Realtor begins school

After teaching real estate classes at Western Nevada Community College for two years, Peggy Bristol found the need to create the Welcome Home School of Real Estate in Gardnerville.

"I saw a need for shorter classes, local classes and daytime classes in Carson Valley," Bristol said. "The only other class is in Carson City."

The owner of Welcome Home Realty said after completion of the 90-hour course, students should be prepared to take the test to become real estate agents.

"It's a complete class," Bristol said. "It satisfies the requirement for students to take the Nevada pre-licensing real estate exam."

The first of the ten-week classes starts June 5. Following courses are August 14 and October 23.

"I saw the need for people to take classes during the day and at night," she said. "The 10-week classes are good because students retain the knowledge - it sticks in their heads better than four-month classes."

Day classes are 9 a.m. to noon and evening classes are 5:30-8:30 p.m. on Mondays, Tuesdays and Thursdays. The $500 tuition includes textbooks.

"Moms who are home and retired people can take classes during the day," said Bristol. "Working people can attend at night - it works for everybody."

The school is approved by the Nevada Commission on Postsecondary Education and the Nevada Real Estate Division.

Bristol is available for private tutoring and in the future hopes to offer a property management class and continuing education for Realtors.

"I'm so excited about finally having classes," she said. "I have a passion for teaching and I love watching students succeed in passing the class."

Bristol will teach the course in her Welcome Home Realty office housed in a former residence built in 1901. The classroom has work tables, dry-erase "black boards" and a projection screen.

Bristol plans to serve snacks and to have guest speakers and PowerPoint presentations to spice up the subject of real estate.

"I take the dry material and try to make it humane, lively and entertaining," she said. "My goal is to make it a comfortable experience."

To sign up for real estate school, visit Bristol at Welcome Home Realty, 1462 Highway 395, Gardnerville or call 783-0870 or 790-3445.

What: Welcome Home School of Real Estate

Where: 1462 Highway 395, Gardnerville

When: Beginning June 5: day classes 9 a.m. to noon, night classes 5:30-8:30 p.m.

Info: welcomehomeschoolofrealty.com or call 783-0870 or 790-3445