Leibowitz held a meeting last week with homeowners, has attended a recent homeowners association hearing with a resident and is gathering documents and complaints.
While Leibowitz has stopped short of committing himself or his office to a specific course of action, he did tell homeowners he would be an advocate for them.
“They're playing the odds,” Leibowitz told the homeowners Thursday night. “They're assuming you won't fight back. We're going to fight back.”
A group of homeowners in Sundance Trails and Sundance Ridge, located west of Loop 1604, and in the Quarry at Iron Mountain, located off of U.S. 281 North, have been in a public dispute with KB over several issues.
Some of their complaints include the addition of lower priced homes to the subdivisions — a decision that KB has said is due to the changing economy and a demand for less expensive homes — and some “for sale by owner” yard signs.
The sale signs planted in some front yards at the Quarry at Iron Mountain refer passers-by to the Web site KBLies.com, while the signs planted in some front yards at Sundance Trails and Sundance Ridge refer people to the Web site, KBHomeBuilt2Fail.com.
Homeowners say the professionally made signs are a way to advertise their homes for sale and were designed to conform to neighborhood regulations, but the board of the homeowners association has ordered the signs removed. Covenants say homeowners could be fined for not complying, and that failure to pay fines could result in a foreclosure.
“The HOA board acted after receiving a large number of petitions from Sundance homeowners who believed that the signs were not true and legitimate efforts on behalf of their neighbors to sell their homes,” said KB Home spokeswoman Cathy Teague.
Neighbors at the Quarry at Iron Mountain have had similar complaints, Teague has said.
KB has said the recent decisions on the signs were not made by the company, but by the HOA. However, KB Home, has two-thirds of the HOA board votes.
A recent attorney's letter that went to one homeowner in Sundance Trail asked him to remove the signs by today. It also asked him to preserve all communication regarding the signs and with the owners or representatives of the Web sites kblies.com and kbhomebuilt2fail.com.
Leibowitz advised the homeowners to remove their yard signs — for now — while his office gathers information.
Meanwhile, some other homeowners at the Quarry at Iron Mountain have placed “I love my KB Home” car sun shades in the windows of their homes or cars.
http://www.mysanantonio.com/business/Wading_into_a_neighborhood_dispute.html?c=n
Comments Posted
DH368:58 AM
KDC10:59 PM
Didyaknow?
joe101013:05 PM
Fiona - people should be able to excercise their free speech rights in a reasonable manner. Nothing wrong with a sign in their yard. The real shame is that builders and HOAs try to supress your basic right to voice a consumers complaint or compliment. Love to see KB downgrade their product line again in your development. Maybe they will go to one car garages. Then maybe you will want to voice your satisfaction in your own yard. Reasonable free speech is always a good thing.
joe1010112:32 PM
CarmonT - you must be a KB employee :). Janet Ahmad is the best thing that happened to the TX homebuilding industry. She is a vocal CONSUMER ADVOCATE. I don't agree with everything is says, but I agree with most of yet without a doubt. Go visit HOBB.org. Their are tens of thousands of people that have been robbed by unscrupulous home builders. We need more CONSUMER Advocates.
joe1010112:26 PM
Janeahmad - I agree that homes should be built right, and most homes are built right or at least to code. There are many homes out there that are not build to code or are built on poor sites. However, most Texas home buyers are very satisfied with their homes to include KB home owners. The reason KB and others are able to keep home prices down is that they can change the product line etc. This protects their land investment. Take away their ability to change product lines etc, then that = more risk = more potential cost = more expensive homes. People won't pay for it! If they would pay, they wouldn't be buying a tract home. Additionally, the reason it is so cheap to build homes in TX is because their isn't alot of "red tape". You add tons of regulations = more cost = more money to buy a home. I don't agree the market is unregulated. For most areas in TX the city/county enforces building codes. Although some subdivisions are built better than others. Now I do agree that powerful lobbyists have been able to get cities to hire private inspectors etc. Then don't buy in that city, or at least hire someone that will do a decent inspection of the home. In closing, most homes are built to code and will last a very long time. However, there are a few homes built on poor sites conditions and not to code that are lemons. Protect yourself, and do your homework before buying a home. People are going to be in a world of hurt if they think the government will take care of them. Not going to happen. Take care of your potential investment-- get educated.
