Cold calling used to be a standard part of business for nearly everyone in residential real estate. In the wake of federal and state Do Not Call laws, many practitioners today say the ban was a positive development for the real estate industry.

You may not think that now’s the best time to be picky about whom you choose as clients. But that’s the smartest thing you can do.

Would you list a house that has a troubled history? Maybe a well-publicized murder happened there or the previous owners were convicted of a heinous crime. Or perhaps the house is rumored to be haunted. Whatever the reason, stigmatized properties can be a hard sell in any market.

REALTOR® Magazine spoke with a handful of consumers who participated in the NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS®’ 2009 Profile of Home Buyer and Sellers. Our goal: to highlight the professional qualities that make customers want to do business with you again and again.