The study measures the satisfaction levels of buyers of new single-family homes who provided feedback to J.D. Power and Associates after living in their homes an average of four to 18 months.

This is Centex Homes' first year to be ranked highest in customer satisfaction by Las Vegas homeowners. Centex Corp. is the 2007 recipient of the J.D. Power and Associates Platinum Award for Excellence in Customer Satisfaction among the nation's largest home builders.

"The people of Centex Homes aspire to be the best and build the best in Las Vegas," said Phil Rafton, division president for Centex Homes in Las Vegas. "I'm proud of our local team's passionate commitment to doing what's right for our customers every day, even in the midst of a difficult business cycle in housing.

"J.D. Power and Associates' Platinum Award for Centex affirms that our company stands behind the homes we build, and that our customers can buy a Centex home with confidence."

Centex Homes was evaluated on nine factors featured in the study -- builder's warranty and customer service; home readiness; sales staff; construction manager; quality of workmanship and materials; price and value; design center; recreational facilities; and location.

J.D. Power and Associates surveyed new-home owners in 34 U.S. markets who closed on their homes in calendar year 2006.

Nationally, Centex Homes divisions achieved 14 top rankings, nine No. 2 rankings and five No. 3 rankings in local markets.

CTX Mortgage, the builder's affiliated mortgage-lending company, ranked highest in 12 of 15 markets in which it was evaluated for mortgage originations; CTX Mortgage ranked No. 2 in two markets, and No. 4 in one market nationwide.

Dallas-based Centex was founded in 1950. The home-building company operates in major U.S. markets in 25 states and has delivered more than 35,000 homes throughout the country in the fiscal year that ended March 31.

Its leading brands include Centex Homes, Fox & Jacobs Homes, CityHomes and Centex Destination Properties.