Moving into the Quarry at Iron Mountain (Liberty: countertops, live in)

[banker]

Originally Posted by datacity

Even with what people think of KB (and I think much of it is warranted), I think that your approach to lobby them was a great way to help them help existing home owners and themselves. Obviously KB didn't just bow to your ways. Still, the fact that the changes KB made at the beginning of 2008 at the Quarry made things worse for them (i.e. fewer sales) and combined with other problems around SA probably led to the SA president being relieved. This then provided you an opening for dialogue with the new president and to provide him a customer's POV of the situation.

In the end, if they even get back to something that looks close to the Liberty series (Empire may be asking too much), it should help. Good luck to you all.

Thank you. I hope things improve for our community and for KB's reputation as a mid level builder. But the economy isn't going to help anyone out. To your point, I did aproach the previous management team and tried to sell them on the fact that the current series were not selling well - partly due to the fact that a buyer could get the same home cheaper in another community. Previous management didn't even acknowledge my calls and emails. I was so encouraged when the new president responded immediately. Change is definitely in the works.

[nrlatsha]

I think the only way for KB's reputation to rise is for them to change their name, again.

[banker]

Originally Posted by nrlatsha

I think the only way for KB's reputation to rise is for them to change their name, again.

Possibly. One thought my wife had (who used to work in the marketing world) is that KB needs to market their premium product with different branding or logo's. Seeing the yellow and black brand on all their communities doesn't do anything for them in terms of setting their premier product apart from their starter homes.

The starter homes are what they are...cheap starter homes. But as you move up the price range their product is very nice. But their brand or marketing doesn't change as the product improves. There is a big difference between their $95,000 starter home and their $350,000 mid level home.

[firstclassflyer]

Originally Posted by nrlatsha

I think the only way for KB's reputation to rise is for them to change their name, again.

They could hire a few more guys like Banker too...

Just messin' with you Banker...at least you're not passive with regards to the issues at the Quarry.

[firstclassflyer]

Originally Posted by banker

Possibly. One thought my wife had (who used to work in the marketing world) is that KB needs to market their premium product with different branding or logo's. Seeing the yellow and black brand on all their communities doesn't do anything for them in terms of setting their premier product apart from their starter homes.

I agree..see examples below.

Honda-Acura
Nissan-Infiniti
Toyota-Lexus

[banker]

Originally Posted by firstclassflyer

They could hire a few more guys like Banker too...

Just messin' with you Banker...at least you're not passive with regards to the issues at the Quarry.

I have not been passive. I know some of you all think I am on their payroll...but I have been enough of a pest to some of the actual KB employees that they know for sure I am not working for them!! Seriously - I have met some that really do just parrot what is told by the old management - buying all kinds of stories about the clear cutting and smaller narrow floor plans. They are drinking the koolaid to use the term. I try to keep a realistic view point and have tried to be proactive in dealing with things I would like to see changed.

If I could find a way to get paid for sharing my experience (both the negatives and the positives) I would!!

[banker]

So today I got some additional information on the new plans. As previously mentioned they are 50' wide. Several have side entry front garages. The model home will be a one story with bonus room. Many of the plans feature butler's pantries between the large kitchens and dining rooms. Three car garages will be available. some of the plans have very large covered rear patios. The exterior elevations have good curb appeal with lots of variation and texture with nice window placement - avoiding the big box or "extruded" look of KB's cheaper plans. There will potentially be three one story plans rangings from 2,600 square feet to 3,000 square feet - absolutely gorgeous in my opinion. The two story plans will range from 2,700 square feet to 4,000. They are nice - but not as unique as the one story plans. Not sure of the final floor plan count or pricing yet. I expect 6-8 plans when the series is finalized. It looks like they will fit well within the Liberty series with a couple of the high end plans fitting well with the lower end Estate plans (on the exterior). I doubt they will have the level of standard features the Estates did - so expect to see Liberty type standard features.

Stay tuned!

[sapphire]

Front page news:
Buying a new home gets riskier

[banker]

Originally Posted by sapphire

Front page news:
Buying a new home gets riskier

At least the article does a better job of presenting the facts. They for one mention the fact that larger, wider plans are coming - something that the three families do not do on their website. Also, the article mentions that there is always risk when moving into a new subdivision and that the current economy will make this risk bigger across all builder subdivisions.

You would think by reading these three families KBLies.com website that KB was out to get them. Clearly KB (under previous management) did not respond well to the current economy with some of the changes made last year - but that is being fixed. It really bothers me that the KBLies folks will not update their website to the new changes that I now know they know. In fact - they have just recently received the same plans I received a coulpe weeks back. They could post the new plans on their website if they wanted to...but of course they won't. It goes against their method of presenting only the facts that support their view point.

Also, keep in mind that we have 68 home owners...only three have jumped onto the KBLies.com bandwagon. Most I have talked to are excited about the pending new plans and see that the community is returning (best KB can given the current economy) to the original intent.

[nrlatsha]

Did KB implement those changes to the community yet?