New Western Acquisitions in Houston?

[Cortney Arenstein]

Anyone have a positive experience with NWA in Houston? I have been on their mailing list for a few weeks now and run well over two dozen comps on their listings and have found that the comps are SO far off as to be almost unethical. Granted, "buyer beware" and "due diligence" all that jazz, but they are so far off I am surprised they are able to continue doing business. Are there just so many unsavvy buyers working without good comps that are willing to take these things at face value? I recently filled out a survey they sent me and said all these things essentially, and the broker called me to "go over a few of these issues" with me. Which is a nice customer service gesture, but I can't imagine what he is going to say other than "we are in the house sales business and this is just marketing." 

I mean, I get it; I have been an agent in Houston for 6 years or so. When you list a retail house, you are going to aim toward higher comps to push your listing price to wherever the market can handle it, (although I make damn sure my sellers are aware of the most accurate and TRUE comps that exist because the appraiser sure isn't going to care to pick the "better" ones) and when your a retail buyer's agent, you find the comps that support those lower prices you hope to negotiate down to. (with the assumption you are not competing with 6 other offers--obviously depends on the area and price point.) 

But DANG. Am I missing some important piece of the puzzle here? Has ANYONE had a successful buy and hold or buy and flip from a NWA listing? 

[Ola Dantis]

These companies are making money on those who are unwilling or unable to do the exercise you did to find out the truev value of a property. 

For those lazy investors, there is always a hefty price to pay either in the short or in the long term. It sucks, but this is the genius of marketing, unfortunately.