"Not only have we significantly ramped up production in anticipation of the Builder Short Sale, but we have hired additional sales representatives. These new agents will help us to respond to the immense amount of Realtor interest we have already received.

"In fact, we have scheduled over 30 brokerage presentations over the next 10 days. Our goal is to engage every Las Vegas Realtor regarding the specific homes and opportunities available at the Builder Short Sale."

He said D.R. Horton of Las Vegas will not publish new pricing prior to the event, however, their sales agents have promised deep discounts.

"Throughout the holiday season we have been very busy realigning our business plan for the new year," Ward said. "We have thoroughly examined and renegotiated our construction costs. These refinements in conjunction with our commitment to remain the valley's best-selling home builder, have allowed an emergence of fabulous new pricing for 2009."

The Builder Short Sale is designed to encourage prospective home buyers to make a direct comparison between a new Horton home and the vast number of bank-owned foreclosures on the market, according to Ward.

New homes have the distinct advantages of offering a hassle-free buying process, whereby buyers don't have to negotiate with banks, compete with multiple contract offers or worry about undisclosed structural issues, he said.

New homes also include a builder warranty, whereas bank-owned properties typically are sold "as is," and can require significant additional expenses such as carpet and landscape replacement.

"The Short Sale will feature unprecedented price reductions at our communities," Ward said, "but the real momentum behind this event is for our sales agents to help prospective home buyers with the 'value calculation' and demonstrable savings of a new home purchase. In recent months, buyers have shown the willingness to sacrifice purchasing a great product to receive a lower price.

"In some cases our new pricing won't match that of foreclosed homes, but this gap will be significantly narrowed. We are confident buyers will complete their 'value calculation' and elect to purchase a immaculate home instead of a 'housing project.' "

The Builder Short Sale neighborhoods can be identified by eye-catching signage, featuring Hollywood actor Verne Troyer, who is the iconic face behind the promotion.

Also, D.R. Horton has recently published a single-story portfolio of their homes and a Las Vegas home-finding map that have become an informational staple for valley Realtors.

Home shoppers may request these items through the builder's concierge at 501-6301, or online at DRHorton.com/lasvegas.

Prospective homebuyers and Realtors who are interested in attending the Builder Short Sale may obtain information at any D.R. Horton neighborhood in Las Vegas and Laughlin, online at BuilderShortSale.com or by contacting the D.R. Horton concierge at 501-9301.