janetahmad11:33 AM
Naturally I’ve been watching with interest. Joe10101 – While I appreciate your common sense comments about Buyer Beware, it is basically a phrase used to advise homeowners that they need to protect themselves from bad builders. While it sounds reasonable, there are several problems with that theory. The first is Texas homebuilders are unregulated. The seconds is that builders rely on that principle to transpose blame on to the new homebuyer. In 2006 and intensive investigation of the Texas Residential Construction Commission (TRCC) by the Texas State Comptroller, Carole Strayhorn concluded; Caveat Emptor – “LET THE BUYER BEWARE, IS THE MOTTO OF THE UNSCRUPULOUS. IT SHOULD NOT BE THE HALLMARK OF STATE POLICY.” On another occasion during this last session while in the process of abolishing TRCC, commonly referred to as the “builder protection agency,” one of the Senators said, Texas should not be a “Buyer Beware State.” On the inspection issue; builders for years have been successfully promoting the privatization of municipal inspections to assure they will not be regulated and that official inspection records will no longer be public records accessible to the public. Additionally when ever buyers get a private inspector to do a final inspection on a new home and then something goes wrong, builders immediately take the position they are not responsible since the homeowner hired a private inspector. As for the covenants (CC&R’s); there was an article in 2003 in the Houston Chronicle written by columnist Rick Casey that has become a classic about KB Home, titled Buy a House and Shut Up! See article: http://www.hobb.org/content/view/3002/1/ It was such an embarrassment that Two days later Rick Casey wrote that KB Home had apologized saying it was all a mistake, and promising they would not do it again. Understand KB is holding homeowners to the covenants – CC&R’s – while KB enjoys the privilege of disregarding restrictions and amends them on a whim.
Jennifer9:50 AM
Fiona, Seriously? Your posts get deleted because they are discriminating, and harrasing. Oh and by the way none of us in Sundance are facing forclosure. As a matter a fact most of us are active duty or retired military. Please show some respect and don't talk about things you have no idea about it just makes you sound bitter and I'll admit a little crazy.
joe101019:25 AM
DH36 - until the subdivision is sold out tract builders also control the HOA covenants. Tract builders are the Architectural Review Committtee. This allows them to do whatever they want. If KB thought they would make more money building cheaper houses then that is exactly what they will do. Again there is a reason these homes are considerably cheapers than custom homes. There are substaintial risks involved when buying in tract home. Buyer Beware. I read my HOA convenants and it states the ARC is the builder :). The community disclosures that everyone also sign state that the builder can changes the product line. I would never buy a home in a new community at pre construction. You never know what you are going to get. In Schertz, down the road from me there is a golf course that is zoned commercial. Owners of the golf course are losing money and are threatening to sell and build commercial development. So much for that golf course lot that people paid a premium for. Again read the disclosure and it will tell you that you should visit the city and find out how the area is zoned, future development plans etc. READ READ and understand.
DH368:58 AM
Joe - you are right, they can bring in smaller and different models at anytime. BUT what they did was initially change to one car garages and no brick fronts. Our covenants and by laws specifically state that their will be two car garages and all homes will have full brick fronts and no smaller then 1300 sq ft. They are still buidling homes without brick fronts and smaller then 1300 sq ft.
joe1010112:18 AM
Did any of the posters that have complained about KB changing their product line in their subdivision ever read the community disclosure information? READ IT! KB just like all the tract builders can change the product line to a cheaper product. This is a risk you take when you build in an unfinished community. KB isn't the only builder that has downgraded their product lines...just about all of the builders have. Although, maybe KB more extensively than others. I really get annoyed when people complain, yet they don't get educated on all the games that are played by all of the builders before they buy a tract home. There is a reason tract homes are cheap...mass production on small lots. I read my community disclosure information and builder produced HOA covenants. I had some concerns...specifically losing my free speech right to complain about the builder on my property, arbitration, warranty that has holes in it that you can drive a Mack truck through etc. etc. However, in the end I took a calculated risk and built in a tract community that was in its last phase of development - lower risk of product line changing. With that said, I was educated on the risks involved in buying a tract home. I also paid 1K out of pocket to have the home inspected during construction. Money well spent on any home purchase. I would never ever buy a new home that I never inspected with the help of structural engineer etc. prior to sheetrock.
