Frequently asked questions about new construction in Northeast Texas
Straight answers from Shannon and Scott Miles. If you do not find what you are looking for, reach out through our contact page or call (469) 588-8395.
About Build Your Way Home
What is Build Your Way Home?
Build Your Way Home is a dedicated new construction resource for buyers in Paris, TX and Northeast Texas. It is powered by Shannon and Scott Miles of the Shannon Miles Group at eXp Realty. The site covers new construction communities like Forestbrook Estates, builder contract guidance, independent inspection recommendations, and relocation support for anyone considering a newly built home in this region.
Who are Shannon and Scott Miles?
Shannon and Scott Miles are a husband-and-wife real estate team based in Paris, Texas. Both hold the Graduate, REALTOR Institute (GRI) designation and are Certified Luxury Home Marketing Specialists (CLHMS). They are founding members of the eXp Land and Ranch division and active leaders in the Lamar County Chamber of Commerce. Shannon is currently working toward her broker license, and Scott is becoming licensed in Oklahoma as the Shannon Miles Group expands. Learn more on the About page.
Why is this site focused on new construction?
Shannon and Scott saw too many buyers walk into builder sales offices without representation. The builder has an agent. The lender has a team. The buyer is often the only person in the room without a dedicated advocate. Build Your Way Home exists to solve that problem by educating buyers on why and how to get proper representation on a new construction purchase in Northeast Texas.
New construction buyer representation
How does new construction buyer representation work?
When you buy a new construction home, the builder has their own sales agent working in the model home. That agent represents the builder's interests. A buyer's agent, like Shannon or Scott Miles, represents your interests exclusively. They review your builder contract before you sign, recommend independent inspections at key construction stages, negotiate concessions on your behalf, and stay with you through closing and your first year of homeownership. On new construction, the builder pays the buyer's agent commission, so this representation costs you nothing extra.
Does having a buyer's agent cost me extra on new construction?
No. The builder pays the buyer's agent commission as part of their standard sales and marketing budget. You receive dedicated representation at no additional cost. Not having your own agent does not reduce the price of the home. It simply means you are negotiating a six-figure contract without a professional advocate on your side.
What if I visit a model home without my own agent?
If you register as a walk-in buyer without an agent, many builders will not allow you to add representation later. Once you are registered with the builder's sales team, adding your own buyer's agent becomes difficult or impossible depending on the builder's policy. This is why we always recommend bringing your buyer's agent on the first visit, or calling ahead to confirm you can bring representation.
What does a buyer's agent actually do during new construction?
Your buyer's agent manages the full arc of the transaction. Before the contract, they tour communities with you, compare builders, evaluate lot positioning, and help you make informed decisions. During contract review, they flag ambiguous language, negotiate timeline commitments, upgrade allowances, and cancellation protections. During construction, they recommend independent inspections at pre-slab, pre-drywall, and final walkthrough, and they monitor your build against the contracted timeline. After closing, they help with warranty claims and builder follow-ups through your first year.
Can I negotiate on a new construction home?
Yes. Builders negotiate on closing costs, upgrade credits, lot premiums, appliances, and other concessions. The degree of flexibility depends on the builder, the community, the current market, and the stage of construction. We negotiate strategically to maximize your value at the right moments in the process.
How long does a new construction home take to build?
Most new construction homes in Northeast Texas take four to eight months from contract signing to closing day, depending on the builder, the floor plan, weather conditions, and the time of year. Spring and summer can add time to the queue because builders manage multiple builds simultaneously. Read our full new construction timeline breakdown for a phase-by-phase look.
Forestbrook Estates questions
Who builds new construction in Paris, TX?
Several builders operate in and around Paris, Texas. At Forestbrook Estates, the featured community on this site, D.R. Horton and Wyldewood Homes are the two builders currently constructing homes. D.R. Horton brings national-scale efficiency with seven floor plans ranging from 1,146 to 2,115 square feet. Wyldewood Homes offers a more boutique, Texas-based approach with a focus on craftsmanship and personal buyer relationships. Shannon and Scott work with builders across Northeast Texas and can help you evaluate which builder is the right fit.
What is Forestbrook Estates?
Forestbrook Estates is a 200-acre master-planned new construction community in southeastern Paris, Texas. Phase 1 includes 87 single-family homesites with homes by D.R. Horton and Wyldewood Homes. Pricing starts in the $200s and ranges into the $400s. The community features energy-efficient construction, integrated smart home technology, walking paths, and proximity to Paris High School, the Love Civic Center, and local medical facilities.
What floor plans are available at Forestbrook Estates?
D.R. Horton offers seven one- and two-story floor plans. The Zavalla (1,146 sq ft) is the most compact option. The Ashburn (1,317 sq ft) offers open single-story living. The Texas Cali (1,858 sq ft) provides flexible family space, and the Lakeway (2,115 sq ft) is the largest plan with generous bedrooms and a dedicated family area. Three additional plans are also available. Wyldewood Homes offers their own selection. Contact us for the full lineup and current availability.
