Pulte opens online design center

Home buyers at Pulte Homes' newest neighborhoods are invited to visit the builder's online design center, which is intended to make the selection of options and upgrades easy and convenient. The system, YourDesignCenter, is available to buyers at Sunset Ridge, Bella Vista, Parkside and Echo Ridge, all located in Summerlin.

Kristen Cooper, who recently purchased a home at Echo Ridge, was delighted with the system. She plans to move into her home in December.

"I used (it) to select options such as upgraded appliances and an upgraded front door. (It) was great because I work during the day and have a child, so I could use it at my convenience," she said.

"The computer adds everything up for you as you go along, which makes it much easier to see what you're spending."

The system is an ideal complement to the builder's bricks-and-mortar design center, according to Joe Whatley, vice president of sales.

"This Internet-based design center provides people with quick and easy planning at their fingertips," he said. "It's great for people who can't take time off of work or who need to stay home with their children."

Here is how the process works:

After signing a sales contract, buyers with a computer can log on to a password-protected Web site to view all of the available options for the floor plan they selected. The buyers can create 3-D renderings of the owner suite, for example, for color and design ideas. They can also compare the options side-by-side, then submit their choice to the builder.

The site also provides detailed product information, decision deadlines, pricing and monthly mortgage impact.

"Home buyers can amortize the cost of options and upgrades over the life of their mortgage," Kristin Kennedy, founder of YourDesignCenter, said. "So an item that might cost hundreds of dollars out-of-pocket after move-in would cost just a few dollars per month. Plus, the work is done by the time they move in and guaranteed by the builder."

Once selections are submitted, an e-mail confirmation is sent to the buyer and the sales agent, who then arrange to review the selections together in person. At any time during the process, buyers are welcome to visit the model homes to view product samples on display.

Pulte Homes, the nation's largest home builder, is developing 12 neighborhoods in Southern Nevada.

All of the company's neighborhoods in Las Vegas feature the builder's Platinum Series Environments for Living building technology. In addition to being recognized as EPA Energy Star homes, Pulte Living Certified homes offer a two-year heating and cooling guarantee.

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