KB Home started construction on a new model in Quarry at Iron Mountain on November 21, 2007. While it was being constructed the current residents living in the neighborhood, and the pending buyers waiting for their Estate or Liberty home to be complete, were led to believe that this was going to be a Liberty series model home. This made logical sense because the closest Liberty model to view was located over 20 miles away in Boerne, TX.

The new Trails model opened approximately on February 2, 2008, and at this time KB Home simultaneously discontinued the Estate and Liberty series. KB Home introduced a third and fourth downgraded product line that was cheaper than and not as nice as the previous two series. The Trails and Empire collections are the current series being offered in the Quarry at Iron Mountain today.

KB Representatives positioned this as a result of the economy, and because customer feedback of homebuyers walking the model indicated buyers wanted cheaper homes. Residents of both the Estate and Liberty Series feel betrayed in this decision because of the large price and quality disparity between the series. No other home builder at the $300-450k price point in North Central San Antonio has abandoned their product line and failed on their commitment to deliver the community they have been selling.

The Trails and Empire series added 12 additional floor plans to the Quarry at Iron Mountain, which brings the total to 24 floor plans in a period of 24 months for a community of only 121 home sites. As of January 2009, this series has the worst sales performance per month offered, and has the potential of capturing 49% of the total neighborhood if completed. With KB Home’s pattern of behavior it is not likely that this will be the final series offered in the neighborhood, especially if you consider the poor sales numbers that complement this product line of homes. Be cautioned that KB Home does not have to build another model to sell another downgraded cheaper series. Their track record shows that they will direct buyers to another neighborhood to view the model of that series. Most importantly, KB Home also has a proven history to sell vacant lots to another builder when they are struggling with sales.

These homes have the largest quality disparity than the initial two series offered in this community. The standard features are minimal and the upgrades available previously have disappeared, resulting in a home at a lower price per square foot.  Listed below are some of the differences in standard features:

·Trails are 40' wide (50' with 3rd car garage)

·Empire is 45' wide with standard tandem 3 stall garage

·Approximately 1/3 more narrow than Estate offering

·Many elevations feature only one front window

·No covered patio

·No crown molding

·No fireplace

·Basic cabinetry

·Laminate counter tops

·Vinyl flooring – (trails series)

·No built-ins

·24” vs. 16” on center studs on non-load bearing walls

·HVAC system placed in hallway closet rather than attic