Within past 6 months I informed a potential Buyer that I was not a tour guide, so they needed a preapproval before viewing homes and then isolating the list to the homes that ONLY meet their criteria. 

I don't seem to have a problem with the ethics side of things (they just don't ask) so I would say it is the reality of it. I tend to be very upfront with my clients and prepare them for what I see happening. Some appreciate it and some don't as you can imagine. I don't like to blow smoke and want my clients to be grounded and not fall flat.

Last month...they wanted to look at homes without getting qualified.

The last time was because of ethics.   He wanted me to lie about issues on the property,

It wasn't really a "no",  it was an "I can't help you".  A seller wanted to list the house at $1.5mm when the market was trending towards a $1.2mm listing price. He listened and will wait to see what the market does. 

Since we don't get paid by the hour, we need to establish some standards and boundaries; standard for yourself and boundaries for people you deal with. its not very hard to say "NO", but sometimes I do!!! Just like marriage it does not get any better as the time goes, once probelems start creeping up

Usually, it is a reality. Most of clients think that their situation is unique. Yes and no. There are some basic rules that we all must follow and we need to work as a team to get the best possible result the client expects from hiring me.

The last time.....that would be Feb 22, 2015.

Like every agent on the planet, the buyer and I meet at the office to make sure the buyer can be found should I go missing.

"You tell me you've been looking to buy for over 8 months now you want to get serious. OK, let's get started."

During that meeting, there is important business that must be discussed. That business involves the methods used to sell real estate and how those methods effect my compensation. When it is revealed an ambush was intended in the form of a rebate, the reality that 'NO' or "H*** NO" is not only possible but assured, the buyer has a choice. 

After 8 months of rejection I'm sure he's still tolling for a desperate agent.

Praful takes that decision.

Coming to this Q after a long time!

If my client wants to do something unethical, I do say 'NO', Paul.

Last week, based on reality.

An ethical or reality deficit are both excellent reasons for saying "NO".

 Paul when it comes to questions of ethics, professionalism, unrealistic renovations, scheduling and fixed terms from a client, the answer is beyond the realm of choice for me.  Example:  Seller has made clear there will be no pre-closing move in, or that their home will not be shown later than a certain hour, I would say "no" to showings past that time.  IF serious buyer has a very compelling reason: love house, have to catch flight out tonight and want to make an offer; but need to walk through again to be certain.  Then I will call seller, and give them the option.  

I would not take it on myself to reject or counter an offer; but would do my best to give my client the pros and cons needed to make a sound decision.

I walked away from a listing.  I refused to list the property because the Sellers were totally unrealistic on their price.  I told them to call me when they cam down to reality.

It happens from time to time. it is not just ethics or reality, it is about our written culture and core values we follow for both ourselves and our clients. For instance we are grateful for those who out their trust in us but they also should be grateful for the service we bring them.

I don't have a problem when it has to do with ethics.  In fact a turned a buyer away just the other day because they already had an agent that didn't jump to their beck and call on a Sunday.  How ever I have trouble with the tire kickers....

Paul -- I don't remember the last time, maybe because I don't have a problem saying "no" for either of these reasons. It's not a question of saying "no," it's how you say it to get your message across.

The ethics part is easy... black and white on what we can and can not do to be professional. The reality part... the if expectations are higher than they should be, the demands out of whack it is a simple case. I can not help them. But good luck, no ill feelings or snarky happens. It is like a doctor or lawyer who gives advice, they don't like what you have to say and nope, not signing on. Run to other appointments where you can do good, get results. Next! 

Just this evening I said no to a showing because they cannot buy until early summer.  This home will not be available then.  These folks are the parents to my favorite all time Clients.