KDC10:59 PM
Ever see how KB Homes are built? As a carpenter, I'd be embarrassed to say that I built them. One by's and particleboard wherever they can get away with it. Those homeowners are going to be breathing formaldehyde for years and years.
Justice9:50 PM
I'm the original "Justice", my user name stolen..lol..
harleycruiser6:41 PM
Anymouse, there are some things working behind the scenes simultaneously finalizing a move towards civil action. There is never quick resolution proceeding in this direction, and just because the Express News didn't mention it doesn't mean it isn't happening. It seems every time KB Home gets some press, more and more information comes to the surface. Former employees start producing documents and information, and more homeowners validate similar findings. As for the attorney's on each street corner, it seems more of them solicit to represent homeowners for this case as the exposure increases. I don't know if that profession has rules for seeking clients, but they make contact in some very unique ways.
Anymouse6:06 PM
OK...lots of feelings in all extremes and intensity. But my original question remains; if, in this case, homeowner/s feel they have suffered some kind of damages, why do they simply take their case to a civil court? There are lawyers on every street corner...
DH363:33 PM
Wow, there are so many intense opinions on this. I am a homeowner in one of these communities. I have had serious issues with my home and had been hitting a brick wall for over a year in getting them fixed. Not until Rep David Liebowitz came into the community and homeowners started picketing did I finally get some of these issues resolved. THANK YOU! I still have weeks if not months of work that has to be done on my home. As far as people complaining because they can't pay their mortgages (Fiona) that is a horrible statement and not true of any of the homeowners I know. I actually bought in the neighborhood early and even with the lower priced homes, I still have equity in my home. With that said, I still hate what KB has done with the lower priced homes. Yes, the economy is hit hard but it is the WAY KB did this. They did not hold a community meeting to explain the situation and the changes that were going to be made. They kept it quiet and still let people close on homes for over $200,000 when they knew in 6 months they would be dropping prices by 30 percent. They knew they were going to change the covenants and let investors in, change the size of garages and no more brick fronts... but yet they said nothing to homeowners. I went to the sales office myself and was told "I am sorry, we cannot talk to you about the new homes". They were building two new model homes but refused to tell anyone about them. Though the economy was hit hard, if you did your homework, even during the worst months, the area of town where Sundance Trails is located had a 2% rise in sales during those months. The sale of homes in our area has always been on the up so there was no reason for the change in home prices.
Wow, there are so many intense opinions on this. I am a homeowner in one of these communities. I have had serious issues with my home and had been hitting a brick wall for over a year in getting them fixed. Not until Rep David Liebowitz came into the community and homeowners started picketing did I finally get some of these issues resolved. THANK YOU! I still have weeks if not months of work that has to be done on my home. As far as people complaining because they can't pay their mortgages (Fiona) that is a horrible statement and not true of any of the homeowners I know. I actually bought in the neighborhood early and even with the lower priced homes, I still have equity in my home. With that said, I still hate what KB has done with the lower priced homes. Yes, the economy is hit hard but it is the WAY KB did this. They did not hold a community meeting to explain the situation and the changes that were going to be made. They kept it quiet and still let people close on homes for over $200,000 when they knew in 6 months they would be dropping prices by 30 percent. They knew they were going to change the covenants and let investors in, change the size of garages and no more brick fronts... but yet they said nothing to homeowners. I went to the sales office myself and was told "I am sorry, we cannot talk to you about the new homes". They were building two new model homes but refused to tell anyone about them. Though the economy was hit hard, if you did your homework, even during the worst months, the area of town where Sundance Trails is located had a 2% rise in sales during those months. The sale of homes in our area has always been on the up so there was no reason for the change in home prices.
big allen3:13 PM
Just remember that KB homes is based in Los Angeles. Don't help the Lakers any more than you have to!!! Honestly though, I have several friends with KB homes. The quality and craftsmanship is very lacking. And the warranty items are always late in repairing.
