Just this last week (April of 2009) I convinced clients of mine to switch their search focus from one senior community which is now nearly all re-sales and had limited availability of the model they like to the community across the street - K Hovnanian's Four Seasons in Beaumont.  I called the sales office to ensure they were still cooperating with agents.  They happily informed me they were paying 5% until the end of April.  I confirmed that they had similar amenities, tax rate and HOA dues to the homes across the street so I could present that information to my clients.  They thought it might work for them and agreed to tour the models with me.  We arrived, talked to that same sales agent, filled out paperwork, then toured the models.  Upon our return with news that we found a few possibilities, the first sales agent was busy, but had another agent inform me they would NOT cooperate unless management approved it because my clients had been there in August of 2005.  Once reminded, my clients recalled coming to see the models because an excited friend wanted them to visit when he considered a purchase there.  They told us they would probably be able to work something out - maybe a reduced 2% commission.  When we came in to finalize the deal and bring the deposit check to hold the home, they regretfully informed me that they couldn't find a way to pay me anything.  I asked if they could then credit that same 5% to the buyers and was told no because "that money comes from another bucket."  I pushed thm saying they would have paid that moeny out if different buyers had bought the home, but got nowhere.  My clients tried to reason with them, repeatedly told them how disappointed they were, and were even willing to walk, but I wouldn't let them because there was only one model left with a somewhat quick move-in date that they liked.  Has anyone had any success fighting this? Any words of wisdom would be greatly appreciated!  My clients never received nay follow-up mailings from them after first visit and had forgotten they existed because they were too "pricey" for their budget when they first looked.  Although other homes are listed as active on MLS with 5% offered, this particular home was not.  It appears that homes ON MLS showing 5% are all conveniently in escrow...hmmmm.  Thank you for your helpful comments!