Q: I’m a new Realtor, and I was disappointed to read in a recent column your suggestion that home buyers work with someone with at least 10 years experience.

I might be new, but at 47 years old, with over 25 years of successful business experience (in marketing and sales); I am qualified and capable of giving my clients superior service.

Not to mention that I don’t have old or bad habits and am on top of the latest technology, techniques, news, and rules for real estate in our region of Arizona.

Please consider mentioning that a new Realtor can be a great resource, if properly interviewed and researched.

A: First, thanks for your point of view and for taking the time to write to me. You’ve made a great case that there are some agents who are new to the business who may be able to provide superior service to a buyer or seller. But I think you, and those like you, are the exception rather than the rule.

Most new agents don’t have your experience in sales and marketing, don’t understand what customer service is, and in addition, don’t know much about the local real estate market.

So in general, I’d have to say that I don’t think a real estate agent with a handful of sales is as good a choice as an agent who has been in the business for 5 or 10 years and has seen the housing stock turn over several times.

While you clearly have plenty of resources to offer buyers and sellers, this is a very tough market. While you may offer great service, most beginning agents have never seen a down market, and have no idea how to help their buyers and sellers compete.

But with your can-do attitude, I’m sure you’ll be wildly successful in the business and I wish you luck.

Nov. 19, 2006.