Didyaknow?11:55 AM
Didyaknow?11:55 AM
Fiona: Janet Ahmad is not Justice. Believe me there are so many others across the state that have their eyes on this dispute. Also no more KB homes should be built or purchased or sold until a thorough investigation of KB's practices, sales team (who have very very recent forclosures in their credit reports yet were able to finance homes in Saddle Ranch and Iron Mountain, this is true as I have the information in writing and can tell you where to find it at Bexar County Records), and Title companies, and lenders that worked with KB have been brought to justice. Not everybody that owns a new KB home is underwater. As a matter of fact I think we should all turn our KB homes in Iron Mountain into rental properties and not do credit checks. Ha Ha won't that be great. Of course I have the means to do so, unfortunately many of my neighbors do not. So if my neighbors cannot sell their homes due to faulty construction and deceptive practices by KB, and they have to file for a forclosure, FIONA, they have other venues other than living in an apartment. Knowing what we know now with KB and Countrywide canoodling with each other, any underwriter will be able to show that these are good people who made their mortgage and other payments on time. This was a one time fluke. Thank God that the government has loosened the reins on allowing these instances to receive new home loans at 115% LTV so that they are not hurt additionally by this imploding empire that KB built. My neighbors please check with lenders about this new product. I know Wells Fargo is testing it and again the target audience is those who are victims of deceitful practices from a builder, realtor, lender or closing agent.
Fiona11:06 AM
Justice, if you would have read my last post I basically concurred with your rebuttal to nothing. I agree with you about all of those items you mentioned about KB's poor track record. You should read my previous post and use some deductive reasoning to realize that I don't dispute the fact that KB uses poor practices. Enough said on that. My point of contention is the manner by which these neighbors are continuing to place these dreadful signs up at the expense of others trying to legitimately sell there homes. I don't actually have any problems with my own home so perhaps I am a lucky one thus far, but that is beside the point. You, Justice, should contextualize what you are responding to before you come off sounding like you just did.
Justice, if you would have read my last post I basically concurred with your rebuttal to nothing. I agree with you about all of those items you mentioned about KB's poor track record. You should read my previous post and use some deductive reasoning to realize that I don't dispute the fact that KB uses poor practices. Enough said on that. My point of contention is the manner by which these neighbors are continuing to place these dreadful signs up at the expense of others trying to legitimately sell there homes. I don't actually have any problems with my own home so perhaps I am a lucky one thus far, but that is beside the point. You, Justice, should contextualize what you are responding to before you come off sounding like you just did.
sheepherder10:58 AM
It is a natural response for people to express themselves when they feel as though a company has wronged them. If the unhappy homeowners were told that a certain neighborhood concept was going to be implemented, and the builder decided to replace with a cheaper alternative like Johnny5 stated, then they have every right to complain...especially if KB knew that this was going to happen. Surely they knew that this would depress the value of existing homes in the entire neighborhood. Of course 70% of the homeowners in the neighborhood signed the petition. I would sign it too. These protests are only bringing down everyone elses property values, and it is not their fault that KB uses deceptive sales models. However, KB should financially remedy the situation. They won't though. They are armed with a large group of happy homeowners and an HOA to fight their battle. Let this be a lesson to everyone......Don't buy KB, Kaufman and Broad, or Ray Ellison Homes, especially for 300K! If you do, you will probably be stuck with it. There has just been too many problems with this company over the last 3 decades, and most of the market that has great credit, a 20% downpayment, and the income to afford your house will pick something more reliable. Show me an extravagant neighborhood older than 15 years old, and I bet there are no KB homes in it.
Justice10:44 AM
As for your comment Fiona: Your remarks are KB crafted, presumptive, and insulting. This is just another example of how KB has so little regard for their customers. It is well known KB is uninterested in how to build better homes, respond to warranty issues or treat their customers with respect. Marketing plans and techniques is the foundation of KB’s business. In this case it was to build upscale communities knowing their marketing plan was to bring in much cheapest houses after subdivisions were half built out. Cheaper and carelessly constructed houses result in far greater profits if KB builds them in an established upscale community for half or two thirds the price. The fact is KB planed this marketing strategy over 2 years ago to increase profits and sell out quickly, deliberately reducing the overall value of the community. The 4 homeowners attempting to defend KB on this Express News forum have yet to realize how they are victims of KB’s marketing scheme as well. Be careful how good KB is at marketing to sucker people in for its best interest. Dividing and concurring within a community is essential to KB’s best interest.
