The National Trust for Historic Preservation, often the target of real estate industry criticism for its protectionist viewpoints, is offering a series of classes around the country for real estate agents who would like to learn how and why they should develop brokerage practices that embrace historical homes.

Seminar training covers the history of architectural styles, from early colonial where appropriate to contemporary. It also covers historical preservation and conservation easements, historical preservation regulations and tax easements.

According to National Trust spokeswoman Nadja Gutowski, based in Washington, the program's aim is two-fold: To strengthen real estate agent expertise in the historical niche market; and to facilitate the stewardship of historic properties.

In many communities preservationists are considered hindrances to progress - and even more so as the debate increases over "urban sprawl," "smart growth" and "no growth" initiatives. Builders, developers and real estate agents often complain that historians protect old buildings simply because of their age, rather than because of their local, regional or national significance.

The real estate industry often finds it difficult to renovate and update some neighborhoods in some communities because of preservationist obstacles.

In an effort to give agents a new appreciation of the historic market, the National Trust and the ERA Real Estate franchise are partnering in the national series of seminars that are designed to give agents new insight to historic properties. Agents from other companies also are invited to participate.

Seminar dates include: At the plush Homestead resort in Hot Springs, Va., July 19; in Chicago on Sept. 25; in Reno, Nev., on Oct. 31; in San Francisco on Nov. 14 following the National Association of Realtors convention; in Boston later this fall on a date yet to be determined and in Tampa, Fla., in the spring of 2001.

The cost of the seminar is $139.

"The National Trust and ERA program offers real estate agents a clear informational advantage in the field of historic homes," said Dwight Young, a speaker, writer, educator and seminar leader for the National Trust.

"The training will provide the agents with important background on historic properties. Ultimately, this can only improve the stewardship of historic properties across the country."

Agents will receive a six month membership in the National Trust and a training certificate. Agent affiliated with ERA also will be able to put a National Trust logo on their business cards.

For information, contact that National Trust: 973 496-5628.