"Even though it was the first home I looked at with my agent, I immediately knew I was done. Giavanna is down the street from my job. I might even ride my bike to work."

McIntosh's home-buying process started months ago when he determined his budget for a mortgage .

"I knew my price range and the monthly payments I wanted. All of Giavanna's features were far above what I expected for my first home and for the price," he said. "North Las Vegas is growing and I know my home value will increase in the months and years to come."

McIntosh said his 1,263-square-foot, single-story Lorenza floor plan provides him with ample room. The three-bedroom, two-bath plan includes a great room with an adjacent dining room and island kitchen.

An interior laundry area is situated between the owner's suite and secondary bedrooms, one of which can be built as a den. The plan includes a two-car garage.

The self-described jock said he's looking forward to personalizing his space.

"I drive by on a weekly basis to check construction progress," he said. "Buying a home is a big step. The closer I get to moving in, the more excited I get. I'm going to paint and already have plans for a TV and cabinet."

McIntosh also plans to utilize Giavanna's six private neighborhood parks when his friend's son visits. Expansive grassy areas, gazebos and picnic tables highlight the parks.

"I like to hear kids playing and laughing," said McIntosh, who coaches Little League baseball. "The parks are well kept and I'll use them to their fullest with my friends."

In addition to family friendly recreational amenities, Giavanna is home to D.L. "Dusty" Dickens Elementary School, which will open for the 2007-2008 school year.

Giavanna III offers four floor plans ranging from 1,263 to 1,992 square feet with up to four bedrooms and 2 1/2 baths. Home buyers can choose from a single-story plan and three two-story designs, all with second-floor laundry rooms. One plan includes a loft. Prices start in the low $200,000s.

Fewer than 30 homes remain available at Giavanna I and II. Floor plans measure 1,200 to 1,990 square feet with as many as four bedrooms and three baths. Homes are priced from the low $200,000s.

Giavanna homes are Energy Star-certified and come with Centex Homes' Two-Year Fit and Finish Warranty, which extends the normal one-year coverage to two years at no extra cost.

The home builder also offers incentive programs to educators, health care providers, firefighters and law enforcement personnel as well as active, reserve, retired and veteran military members.

To visit, take Interstate 15 and exit Craig Road west. Turn right on Losee Road, right on Washburn Road, left on Pecos Road and right on Tropical Downs to the sales office. From Interstate 215, the Las Vegas Beltway, exit south on Losee, turn left on Centennial Parkway, right on Pecos and left on Tropical Downs to the sales office.

Hours are 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. daily, except for Monday when model homes open at noon.

For more information, call 643-8158 or visit centexvegas.com.