Fiona10:33 AM
jaylinb, I am right there with you, but the neighbors signs and lack of tact in their protests are the issue in this particular debate. I could care less if KB plunders as well. I personally have not had issues with my KB home, but I know folks that certainly have. The signs that are damaging the entire neighborhood's marketability are what bothers me and, not to mention, that half of these folks putting up their ghastly signs are simply underwater on their mortgages due to a bad economy and poor investment decision makers and are simply jumping on whatever bandwagon they can.
jaylinb10:11 AM
KB Homes is the Wal-Mart of the housing market. Cheap houses, sleazy sales practices and bulldozing politics to get their way. Don't buy a KB Home - it's not worth it. I've lived in an older home for years, and it's never given me the problems that I hear from my coworkers who bought a KB home. One person leaned on her brick facade and several bricks just fell out. Another person stepped into her daughter's 2nd floor closet shortly after they laid down the carpet, and nearly fell through the ceiling because they didn't put any floor joists in that area. Another person has had plumbing problems constantly since the house was built. Shoddy construction coupled with a cavalier attitude toward their buyers is what makes KB such a blight on our landscape. I hope they go out of business.
Fiona9:30 AM
people are simply underwater on your mortgages and are trying to piggyback on each other to try anything possible to get out from underneath your property liens simply because of your own bad investment timing. This is actually quite sad and a detriment to others, such as myself, who can afford my mortgage just fine and want to live in peace without your types. I will continue living in the KB neighborhood and wait out your little mess you have caused yourselves in hopes that you are foreclosed on for non-compliance first! Have a nice day and good luck in your future apartments. Maybe you might even get a federal bailout if you're lucky;)
people are simply underwater on your mortgages and are trying to piggyback on each other to try anything possible to get out from underneath your property liens simply because of your own bad investment timing. This is actually quite sad and a detriment to others, such as myself, who can afford my mortgage just fine and want to live in peace without your types. I will continue living in the KB neighborhood and wait out your little mess you have caused yourselves in hopes that you are foreclosed on for non-compliance first! Have a nice day and good luck in your future apartments. Maybe you might even get a federal bailout if you're lucky;)
Mizzou J School3:26 AM
We keep going over this same story over and over. KB holds all the cards in a vote of the homeowners association. KB has a reputation in this city and, generally, it isn't a good one. Buyer beware.
deception17:44 PM
KB has said the recent decisions on the signs were not made by the company, but by the HOA. However, KB Home, has two-thirds of the HOA board votes. KB holds all the cards,they make the rules as they go. How convenient is that for them?
deception17:40 PM
HOA contacted me and thanked me for a hearing and said they reviewed all information that I submitted. I NEVER had a Hearing and I NEVER submitted any information, Yet they ruled against me. Is this fair, when KB stacks against us and KB controls all the cards. They make their as they go along.
deception17:30 PM
Home Owners at Quarry Iron, Sundance, and other communities have the right to voice complaints about KB. We support all the unhappy home owners. Kepp up the good work! It is amazing to see the impact this article had on a lot of home owners including the "happy ones" The "happy owners" should support the unhappy ones at Quarry, together they would have better success at making KB do the right things for thier buyers. KB robbed a lot oh homeowners of making an informed decision of where they wanted to live. This is WRONG! They advertised a diamond and sold us glass!
Jennifer7:24 PM
Rep. Liebowitz and his office are an invaluable asset to all his constituents. He has seen all sides, as a matter a fact I can guarantee with all his experience he has seen far more than you or I have. He is not one to jump into anything without having all the facts before hand. As far as those of you saying negative things about Janet Ahmad, she has NEVER asked us to take any views other than our own. She does not tell us what to do or influence us in one way or the other. She is a friend as well as a great resource.
deception17:22 PM
Jennifer is right, KB will need to try harder, to intimidate us. We have nothing to loose, I already have a shaky and falling apart home, not to mention the lies and deceptive practices! We have the support of a great Stae Rep.
deception17:18 PM
We do have valid complaints, This why our State Rep is supporting us! Do you think he would waste his time if he did not think we had a valid point and that we have been taken advantage of? Why would the Media waste their time? I am NOT happy with KB, I have a right to voice my Opinions and so does everyone else who is not happy with KB! So again, "happy" home owners, go on be happy, upon reading your posts and comments, you guys dont sound very happy!
deception17:12 PM
I am a deceptive home owner, KB lied in the past and continues to lie, regardless of what the "happy home ownners" say. If you home owners are so happy, stop commenting, go on and be happy with your homes. Let others voice their opinions and complaints!
