoy.

The Art Car Parade

The Houston Art Car Parade is one of the most unique events our city has to offer. This parade features of 250 artistically decorated vehicles from over 23 states, Canada and Mexico. The vehicles in the parade are not your average parade floats. Cars are decorated with everything from halloween decorations to hot dogs. You never really know what you’re going to see on the roadways before, during and after the event.

Kids love it. Adults love it. Everyone has a great time.

If you can’t make it to this 25+ year old tradition and watch the cars drive by, then be sure to check out the Houston Art Car Museum to get a small taste of this wacky Houston parade.

 

Which 2020 event are you most excited about?

Leave your comment below.

 

Custom Home Design Trends for 2020

Sunday, January 19, 2020

Most people have an idea of the features they want in their dream home. It could be a breathtaking master bath or a country chic kitchen on your shortlist of must-haves, but what about other areas of your home that may get overlooked?

How can you create a wonderful and trendy space perfect for 2020 and beyond?

The team at Lancaster Homes will follow the latest trends and timeless staples to make your home one of the best on the block.

More Kitchen Space

The kitchen is the focal point of the home. It’s the place that brings everyone together at the start or end of the day and is often used for entertaining.

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With gadgets from Instapot and Nespresso become more popular, you are going to need all the kitchen space you can get.

2020 will see a range of new kitchen storage options throughout the whole kitchen–focused on making your lives easier. Large island with cabinet storage is something many of our customers are gravitating towards.

Lots of natural lighting

It’s well known that brighter spaces look larger. Our home start at 3,500 square feet, which is plenty of room for a growing family, but by utilizing a lighter paint, tall ceilings and multiple windows, you can make your home look even larger.

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In 2020, wood floors, white backsplashes, and other ways to amplify light and space will be the trend.

Relaxation nooks

Our clients want their homes to feature quieting, soothing spaces where they can unplug and recharge.

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Whether it be adding a library, a livable outdoor space or a man cave, homeowners in 2020 will put a priority on having a place they can relax.

Whatever trends or desires you have, our team is well equipped to tackle even the most difficult builds.

Purchase a lot in Candlelight Place and bring your trendy dream home to life.

4 Best Restaurants Near Candlelight Place

Tuesday, January 14, 2020

One of the many reasons people move to Candlelight Place is its proximity to amazing restaurants. There’s something to be said about having multiple 5 Yelp-Star options within a five-mile radius. Whether it’s breakfast, lunch or dinner time, you and your family should check out these wonderful restaurants just a stone's throw from Lancaster Comes at Candlelight Place.

Mytiburger

Forget about the feud between In-N-Out and Whataburger, if you want a great burger in the Garden Oaks/Candlelight Place area, MytiBurger is your best option.

Since 1967, Mytiburger has been serving Garden Oaks residents the best burgers, fries and homemade onion rings in Texas. Your orders are rung up at the counter next to an antique soda fountain and come out fresh in about 10 minutes.

This classic institution has been enjoyed by multiple generations. When the original owner decided to retire, the community came together and found someone to buy and manage the restaurant so the doors could stay open.

Come by for lunch or dinner and see what the fuss is all about.

Gatlin’s BBQ

If you are craving pit-smoked pork, chicken, turkey or beef Gatlin’s BBQ is the place to go. Like many other BBQ places in town, Gatlin’s often has a line out the door so you know the food is good.

What’s unique about Gatlin's BBQ is their rotating menu. You never know what meats and sides will be available, but they sure as heck will be tasty.

We recommend stopping by for an early lunch if you want a chance to score some of the best brisket in Garden Oaks.

Hughie’s

For those craving Asian food, Candlelight Place is home to a unique hybrid of classic Vietnamese cuisine with an American twist. Hughie’s serves banh mi, pho’, dumplings and egg rolls along with side burgers and chicken-fried steak. For craft beer lovers, Hughie’s also has over 20 taps of rotating craft beer from local breweries and over 30 additional options in bottles and cans.

Although Hughie's is a “tavern”, it is still family-friendly and a great place to take your kids on the weekends.

Tacos A Go-Go

Last but not least is an affordable and authentic taco place. Recognized by the Houston Press and Texas Monthly, the award-winning Tacos A Go-Go, is light years ahead of taco bell in terms of taste and quality ingredients.

Whether it’s stopping by for a breakfast taco on your way to work or grabbing a few tacos on the way home after a late-night, this restaurant should be on your radar.

What are your favorite restaurants near Candlelight Place?

Come take a tour of Lancaster Homes at Candlelight Place and see what other great restaurants are in the area. We would love to hear from you.

 

 

What's the Best Neighborhood Near Downtown Houston?

Monday, December 30, 2019

Have you ever wondered what the best neighborhood near downtown Houston is? Whether you’re relocating to Houston for work or just looking for a new place to call home, the choices can be overwhelming.

Communities like Montrose, Garden Oaks, Oak Forest, West University, and Midtown, may come to mind when thinking about the best neighborhood near downtown Houston, but are these communities really the best?

Utilizing multiple criteria, we have assembled this list of the best neighborhoods in the Houston area.

Candlelight Place by Lancaster Homes

Tucked away in the Oak Forest/Garden Oak area is the only enclave of new construction homes near the loop. Candlelight Place by Lancaster Homes is a hidden gem where families and thriving professionals can move into a custom home community that combines the benefits of suburban living with the convenience of being near downtown.

Candlelight Place features:

  • Enforced deed restrictions
  • Beautiful homes from 1 Million
  • Zoning to the award-winning Oak Forest Elementary
  • Wide sidewalks and large front yards
  • Community events

Candlelight Place by Lancaster Homes only has a few lots left. If you are interested in living in one of Houston’s best neighborhoods, visit Candlelight Place today!

Montrose

If you are looking for a demographically diverse and eclectic neighborhood in the heart of downtown Houston, then Montrose is worth investing. Known for its thriving LGBTQ and fine-art community, Montrose has also taken on new notability as a foodie’s paradise.

From bars and restaurants to clubs and coffee shops, there’s plenty for younger professionals to do on the weekends. However, crime rates and lack of green space often keep families away.

Montrose features:

  • Eclectic homes
  • Close proximity to nightlight
  • Diverse population

River Oaks

Spanning more than 1,100 acres on the western side of downtown is Houston’s most exclusive place to live. River Oaks is the Beverly Hills of Houston and is the place many of Houston’s rich and famous call home.

If you enjoy a lavish lifestyle and can afford the high home prices, then take a look at River Oaks. For many of us, admiring the extravagant Christmas light displays during the holiday season is the only interaction we have with the exclusive community.

River Oaks features:

  • High-end art galleries and boutiques
  • Private security patrols
  • Lavish country club

Overall, there are many areas in Houston that would be great to call home. Only you and your family truly know what is the best for your unique situation.


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