The New American Home: Built to Order, Built for Efficiency

PORT ORCHARD, WA – December 05, 2025 – In a housing market defined by fierce competition and limited supply, the grand opening of a new housing development is always notable. But the recent launch of KB Home’s McCormick Trails community in Port Orchard is more than just another ribbon-cutting. It represents a masterclass in modern business strategy, revealing how one of America’s largest homebuilders is navigating market pressures by doubling down on personalization, verifiable sustainability, and a data-driven obsession with customer satisfaction.

Situated within the sprawling McCormick master plan, the new community enters a Kitsap Peninsula market that is red-hot. With median home prices in Port Orchard climbing 9.3% year-over-year to $585,000 and homes selling in an average of 33 days, the demand for new inventory is palpable. KB Home is not merely filling a gap; it is executing a deliberate strategy to differentiate itself in a crowded field, and the business implications extend far beyond the property lines.

A Business Model Built on Data and Design

At the core of KB Home's strategy is a departure from the one-size-fits-all model. While competitors like Lennar have found success with their "Everything's Included" approach, bundling features into a single price, KB Home champions a "Built to Order" philosophy. This isn't simply about choosing paint colors; it's a deep level of personalization where buyers can select their floor plan, lot, and exterior style before delving into thousands of options at the KB Home Design Studio. This process transforms customers from passive buyers into active participants in their home's creation.

What sets this model apart as a business innovation is the sophisticated feedback loop that powers it. The company's status as the #1 customer-ranked national homebuilder, a title held for five consecutive years on the independent review site TrustBuilder®, is not an accident. It is the result of a relentless focus on the customer experience, measured and refined through platforms like AvidCX™. In 2024, the company achieved a 96% overall customer satisfaction score and its Los Angeles/Ventura division won the prestigious AvidCX Cup, recognizing it as the top-scoring production builder in North America. This use of detailed, post-move-in data provides a continuous stream of business intelligence, allowing the company to identify friction points, refine its processes, and align its product with what buyers truly value—a critical advantage in a market where customer sentiment can make or break a brand.

“We are pleased to offer Seattle- and Kitsap-area homebuyers spacious new homes within the sought-after McCormick master plan,” said Ryan Kemp, President of KB Home’s Seattle division. “At KB Home, we’re here to help you achieve your dream with a personalized new home built uniquely for you and your life.”

The Tangible Economics of Green Building

While many builders now tout "green" features, KB Home has integrated sustainability into its financial value proposition. The company’s commitment is less about marketing buzzwords and more about hard numbers that directly impact a homeowner's wallet. Every home in McCormick Trails is designed to be ENERGY STAR® certified, a standard met by fewer than 10% of new homes nationwide.

This is the result of a long-term strategic investment. The company recently celebrated building its 200,000th ENERGY STAR home, more than any other builder in the country. In 2024, its homes achieved an average Home Energy Rating System (HERS) Index score of 45, making them 55% more energy efficient than a typical home built in 2006. For the consumer, this translates into an estimated average of $1,800 in annual utility savings compared to a typical resale home. Cumulatively, the company estimates its customers have saved over $1.3 billion on utility bills since 2000.

This focus on efficiency is a powerful business tool. In an era of fluctuating energy costs and rising mortgage rates, reducing the total cost of homeownership becomes a potent selling point. It reframes sustainability not as a luxury, but as a core component of affordability. This leadership has been consistently recognized by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), which honored KB Home with a record 30 ENERGY STAR Market Leader Awards in 2024. This deep, verifiable commitment to energy and water efficiency—the company has also built over 26,000 WaterSense® labeled homes—creates a durable competitive advantage that is difficult for rivals to replicate.

Mastering the Master Plan

The McCormick Trails community is a key piece of a much larger puzzle: the McCormick master plan. This development exemplifies the growing trend of creating self-contained communities that integrate living, working, and recreation. The vision extends far beyond rows of houses to include 8 miles of walking trails, parks, pickleball courts, and the established McCormick Woods Golf Club.

The most ambitious component is the planned McCormick Village, a pedestrian-focused retail center designed to foster a sense of community. By curating local retailers and dining options within walking distance of residences, the master plan aims to create a lifestyle, not just a location. This model appeals to a growing demographic of homebuyers who seek convenience, community, and a reduced reliance on cars for daily errands and leisure.

For the developer, McCormick Land Company, and builders like KB Home, the master plan is a strategic tool for creating long-term value. By controlling the environment and ensuring a high standard of amenities, they can create a premium brand for the entire area, supporting stable property values and attracting a steady stream of buyers who are investing in a comprehensive lifestyle.

Port Orchard's Growth: Opportunity and Challenge

The influx of hundreds of new homes will have a profound economic and social impact on Port Orchard. On one hand, the development promises significant benefits. New construction creates jobs, and the expanded residential and commercial base will increase property and sales tax revenues, funding crucial public services. Developments like McCormick Trails are essential for absorbing the region's population growth, which is fueled by proximity to major employers like Naval Base Kitsap.

On the other hand, such rapid growth presents challenges. The increased population will strain local infrastructure, including roads like Highway 3 and Highway 16, as well as ferry services to Seattle. Local schools in the South Kitsap School District will need to plan for higher enrollment, and public services like police and fire departments will see increased demand. For Port Orchard, managing this growth effectively—balancing economic opportunity with the preservation of community character and quality of life—will be the defining challenge of the next decade. Developments like McCormick Trails are not just a response to market demand; they are active agents in the transformation of the entire Kitsap Peninsula.