Jennifer7:10 PM
I am a Sundance homeowner fighting this fight. Did you know the HOA Attorney told a homeowner during their hearing that only 30 people signed the petition and they opened our petition up to anyone in the household over 18. This means that 15 homes out of 200+ wanted our signs down. This is not what Cathy Teague is quoted as saying above. Where do the lies end. KB uses our HOA as a way to make us keep quite. Well it is not going to work. For those of you homeowners that contiue to attack us over and over again. Since when do we live in a country where we all have to conform to one view. Why can't we all have our different opinion. I am not pounding on your door demanding to join us. Many of you have told us to move on or move out. Well, what do you think we are trying to do. I want out!!! Being threatened through e-mail or in some cases to our face on our property is not acceptable. Please I ask for all of us, those of you happy with KB, GREAT!! I am not so leave me to sell my home the way I see fit. In Sundance we have an exceptional group of people who live together regardless of our opinions. It is a shame that the very small few who feel negativity toward us have to try to spread it like a disease and if you don't comform you don't fit. It is truely unfortunate. I am not happy with KB and regardless what they do hidden behind the HOA won"t work. Go to www.hoareform.com to view laws protecting HOA's in turn protected the home builder. For those of you, including KB trying to intimidate me..... you'll have to try harder than this.
Didyaknow?6:26 PM
wow 1happyhomeowner, you debunked your own post with your own words. and with your thoughtful words in stepping up for the KB sales team at the Quarry, you have made yourself look like fraud or an elitist snob who will be sitting up at Iron Mountain staring at unimproved brush for years because your KB home is better than those at Saddle Ranch or anywhere else in San Antonio where hard working people can only afford $175k or less and deserve to be kept in the dark by KB because they don't have a $300k home like yours. Fraud!
Didyaknow?6:13 PM
I have been in the real estate business as a mortgage underwriter for 12 years. My most recent position is with a credit union as Mortgage Services Director. I wanted my children to attend Barbara Bush Middle School and my income affords me to choose among various builders and subdivisions. I bought into this nightmare and most recently met more individuals who shared these experiences. I have done research on the site of the very newspaper that is covering this issue in an objective view. However, the newspaper has not done a very good job of showing they are in the bag for KB by interviewing the same couple for the same builder. First in 2007 and now in 2009. And working in the financial industry for over a decade, I know how a company like KB can give themselves accolades like the JD Powers Award. KB employees or their families that do not have clean hands should not comment or make posts about people like me who have legitimate complaints.
1HappyHomeOwner6:09 PM
I am not - nor ever have worked for KB. I reasearched my home purchase extensively in 2007 before deciding to build in the Quarry at Iron Mountain. I have worked very hard to have the priviledge of living in such a nice community as Quarry at Iron Mountain. As to Ruth being the sales manager - she was nothing other than a helpful sales agent. She never introduced herself to me as the manager. And her comment about $175M homes being an easier sell is taken out of context. This is the same for every builder not just KB. Cheaper homes are easier to sell as they have less discriminating buyers. The more expensive the home the pickier and thoughtful the home buyer tends to be. For all the KBLies people that purchased homes in the Quarry two years ago - some from KB and some from third parties - if you hate KB so much why did you buy a product they have never been successful at? While the Quarry homes are unique, high quality and beautiful you took a big risk buying a product that was new to this market. I bought knowing I was at the bottom of the market...but many of you bought at the top of the market. That always brings more risk.
Tino5:49 PM
I cannot believe how low some of the individuals commenting here havestooped to in their comments. It's obvious these same individuals are the ones who again continue to attack KB Home employees, homeowners and subs who don't support their attack on the builder. Over 80% of the homeowners are completely happy with their KB Home. Unfortunately, there are a few who choose to poisen the community. We only hope and pray they sell there homes and move on. We have a great community and great homes, many who attack don't even own a KB Home. Many who attack are sheepishly following Janet Amhad like a cult follower. They have no true understanding of the economy and the real estate market the past year and a half, it's been tough for all home builders.
