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    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.
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    Posts By Dawn M. Smith

    March 19, 2026

    Understanding the Most Common Real Estate Contingencies

    Selling a Home

    Real estate contingencies protect both homebuyers and sellers during negotiations. Learn about the most common contingencies when buying or selling a home.

    March 16, 2026

    Rental Property Turnover: A Step-by-Step Guide for Landlords

    Property Management

    Essential steps for rental property turnover, from financial planning to tenant screening. Use this easy checklist for landlord success.

    March 12, 2026

    Navigating Geo-Bach Life: A Guide for Military Families

    Military Life

    Is your military family facing a temporary separation? Get tips for the service member geo-baching, including financial planning, housing options, and securing household goods.

    March 09, 2026

    What Renters and Landlords Should Know About the SCRA and Military Cla...

    Property Management

    Learn essential details about the SCRA and military clause for renters and landlords, including rights, obligations, and common misconceptions.

    March 02, 2026

    8 Military Retirement Destinations with Great Benefits

    Military Life

    These top military retirement destinations offering great benefits, including tax breaks, healthcare options, and vibrant lifestyles, perfect for military families transitioning from active duty.

    February 23, 2026

    How MilitaryByOwner Can Help Sell or Rent Your Home

    Selling a Home

    Selling or renting a home near a military base in the U.S., Guam, or Puerto Rico? Find out how MilitaryByOwner can help advertise your home.

    February 17, 2026

    Military Family Short-Term Separations: Tips and Strategies to Cope

    Military Life

    Learn now to manage a geobachelor military family separation, including finding short-term military housing, coping strategies, and making two households work.

    February 09, 2026

    How to Succeed as a First-Time Landlord

    Property Management

    From finding renters to property upkeep and finances, learn essential tips for first-time landlords.

    January 22, 2026

    2026 Real Estate Market Trends for Military Buyers, Sellers, and Rente...

    Selling a Home

    Navigate PCS moves and local housing dynamics with expert insights and practical tips. We're covering the 2026 real estate market trends for military buyers, sellers, and renters.

    January 19, 2026

    Tips for Selling Your House: 9 Essential Strategies

    Selling a Home

    Selling your home? Learn practical tips for selling your house, including costs, staging advice, and what to expect before you list.

    January 16, 2026

    Your Favorite Army Posts: Top Picks from Our Latest Poll

    Army Posts

    MilitaryByOwner readers weighed in on their most requested Army posts. Check out bases like Fort Meade, Fort Sill, and Fort Campbell before you plan your next PCS move.

    January 14, 2026

    Tips for a Military Move to Hanscom AFB, Massachusetts

    PCS Moves

    Planning a military move to Hanscom AFB? Get tips on housing, local attractions, and amenities for a smooth transition to this historic Massachusetts base.