KB Homes builder in Raleigh area (Durham, Cary: sale, custom home, neighborhoods)

[relja]

Hello, I saw couple of KB Homes developments with some plans I liked. I lived in San Diego and now in Orange County and KB is usually considered a very low end builder here and has lots of customer service/quality issues. What do you guys think of KB in Raleigh area? Anyone actually lives in one of those Martha Stuart communities? I am looking at KB Home by Martha Stewart - Twin Lakes - Cary, NC# There is one more development in Cary area/North Raleigh. Thanks.

[LovingNC]

I am looking at these places at Twin Lakes too, and look forward to any feedback you may receive.

[leighbhe]

I think if you do a search on this forum (advanced search, plug in martha stewart or twin lakes and narrow it to raleigh/durham/ch/cary) and you will get tons of responses.

I have taken a couple of clients out there, and the models are impressive. The lots are small, but they are convenient for people who are working in rtp. The neighborhood is just outside the airport noise, which is also nice in that area of town.

That being said, the amount of upgrades that are in the models is astronomical! I asked for their upgrade sheet (now this encompasses the townhouses and every model of home they have) and it was 62 pages long. So, the basic home is just that, very basic.

I think you should do some research!

Leigh

[VickiR]

I've actually sold a couple of the houses in Twin Lakes.

The location is great for those that work in RTP or even, Durham.

But Leigh, I'm going to disagree 100% with your statement about the airport noise.

Twin Lakes is directly in the flight path of RDU. So, you will hear airplane noise constantly. This did not bother my clients that purchased out there. It did bother other clients that I took to see the houses. You'll need to judge for yourself.

Vicki

[sacredgrooves]

I have inspected more houses in Twin Lakes than I can remember(such a huge neighborhood!) and they did a good job from a construction standpoint. I did a framing inspection for a fellow forum member there last month and was really impressed. A few minor corrections to make, but no different than any other tract builder, and better than alot of them. KB has greatly improved their reputation the last 5-6 years.

[relja]

Thanks for all replies. Noise is a concern of mine - so I will be int he area in couple of weeks - I guess the only way to really know is to park and listen for youself. Too bad that all these new developments in Morrisville are in the flight path...I guess developers are getting the land for cheap? So far, our consideration was narrowed to Bishop's Centex dev in Cary, Upchurch Farms by Pulte, Laurel Park by Standard Pacific. One question is Kitts Creek - need to check about the noise...We are also lookign at some exisiting homes in Cary and North Raleigh. Looks like no shortage of supply in the area...

[VickiR]

The land in Morrisville near the airport wasn't cheap. It has taken the developers alot of years to get the farmers to sell off the land. However, what most people like about the area is that its so close to RTP and the airport. Hard to get close to the airport without hearing some noise.

However, Twin Lakes is directly in the flight path so its more noisey than other neighboroods. Again, some people just aren't bothered by noise. You have to see and hear for yourself.

The airport has a noise control person who can answer your questions as to the when and where of the planes. Then you can pick a busy time to see it at its worst and if that doesn't bother you, you won't mind when its quieter.

Vicki

[hughwpage]

I have been out to Twin Lakes in Cary as I live in North Raleigh and am considering Wynbrooke myself I another KB development in North Raleigh.

My take is that the homes are nice in Twin Lakes but the lots are smallish and the Air Traffic noise is NOT GOOD.

[VickiR]

Wynbrook, which is about a mile from my office, will have some airport noise but nothing as bad as Twin Lakes. Most of the neighborhoods around Leesville road gets SOME noise from the planes but you won't notice them once you get used to them.

However, Wynbrook may be having some trouble selling their homes. I say this as I get MANY phone calls from the onsite agents there BEGGING to bring clients out.

KB Homes scares me lately in that they start out with a price and then slash it. I don't want my clients buying when the price is high. I'd just watch what happens with Wynbrook.

Vicki

[Big M]

Hi Relja

Before you leap into Standard Pacific homes, you may want to do a little research into how the company is performing as a whole. Most of their market is in California and other previous boom, and now bust areas. I've read many stories about concerns about their long term survival. Imagine what would happen if the company went into bankrupcy during the time that your house is half complete?

HughWPage, I initially really liked the sound of Wynbrooke too. Larger lots than most, good location. But, then I realised the drawbacks. Most of the lots currently available are either beside powerlines or run parallel with i540. They really need to build a wall at the bottom end of this subdivision to try and blot out the constant roar of traffic along this major highway. Now, with the trees being devoid of leaves, the noise is terrible.

Plus, there is the price. The floor plan I love is priced at nearly 500 grand. Now, with the upgrades I'd be lucky to spend under 550. That sort of price is approaching a custom home on a similar sized lot (Ethans Glen, and lower end Oldstone crossing for example.

Last time I cycled around the neighborhood, only one house at Wynbrooke has sold since their flash grand opening in early September. I think people have wised up to the fact that its only a matter of time until you get a kind of 'Gold key, deal of a century' type sale with this community. I'd do what Vicki suggests and sit tight and see what happens. I am.