Didyaknow?5:44 PM
johnny5 you are right on the money. the sales team does know about the different phases coming in because it is listed on their pipeline for predicting their sales commissions. As stated by KB home sales rep Ruth Horace in the S.A. News 09/02/07 homes that sell for less than $175k are easier one close homes. It is all about quantity with KB and not quality.
Didyaknow?5:36 PM
Ruth Horace introduced herself many times as the Sales Manager in the Quarry office, since 2007. I find it very interesting that George Horace was chosen to be the only Quarry resident to be quoted in an interview by the S.A. Express news, knowing that anything he said was self serving to his income and not his neighborhood. How can the Express News allow this to happen? You interviewed Ruth in 09/2007 indicating her position and her employment and income then interview her husband in 2009 about his opinion about the same neighborhood? S.A. Express news, you got gipped.
TexasHomes5:34 PM
As homeowners in the Quarry, we are absolutely happy with our decision to purchase a home with KB Home. We love our design, location and most of our neighbors. Even the KBLies folks were good neighbors at one time. It's unfortunate that they have been extreme on their pursuit for KB Home to purchase back their homes when there is nothing defective. Their negative campaign has put a strain on the community and we would like to see the neighborhood return to its peaceful state. Our representatives should be looking at both sides of the story and get all their facts straight before making a decision for one party.
johnny55:34 PM
It appears it is the same Kb employees and cheer leaders keep posting multiple times. I live in a KB home in Saddle mountain, also in Stone Oak. The issue is that KB Home sells one neighborhood concept, but does another. Within 1 month of closing on my home, the series was discontinued and a cheaper product was brought in. You can argue the economy caused them to do this, but why didn't they disclose this information? Had they told me the truth, I would have GLADLY walked away. Now KB is on its third different home series in less than two years here. I even read an article in the Express News regarding Sundance where Carlos Contreras the KB attorney was quoted as saying that KB Home knew 6 months Before they made the announcement that they were going to downgrade the homes in Sundance. Many homeowners had just purchased their homes. Why weren't they given this information? Yes the Real Estate market is soft, and has lost value in San Antonio. However, these home owners including myself have lost value at a pace faster than the market because of the decisions KB made and purposely withheld. The question should be, "Why doesn't KB Home give this information to their customers?" If they did, they might be in the press less often. I can also speak to other shady sales tactics. KB is known to put "Sold" signs on vacant lots to make it look like a hot neighborhood in terms of home sales, when they really are not sold. I have driven the Quarry once per month since this stuff started just for curiosity, and have seen sold signs on vacant lots going on three months now. Matter of fact, when I drove through there last week there was not one single home under construction. Maybe you should stop defending KB and dig your head out from the sand and realize their deception still continues.
johnny55:32 PM
It appears it is the same Kb employees and cheer leaders keep posting multiple times. I live in a KB home in Saddle mountain, also in Stone Oak. The issue is that KB Home sells one neighborhood concept, but does another. Within 1 month of closing on my home, the series was discontinued and a cheaper product was brought in. You can argue the economy caused them to do this, but why didn't they disclose this information? Had they told me the truth, I would have GLADLY walked away. Now KB is on its third different home series in less than two years here. I even read an article in the Express News regarding Sundance where Carlos Contreras the KB attorney was quoted as saying that KB Home knew 6 months Before they made the announcement that they were going to downgrade the homes in Sundance. Many homeowners had just purchased their homes. Why weren't they given this information? Yes the Real Estate market is soft, and has lost value in San Antonio. However, these home owners including myself have lost value at a pace faster than the market because of the decisions KB made and purposely withheld. The question should be, "Why doesn't KB Home give this information to their customers?" If they did, they might be in the press less often. I can also speak to other shady sales tactics. KB is known to put "Sold" signs on vacant lots to make it look like a hot neighborhood in terms of home sales, when they really are not sold. I have driven the Quarry once per month since this stuff started just for curiosity, and have seen sold signs on vacant lots going on three months now. Matter of fact, when I drove through there last week there was not one single home under construction. Maybe you should stop defending KB and dig your head out from the sand and realize their deception still continues.
