Leading With Safety: Why Every NE Florida Agent Needs to Hear From Tracey Hawkins

Leading With Safety: Why Every NE Florida Agent Needs to Hear From Tracey Hawkins

Northeast Florida's real estate market demands more than just sales skills. It demands a deeper level of responsibility to clients, communities, and agents themselves. That's exactly what Tracey Hawkins, widely known as "Tracey the Safety Lady," delivers. This article uses insights from the full episode transcript at tracyhayespodcast.com/113.

Tracey Hawkins isn’t just a speaker — she’s the authority on real estate safety, and her work is reshaping how agents across the country approach risk, liability, and consumer protection. She’s spoken nationally, created the only agent safety designation taught by the original creator, and delivers real solutions for brokerages, teams, and solo agents alike.

A Safety Expert Built for Real Estate

Tracey got her start in the industry over 35 years ago, earning her license alongside her twin sister. While her sister remained in sales, Tracey forged a path into personal and property safety — building her business from the ground up by selling safety gear and eventually launching her own safety-focused store. Today, she’s one of the most recognized national experts on real estate agent safety.

She’s been featured in REALTOR Magazine, RISMedia, The Close, and even CNN, Fox, ABC, NBC, and Essence. She’s also the creator and host of two influential safety podcasts: "Drive With NAR: The Safety Series" and "Ripped From the Headlines: The Safety Edition."

"Every single program that I do, I start with talking about the gift of fear... Human beings are the only animals who ignore it."

"I created something that didn’t exist because I saw a need. I had to make safety profitable so I could reach more people."

"Don’t let your guard down because you think you’re in a good part of town. As long as criminals have cars, there’s no such thing."

Safety Starts with Local Awareness

In markets like Jacksonville, St. Augustine, Nocatee, and Ponte Vedra, agents work in diverse environments — from luxury listings and gated golf communities to rural acreage and downtown historic zones. That diversity brings risk.

Tracey stresses that agents must do more than carry pepper spray or a firearm. They need layered safety strategies, consistent training, and the mindset to lead with safety in every interaction — especially when working FSBOs, open houses, or showing homes alone.

Real Strategies That Save Lives

1. FSBO Outreach That Converts: Tracey created a 13-point FSBO safety sheet. Agents hand-deliver it, stapled to their card, educating sellers and standing out as true professionals.

2. Safety-First Listing Presentations: She teaches agents to start every listing appointment with a home safety walkthrough. Not only does it protect the seller — it differentiates the agent from every competitor.

3. Broker Liability Training: Tracey built the only office safety policy handbook in the industry and offers CE classes to help brokers avoid negligence lawsuits if an agent is harmed.

FAQs — Northeast Florida Buyers & Sellers Need to Know

What makes Northeast Florida real estate unique from a safety standpoint?
The combination of urban, suburban, coastal, and rural settings in places like Jacksonville Beach, Nocatee, and St. Johns County means agents must adapt their approach every day.

How can FSBO sellers reduce risk when listing alone?
Remove prescription drugs, personal paperwork, firearms, valuables, and children’s photos. And don’t ever open the door without screening.

Should agents require ID before showings?
Absolutely. Use tools like Forewarn to verify buyers — and educate sellers on the importance of knowing who enters their home.

Do male agents face fewer risks?
No. Many recent attacks and even murders have targeted male agents. Overconfidence is often their greatest vulnerability.

Don’t Wait Until It’s Too Late

If you’re an agent, broker, or team leader in Jacksonville, St. Augustine, Nocatee, Ponte Vedra, or anywhere in St. Johns County — you need Tracey Hawkins in your training rotation. Invite her to speak, enroll in her CE courses, or share her safety tip sheets with your team.

Visit safetyandsecuritysource.com
Join her FB Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/1201272486905093/?ref=share

Watch the full episode at: tracyhayespodcast.com/113
YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/@RealEstateExcellence

Explore more top episodes:
Sarah Schwartz (Ep 106) – Systems and social media for scalable growth
Kim Knapp (Ep 111) – Decades of coaching and leadership in NE Florida
Kelly Bello (Ep 36) – Energy, hustle, and branding that wins listings

Get matched with the best agents at:
https://topjacksonvilleagents.com
https://topstaugustineagents.com

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