BANNER YEAR: Las Vegas division hits jackpot for Pulte

SPECIAL TO REAL ESTATE

It's been a banner year for Pulte Homes considering the company, the nation's No. 1 home builder, saw its Las Vegas Division rank highest in a customer satisfaction survey and is on pace to close about 850 homes this year in Southern Nevada.

According to the J.D. Power and Associates 2000 New Home Builder Customer Satisfaction Study, the division was noted for its quality of workmanship/materials, customer service, sales staff, price/value, design elements, design center and location.

"Our customer service standards coupled with a strategic re-positioning of the Pulte brand for 2000 has enabled us to surpass revenues from the prior year," Steve Petruska, Southwest regional president for Pulte Homes, said.

"In 2000, we performed at or above expectations in all communities. Summerlin again proved to be a profitable endeavor with the opening of four new neighborhoods and the continued success of our amenitized townhome community, Cottonwood Terrace."

The Las Vegas Division opened seven new communities in the past year, and plans to open eight next year, as it continues to draw on market research.

"Our product is always evolving ...," marketing director Lynn Galindo said. "At Pulte, we believe that it is critical to build homes that won't become technologically obsolete for our homeowners in the near future.

"Through our research, we learned that courtyards and indoor/outdoor living enhancements were major trends for 2000, so we incorporated elements such as gated entries for added privacy, patio fireplaces and casita/cabanas."

To remain competitive in the Southern Nevada market, the company will continue to incorporate technological innovations such as advanced structured wiring systems into its homes, according to Galindo. The builder also participates in the Engineered for Life Program, which ensures energy efficiency in its homes.

With a dozen active neighborhoods throughout the valley, Pulte offers 48 floor plans, ranging from 1,120 to 3,910 square feet. Townhomes, single-family homes and golf course homes are available, and priced from $120,990 to more than $400,000.

"I'm extremely proud of our accomplishments and the dedication of the Pulte team, from the customer service and sales agents to construction and office personnel," Petruska said. "The results of the J.D. Power and Associates study, as well as our internal performance program, reinforces Pulte's commitment to provide exceptional service and quality constructed homes to new-home buyers."

All sales offices and models are open from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily except Monday, when they open at noon.S U N D A Y , D E C E M B E R 1 0 , 2 0 0 0

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