Why do I need my own agent at Forestbrook Estates specifically?
Because Forestbrook Estates is actively selling and construction is underway, the window for buyer representation matters. In many builder communities, builders will not allow you to add a buyer's agent after you have registered as a walk-in buyer. If you visit the model home without an agent, the builder's sales team will register you as their client. The simplest solution is to bring your buyer's agent on the first visit. We handle this for our clients so the process starts correctly from the first conversation.
Counties and communities we serve
What areas does Shannon Miles Group serve?
Shannon Miles Group serves eight counties in Northeast Texas: Lamar, Grayson, Collin, Fannin, Hunt, Delta, Hopkins, and Red River Counties. This includes the cities of Paris, Sherman, Celina, Frisco, Bonham, Greenville, Sulphur Springs, Clarksville, and Cooper. Their storefront office is located at 2322 Lamar Avenue in Paris, TX.
What counties do you cover in Northeast Texas?
We cover Lamar, Grayson, Collin, Fannin, Hunt, Delta, Hopkins, and Red River Counties. Our primary focus is on new construction communities, land and ranch properties, and residential real estate across this eight-county service area. Whether you are looking at a new build in Paris, an acreage outside Bonham, or a home in the growing Frisco corridor, we have the local knowledge to guide you.
Do you help with land and ranch purchases?
Yes. Shannon and Scott are founding members of the eXp Land and Ranch division. They specialize in land, acreage, and ranch transactions throughout Northeast Texas. Whether you are looking for a few acres outside Paris or a larger ranch property, their expertise is backed by a national network through eXp Realty while maintaining the local knowledge that only comes from living and working in this region.
Do you help buyers relocating from out of the area?
We work regularly with buyers relocating to Northeast Texas from Dallas, Austin, Oklahoma, and across the country. We can handle most of the process remotely, including virtual tours, digital document signing, and phone or video consultations. When you are ready to visit in person, we plan a focused tour that makes the most of your time.
Contracts, inspections, and the build process
What should I look for in a builder contract?
Builder contracts are drafted by the builder's legal team and heavily favor the builder. Common issues include vague delivery dates, limited warranty coverage, restrictive cancellation clauses, material substitution allowances, and upgrade pricing that is not clearly defined. We review every clause before you sign and negotiate specific terms like construction timeline commitments, upgrade allowances, and cancellation protections.
Do I need independent inspections on new construction?
Yes. We recommend independent inspections at three key stages: pre-slab (before concrete is poured, to verify foundation preparation and plumbing rough-in), pre-drywall (to verify framing, electrical, plumbing, and HVAC before walls are closed up), and final walkthrough (a thorough inspection before closing to identify any remaining issues). The builder will not suggest these inspections. They are your right, and they protect you from expensive problems that are invisible once construction is complete.
What warranty do I get with a new construction home?
Most builders offer a one-year workmanship warranty, a two-year systems warranty covering electrical, plumbing, and HVAC, and a ten-year structural warranty. We help you understand what each covers, how to file claims, and what to do if the builder's response is not sufficient. Issues frequently emerge in the first year: settling cracks, minor trim work, appliance adjustments, and seasonal HVAC calibration.
Are builder upgrades worth the cost?
Some are. Some are not. Builder upgrades carry high markups. A countertop upgrade that costs $4,000 at the builder may cost $2,000 from an independent contractor after closing. We help you prioritize upgrades that add genuine value and identify the ones that are better handled independently after you move in. The design center visit is exciting, but it is also where buyers overspend most often.
What is the best time of year to start a new construction build in Northeast Texas?
New construction timelines in Northeast Texas are affected by weather. Spring storms, summer heat, and occasional winter freezes all impact outdoor construction phases. Signing your contract in late summer or fall can position your build to take advantage of more stable weather during the foundation and framing stages. However, builder availability and community phase timing also play a role. We help you plan strategically based on your timeline and the community you are building in.
Agent credentials and licensing
What certifications do Shannon and Scott Miles hold?
Both Shannon and Scott Miles hold the Graduate, REALTOR Institute (GRI) designation, completing advanced coursework in real estate law, ethics, contracts, and technology. They are also Certified Luxury Home Marketing Specialists (CLHMS), demonstrating advanced training in marketing and negotiating high-value properties. Shannon is currently working toward her broker license, and Scott is becoming licensed in Oklahoma as the Shannon Miles Group expands across state lines.
What brokerage are you affiliated with?
Shannon Miles Group operates under eXp Realty. Their storefront office is at 2322 Lamar Avenue in Paris, TX 75460. The brokerage phone is 903-785-2005. Scott's Texas license number is 0734748.
Are you members of any professional organizations?
Yes. Shannon and Scott are active members of the Lamar County Chamber of Commerce. They are founding members of the eXp Land and Ranch division, and they are affiliated with the National Association of REALTORS. Their office displays the Equal Housing Opportunity badge and REALTOR membership credentials.
Still have questions?
Every new construction situation is different. Reach out and we will give you a straight answer based on your specific circumstances.