HONESTLY - Are you interested in Mortgage, or trying to date me?

Has anyone else felt this frustration?  You're out socializing, networking, just taking a break and here comes someone with the light in their eyes wanting to talk to you.  You welcome with a big smile and say "hello".  You make some small talk on what brought you there before one asks the other "so what do you do".  While idling at a comfortable cruise and sipping your coctail you reply "I'm in the Real Estate business".  Excited...your new friends replies, "that's wonderful, I've been wanting to buy".

An hour passes while enjoying a mutual sharing conversation and being asked to help with their next purchase.  He says he is impressed with your knowledge of the industry and professional expertise.  He askes to meet with you within the next couple days which you kindly accept.  You've exchanged cards, shaken hands, and said goodbye.

You followup with a timely and professional email thanking him for talking with you and offering more information on your business and integrity within.  You provide a small amount of helpful information and a couple of times you are available to meet this week.  I'm not suggesting over a coctail or dinner, but for coffee or the office.  He replies to confirm where and when and thanks you for all your help!

He goes through the pre-approval process, meets with a Realtor and continues looking at properties.  He asks many questions about the market and wants to understand his mortgage options.  He wants to meet with you again.

At some point, you realize that he is asking many questions that begin leading into personal matters.  He is in no way asking you out on a date but now refers to you as his "friend" and tries flirting.  He says he is working with a couple Realtors and will let you know who he decides to work with.

So here's the magic question:  When do you think too much consulting without a clear path of moving forward is appropriate to put distance with your client?  Then how do you communicate that? 

I hope to hear comments from men and women who have experienced this.  Please tell us your stories.  Let this be a way to educate ourselves and keep us safe!