Dec. 8, 2025

Tara Hubbard: From Kindergarten Teacher to Jacksonville's Most Radiant Broker

The Real Estate Excellence Podcast continues to spotlight Northeast Florida's elite, and Tara Hubbard is no exception. As the broker-owner of Radiant Realty, Tara brings grit, heart, and unmatched experience to the Jacksonville market. From her first $600 trailer investment to mentoring agents with purpose, Tara's story is a masterclass in relationship-driven real estate.

This article uses insights from the full episode transcript at tracyhayespodcast.com/72.

Teaching, Trailers, and Taking Charge

Tara Hubbard didn’t start her career in real estate. After graduating from Florida State with plans for law school, she pivoted into teaching in Duval County. But when her husband introduced her to real estate investing, everything changed. "I bought a trailer in rural Georgia for $600, moved it to a park, rented it out, and it cash flowed. That changed everything."

From that first deal, she scaled up, investing in Murray Hill flips and rentals, and eventually launched an Airbnb in North Carolina. "I've always been whatever it takes," she said. That mindset carried her through the 2008 crash and into full-time real estate.

"Whatever It Takes" Mindset

Tara got licensed in 2008, in the depths of the housing collapse. While many agents fled the business, she leaned in. "I was willing to do whatever it took. I was locking my kids in the car while I ran into listings. It didn’t matter what price point. I worked every lead until it was dead."

That relentlessness paid off. By 2013, Tara had flipped properties, built a rental portfolio, and started building systems with her business partner. She transitioned into brokerage leadership in 2019, founding Radiant Realty on the values she felt were missing from larger shops: compassion, family, and hustle with heart.

Local Knowledge Built from the Ground Up

Born and raised on Jacksonville's west side, Tara knows the market beyond MLS data. Her experience spans Murray Hill, Riverside, and rural zones where others won’t tread. She’s invested in trailer parks, flipped homes, and navigated Airbnb trends in North Carolina. If you're relocating to Jacksonville, she’s lived the full spectrum of housing.

She leverages that firsthand insight to coach her agents, guide investors, and help families find the right fit from St. Johns County to Nocatee and Ponte Vedra.

Relationship First, Always

Tara doesn’t rely on paid leads. "I quit paying for leads years ago," she said. Instead, she focuses on relationship marketing: handwritten notes, pop-bys, client parties, and social media touchpoints. "I think I’m a whole vibe," she joked. "Once you connect with us, we kind of don’t let you go."

Her brokerage culture reflects that too. Radiant Realty isn’t chasing agent headcount. "People will be with you if they want to be with you. It's a whole vibe. Stay human through the real estate transaction."

Real Northeast Florida Experience

Tara’s local expertise is rooted in action:

Flipping and renting homes in Murray Hill
Navigating Airbnb in a shifting STR landscape
Investing in trailer parks to support affordable housing
Running client events from Avondale to Riverside
Leading a family-first brokerage in Jacksonville

She brings deep knowledge of areas like Nocatee, St. Augustine, Jacksonville Beach, and the west side. She’s helped VA buyers, investors, and first-timers navigate every kind of market.

Three Standout Moments

The $600 Trailer: "I paid more to move it than to buy it, but it cash flowed and changed my mindset."
The 2008 Grind: "If I had to go to a rough neighborhood and lock my kids in the car while I ran into a house, I did it."
Radiant Culture: "We believe in peace, love, and real estate. And hustling with heart."

FAQ

Q: What makes Northeast Florida a great place to buy real estate?
A: Buyers love Jacksonville, St. Augustine, and Nocatee for their schools, beaches, and affordability compared to other metros.

Q: Is now a good time to invest in real estate here?
A: Yes. Investors are still finding opportunity in rentals, flips, and affordable housing zones across Jacksonville and St. Johns County.

Q: How do I choose a good broker in Jacksonville?
A: Look for someone like Tara who knows the neighborhoods, invests locally, and builds relationships for the long haul.

Q: What challenges are buyers facing now?
A: Low inventory and rising competition mean buyers need strategic, experienced agents who know how to navigate multiple-offer scenarios.

Ready to Buy, Sell, or Join Radiant Realty?

Tara Hubbard is proof that hustle, relationships, and real market experience still win. If you're looking to buy, sell, or grow as an agent in Northeast Florida, reach out to Tara and the Radiant Realty team.

Connect with Tara Hubbard
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/tara.p.hubbard
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tara-hubbard-81614929/

Episode Link: https://www.tracyhayespodcast.com/72
YouTube: https://youtu.be/QEWG0z_Dxxs

Also Featured on REE:
Jessica Swearingen (Ep 254): https://www.tracyhayespodcast.com/254
Karen Saez (Ep 297): https://www.tracyhayespodcast.com/297
Veronica Wilen (Ep 257): https://www.tracyhayespodcast.com/257

More Top Agents:
https://topjacksonvilleagents.com
https://topstaugustineagents.com

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