Have you ever done this?

Nicole,

I've never known an agent to actually tell a client they didn't have time to work with them.  I have heard a few clients say that's what the agent said.  I've had a couple of occasions to talk much later with the agent, and here are the kinds of things I heard.  I heard that the agent had a different perspective on what was said.  For example, one agent indicated the clients were extremely difficult to work with, impatient, rude, demanding, and that they had been caught in a couple of small mistatements.  That really turned one agent off, and he politely told the clients that he had shown them 26 houses that fit their parameters, and that there were no more that specifically fit their parameters.  These clients promptly went to another agent, and apparently they told the other agent that the first agent told them he had no time for them.  Not exactly true, but they might have perceived it that way.  

It is also very probable that there are some clients and agents who just do not have kindred spirits, and they don't seem to be on the same sheet of music at all.  They typically go their own way, which is to say the client finds another agent, and may actually say the first agent had no time for them.  That would be one interpretation of their separation.  I think these are the kinds of situations we see most often.   

Sometimes timing is everything. I recently had foot surgery which I was told would mean no driving for 6 weeks. As a buyer's agent, that is a pretty serious hit to take. I received several referrals during the week before my surgery and I had to refer some of them out. It was the only way the clients could be properly cared for on their timetable.

However, I didn't tell them that I didn't have time for them. That seems like your clients my have been rubbed the wrong way by their previous agent.

Nicole,

The thought of telling someone that you don't have time for them without offering to refer them to somebody else is beyond belief.  I could see there being agents that deal within a certain price range or agents that are extremely busy. What I don't see is an agent unwilling to offer someone help.  I think it's good practice to turn away business you can't service but offer them some help in finding a well qualified agent.  Top producers in my area that only want to deal with listings set up a team of buyers' agents.  A qualified assistant can also increase your business tremendously.  I would suggest one of the two options for those agents turning away business.  Well I'm glad to see that those clients ended up in your caring hands. 

I have had a few like that. They were working with high end Realtors and were not getting the service they needed or deserved.

They should have just referred them out. Good for you !!