<img src="https://d5nxst8fruw4z.cloudfront.net/atrk.gif?account=5C8hi1agq800qI" style="display:none" height="1" width="1" alt="">

    Dawn M. Smith

    Dawn M. Smith has made a career out of being a relocation pro. As a military spouse with 10+ moves under her belt, she's evolved from a reluctant mover to a master of converting cardboard box mountain nightmares into customized homes. She's constantly updating her skills to improve all aspects of moving. Her specialties include strategic (with a dose of luck) house hunting, home buying, selling, and renting, and attempting to create Pinterest-worthy spaces within landlord-approved decorating. When not decoding neighborhood demographics for readers, Dawn teaches companies how to serve military families and their best interests. She also travels and explores historic districts with her family, always scouting her next possible address after Army retirement. In addition to MilitaryByOwner, Dawn's relocation advice has appeared in Angi, The Spruce, Forbes Home Advisor, the PODS Blog, and Military OneSource.
    Find Dawn M. Smith on:

    Posts By Dawn M. Smith

    October 06, 2025

    Understanding the VA Vendee Loan Program

    Home Financing

    Learn the benefits and details of the VA Vendee Loan Program, an affordable home financing option for military, non-military, and investors to purchase VA-owned REO homes.

    October 01, 2025

    Explore San Antonio's River Walk

    Travel Tips

    Plan your trip to San Antonio’s River Walk: dining, shopping, entertainment, and historic sites, including some of the best restaurants in San Antonio.

    September 30, 2025

    Extend Your Patio Season to Make the Most of Outdoor Living

    Home Decorating Ideas

    Extend your patio and deck season and enhance your home's decor and practicality with updates to make the most of your outdoor living space.

    September 25, 2025

    House Hunting? Don't Ignore These 5 Open House Red Flags

    Home Buying

    Spot hidden problems before you buy a home! Learn 5 red flags at open houses that every homebuyer should watch for.

    September 24, 2025

    4 Landscaping Ideas for Instant Curb Appeal

    Selling a Home

    Time to up your landscaping game! Find out which outdoor improvements will add to your home's curb appeal when it's time to sell.

    September 19, 2025

    Kitchen Home Improvements: Cabinet & Wall Painting Tips

    Home Decorating Ideas

    Looking for an easy, affordable home decor update? Get tips for painting your kitchen cabinets and walls for an instant home improvement.

    September 18, 2025

    Apartment Amenities: What's Worth the Extra Rent?

    Renting a Home

    How can you find the best military rental with the amenities you want? Learn how to balance luxury features and affordability when searching for an apartment.

    September 15, 2025

    8 Fall Home Maintenance Tasks

    Home Maintenance

    While it may still be warm where you live, completing those fall home maintenance chores now will help you better enjoy the cooler temps later.

    September 10, 2025

    Dog Breed Restrictions for On-Base Military Housing

    Military Life

    Is your family dog allowed in military housing? What can you do if you find your dog’s breed is on the banned breed list at your next duty station?

    September 04, 2025

    What to Know Before You Buy a Home Warranty

    Home Maintenance

    Whether you're experienced or a first-time home buyer, learn what a home warranty covers, how it works, and potential drawbacks before deciding to buy one.

    August 21, 2025

    Remote Work Options for Military Spouses

    Military Life

    Military spouses, this is your time to find the remote work you need and want! Find out which companies are building their remote military spouse workforces.

    August 15, 2025

    Interesting and Unique Things to Do in Arlington, Virginia

    Military Life

    Arlington, Virginia, is one of the best places to live near Washington, D.C. Before your PCS, take a look at some of the best traditional and not-so-traditional things to do in Arlington.