W.I.R.E.’s conversation also spotlights local woman-owned real estate school
- Isis Climes
- May 20
- 3 min read
Last month, the Pinellas County Chapter of the National Association of Real Estate Brokers (NAREB) hosted the W.I.R.E. (Women Investing in Real Estate) event at Black Leaf Cigar & Wine Lounge in St. Pete. Pinellas County Association of Realtists (PCAR) President Tamisha Darling-Roberson moderated the panel, featuring Black Leaf owner Christian Pryor Hurst, real estate broker Shawntavia Turner, and real estate investors Carolyn Brayboy and Mendee Ligon.
“Tonight you’re hearing from people who didn’t just talk about investing. They moved, they took risks, they figured it out along the way; because the difference between those who build wealth and those who keep watching is a decision,” said Darling-Roberson.
The women shared their individual paths toward real estate investing, sharing topics from credit preparation to available down payment assistance programs, to ensure attendees left feeling more informed, prepared, and another step closer to making homeownership their reality.
For Turner, the journey toward not only investing in real estate but also being able to help others learn the ropes of buying property and land is furthered through her real estate school, Turnkey School of Real Estate.
Turner is a cornerstone in her community for educating people about homeownership.
She has been the owner and broker of Turnkey Real Estate Brokerage since its inception in 2015. She later opened Turnkey School of Real Estate in 2018, where she serves as the main instructor, guiding individuals on the ins and outs of the real estate field.
“I’m such an advocate for access and educating our community - that’s why I started the real estate school,” said Turner.
Turner’s brokerage operates with a staff of over 25 realtors, all committed to fostering homeownership in the Tampa Bay area. The firm offers a multitude of in-house services, including individual and commercial financing, property management, and credit repair.
“We can walk you through the entire process of getting you financially approved and also represent you on the sale side of your purchase,” Turner explained.
Beyond her brokerage, Turner’s real estate school offers Florida-approved pre-licensing courses through its three main programs: Sales Associate, Broker Pre-Licensing, and Continuing Education. Through these classes, students benefit from direct exposure, real transactions, and mentorship opportunities within a full-service brokerage.
The Sales Associate Pre-Licensing class is a 63-hour course covering real estate principles, practices, and Florida law. This required course is for those interested in becoming a licensed real estate sales associate in Florida. In-person classes are held twice a week on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 6:30 p.m. to 9 p.m., at 5149 Central Avenue, Saint Petersburg, FL 33710.
The Broker Pre-Licensing class is a 72-hour course geared towards experienced sales associates ready to take the next step. The course covers investment analysis and valuation, advanced real estate law, escrow management, and other topics for advanced brokers. To qualify for this class, you must be a real estate agent for a minimum of two years.
Lastly, the Continuing Education is a 24-hour course intended for those who wish to stay current and maintain their Florida real estate license.
At the end of each course is a 3-hour state exam where students must pass with at least a 70% to complete the course. Classes can be in person with Turner or online at your own pace. After graduating, students are offered hands-on experience and real-world practice with what they learn in the field.
“If they’re in my licensing course, I offer them a job opportunity. If they’re not looking to stay with the broker, I still offer some type of resources that help them with leads or anything to get started,” explained Turner.
While enrollment dates are still pending on her site, Turner – who is also an entrepreneur – welcomes the opportunity to connect with those interested in homeownership and in becoming pre-licensed through her real estate classes.
“We are here to connect you to the possibilities,” said Turner.
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