D.R. Horton Builder Profile: What to Know Before Building in Paris, TX

D.R. Horton is America's largest homebuilder by volume, and in Northeast Texas it is the builder behind Forestbrook Estates, the master-planned community in Paris that starts in the $200s. For buyers weighing a new home in Lamar County, understanding how D.R. Horton builds, what its warranty covers, and how the buying process works matters before the first visit to the model home. Here is the builder profile we share with every client evaluating Forestbrook Estates.

Who is D.R. Horton?

D.R. Horton was founded in 1978 and is headquartered in Arlington, Texas, which makes it a Texas company at its core even as it builds in nearly every major market across the country. The company builds more homes each year than any other builder in the United States, and that scale translates into real buyer advantages. Established supply chains keep material costs predictable, proven floor plans are refined across thousands of builds, and pricing stays competitive. For buyers, the practical result is a solid, efficient home at a price point smaller builders struggle to match.

What does D.R. Horton build at Forestbrook Estates?

The builder's Northeast Texas footprint centers on Forestbrook Estates, a 200-acre master-planned community in southeastern Paris. Phase 1 includes 87 single-family homesites, and D.R. Horton offers seven one- and two-story floor plans ranging from the entry-level Zavalla at 1,146 square feet to the Lakeway at 2,115 square feet. Base pricing starts in the $200s, with the final number depending on floor plan, lot, and upgrades.

Even the smallest plans include features many buyers expect to pay extra for elsewhere. Energy-efficient construction comes standard, and so does integrated smart home technology that puts security, climate, and lighting controls on your phone. Most plans span three to four bedrooms, so first-time buyers and growing families end up in the same community.

Floor plans at Forestbrook Estates

Zavalla (1,146 sq ft): The entry plan, ideal for first-time buyers, downsizers, or anyone who wants a low-maintenance new construction home.

Ashburn (1,317 sq ft): A single-story plan with open living areas. Comfortable without being excessive.

Texas Cali (1,858 sq ft): A mid-range plan with flexible living space, well suited to families who need room to grow.

Lakeway (2,115 sq ft): The largest option in the community, with generous bedrooms and a dedicated family area. The most livable footprint of the group.

How does the D.R. Horton warranty work?

D.R. Horton backs every home with a comprehensive national warranty program, one of the strongest reasons buyers choose a national builder. Every new construction home in Texas carries statutory warranty protections, and D.R. Horton's national program handles workmanship and major systems claims through an established process rather than a small local office. Before you sign, we make sure you understand exactly what the warranty does and does not cover, and how to file a claim if issues come up during the first year of ownership.

Where does D.R. Horton build in Northeast Texas?

In Northeast Texas, D.R. Horton's community is Forestbrook Estates, and the location is a big part of its appeal. The neighborhood sits within walking distance of the new Paris High School, part of a $50 million investment in Paris ISD, and close to the Love Civic Center and local medical facilities. For buyers priced out of the DFW suburbs, Paris delivers the same master-planned experience for a fraction of the cost. Browse the complete guide to new construction in Paris, TX or check current plans and availability on the D.R. Horton website.

What to watch for with a D.R. Horton purchase

Every big builder has trade-offs, and being clear-eyed about them helps you buy well. D.R. Horton homes are standardized to keep pricing efficient, which means the design center offers a more limited selection than a custom or semi-custom builder. Lot premiums are real: corner lots, green space views, and preferred orientations cost more. And in many builder communities, including Forestbrook Estates, the builder registers buyers on their first visit, so walking in without representation can cost you the right to add your own agent later. See our full Forestbrook Estates community guide for the details that matter before you register.

The smartest first step

Shannon and Scott Miles are new construction buyer specialists at eXp Realty and represent buyers at D.R. Horton communities across Northeast Texas, including Forestbrook Estates. They coordinate your registration before the first model home visit, compare available lots and floor plans, review the contract, and line up independent inspections. Because the builder pays the buyer's commission on new construction, their representation costs you nothing.

The best time to bring them in is before you visit the model home. Reach out to schedule a walkthrough of Forestbrook Estates and see for yourself what D.R. Horton is building in Paris right now.