First HomeKit-Enabled 'Smart Home Packages' Open to Homebuyers in San Jose

Homebuilding company KB Home today announced "the nation's first HomeKit-enabled community," which comes with the opportunity for buyers to build homes with Apple's HomeKit platform integrated from the get-go. A report last month brought news that Apple was working with homebuilders to install HomeKit and the Apple ecosystem of connected devices into properties at the beginning of construction.

Now the Promenade at Communications Hill in San Jose will be the first community of homes to include a HomeKit smart package that buyers can purchase. Following the debut in San Jose, the packages will also be available for curious home buyers at KB Home's Magnolia at Patterson Ranch community.

As detailed in the original report, the smart homes utilize HomeKit at the beginning of a home's construction to install products like lights, window blinds, garage doors, doorbells, and more at added cost, so the homeowners don't have to add them gradually over time. In one of the test homes displayed in Alameda, California, a total of $30,000 worth of smart products fueled the smart package.

A model home showcasing how KB homeowners can simply and securely monitor and control Apple HomeKit-compatible accessories, such as lighting, door locks and other security features, and more, conveniently from their iPhone, iPad or Apple Watch, is now open at Promenade at Communications Hill.

Designed with today's tech-savvy buyer in mind, Promenade at Communications Hill offers convenient city living close to San Jose's shopping, dining, nightlife and cultural attractions, as well as to the area's major Silicon Valley employers. The community also provides easy access to Interstates 880, 680 and U.S. Highway 101.

KB Home said that the plans available at the Promenade community range in size from 2,148 to 2,178 square feet, with the option to choose up to five bedrooms, four baths, and a two-car garage. Pricing on the properties begin in the low-$900,000s, which seemingly doesn't include the smart package expenses.