I do say what might not what they wanted, but I would not argue if it is a right house for them or not. They know better.

Clients often buy not what they said they want to:) It can be too emotional and not rational at all. You can not get into someone's head.

I would talk to them upfront about it and weigh the pros and cons with them. 

Great Question Debbie. I have learned to state my opinion and then let them make their own decisions. And, I always share my opinion or recap it in writing so I have some proof.

I would ask questions that would work them around to the possible problems and help them to work though objections..

Hi Debbie - good question and I would objectively point out the reasons the home may not be appropriate for them.  I would also put in writing also. But ultimately, the buyer may end up blaming the agent.

Debbie Reynolds , Discuss the pluses and minuses of the home - and if they love the house and want to ignore the negatives, you did your job! They look forward to a guidance from you - however, they are the decision makers.

Yes I would but in a way that was gentle. If you don't and they figure out the objections you mention, they could blame you the professional later. It is touchy because opinions vary so much. I would point out your thoughts and then accept their decision and down the road if they found you were right there would be less reason for using you the Realtor as a scapegoat.

Yes Debbie, as professional's we look at homes differently than many buyers, they are counting on us to point out the pro's and con's. Ultimately the decision is theirs we merely give them the input to make the most informed decision possible.

I point out everything wrong on all listings I show a buyer, that way when they pick one that seems to fit thier needs they can never come back at me later. I feel I'm paid to be an advocate not just an order taker.

Gabe nailed this one!

I think that they hired you for your expertise, share it with them gently.

Debbie,

First, I really try to never show a house that I can tell from location or online data is a bad choice. But if I have to, I start asking questions. Usually once we get through several questions they start seeing why the house may not be their best choice.

I would be tactful but I would definitely raise concerns about issues, things that they might be seeing or are overlooking. I am there as their advisor, but it's their decision. I would also point out the possible implications of the decision or the issues

Debbie Reynolds - I would speak up and let them know my concerns. Then if they still want to proceed with the purchase, I would do my best for them.

I have tried to tell clients why I don't think it's a good house for for them and point out all potential problems I can see. Every time I have advised a client to not purchase a home I get calls from them within days of moving in of problems I warned them about. You just can't protect all clients no matter how hard you try.

i've done this MANY times and even had buyers sign memo's of my advisory to not buy a property that i was sure was the wrong one for them...it was rehabbed but VERY poorly and the clearly shoddy workmanship was alarming to me.  the inspection turned up far more than i warned of and the damage was a few hundred bucks for that inspection when the buyers killed the deal.   my particular resume makes me a better judge of certain homes that i can easily detect as money pits.   some clients buy after the admonitions but do so with open eyes. 

the forcefulness of my advice often is based on  the level of sophistication of the client.  many have been successful without me so they get less arm twisting than a neophyte or rookie.