1HappyHomeOwner5:16 PM
The residents of the Quarry do not have issues with construction quality...that is why they are not suing KB over any defective construction.
El Yard Man4:59 PM
KB hides a fact in the fine print- you agree not to sue them for crappy construction when you sign your sales contract. Stay classy KB/ Ray Ellison.
1HappyHomeOwner3:00 PM
Having an "I love my KB Home" sun visor harms no one. Having negative signs that make it nearly impossible for individuals to sell their homes without significant price drops harms everyone. The economy has taken its toll - but the negative campaign of a minority of residents has harmed our property values more than anything the local/national economy has done. Not only have they made it hard for the builder to sell homes, but they have made it difficult for those that need to sell for job loss/relocation.
ASO2:11 PM
I am also a happy Quarry at Iron Mountain neighbor. The KBLies folks made an expensive investment during the tale end of the real estate boom and, like 80% of the nation who have purchased a home in recent years, have taken an enormous hit from the downturn in the economy. Difference is, the KBLies folks have a sense of entitlement and feel that somebody else, namely KB Home, should pay for their mistake. They have openly admitted (Joe Pags Show) that their home is very well built and their only problem is having lower priced homes, and lower income neighbors, next to them. That is why you won't find a lawsuit, and why they choose to pursue their cause in the court of public opinion. Their elitist mentality has been overwhelmingly rejected by the vast majority of the neighbors in our subdivision, as evidenced by signed petitions which the SA Express News does not cover in their article, and that Rep. Leibowitz, in the best case failed to uncover, and in the worst case knowingly chose to omit from his comments. We are very happy with our homes and neighborhood and will continue to fight to bring the truth to light.
happywithmykbhome1:43 PM
I live in the Quarry at Iron Mountain and I am very pleased with my home. The individuals who started this are angry that the houseing marketed turned down and are now angry about it. They have admitted on Joe Pags radio show that they are happy with their homes, but upset that the builder had to adjust to compete in the market. The homes beign built here are the same quality as they had built. The website that they endorsed had incorrect information listed on it, and claims that the construction of the new homes were inferior, which was a lie. I incourage everyone to come by the neighborhood and look at and talk to the homeowner's and ask them how they feel. Being one of the people who signed the petition and was glad to see the signs go away. Before Rep. Leibowitz wads into the dispute, he should hear the other side of the story and then make an informed decision.
1HappyHomeOwner9:48 AM
They don't take it to court because they have no case. I can't speak for all KB homes - but the KBLies.com folks live in my neighborhood - the Quarry at Iron Mountain and we have absolutely no quality issues here. They are upset that their $400,000 homes are no longer what they were worth two years ago when they purchased. They are blaming KB because KB - in response to the economic down turn - lowered the price point of their homes (as many builders have done in SA) and now their houses are some of the most expensive in the community. They built in a brand new neighborhood and when you do that you always take risks that the development could not turn out as you originally envisioned. The downturn in the economy has impacted many people in different ways. The sad reality is that KBLies.com has hurt property values in the Quarry at Iron Mountain more than any effort of KB or the economy. They (the KBLies.com) folks continue to destroy our beautiful community with their abuse of the press by telling half truths that represent only a handful of the residents. Again - it was a community led initiative that demanded the HOA to take action to stop their negative campaign. The KB led HOA board had nothing to do with the action to stop their campaign. It was their neighbors that were tired of the vocal minority ruining our community and representing to the press and politicians things that the vast majority did not agree with.
Anymouse9:18 AM
Will someone help me out here? If a/some KB Home homeowner's feel they have been bilked, why do they not seek normal legal redress in a civil court of law?
1HappyHomeOwner8:40 AM
While true that KB has 2/3rds of the HOA vote - the HOA initially did not do anything about the signs until myself and several other non HOA/non KB home owners took action and drafted a petition demanding that the HOA act on our behalf. Rep. Leibowitz needs to look at the full picture here. The vast majority of home owners wants the KBLies people to stop their negative and untrue campaign. We gained almost 70% of the homeowners to sign our petition. The KBLies group only want money. We love our neighborhood and the non KB families that started the petition have the signatures to prove it.
