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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

    June 25, 2026

    What to Know for a PCS to the Pentagon

    PCS Moves

    Learn what it's like to PCS to the Pentagon, including housing options, commuting realities, schools, military family resources, and the best places to live in the National Capital Region.

    June 19, 2026

    6 Cheap and Easy Ways to Increase Your Home's Value

    Selling a Home

    What home improvements give the best ROI before selling? Discover affordable ways to boost your home's value with these six easy fixes.

    June 16, 2026

    Kid-Friendly Things to Do in Hampton Roads

    Military Life

    If you're wondering about the best kid-friendly things to do in Hampton Roads, VA, start with this list. Your family won't run out of things to do!

    June 15, 2026

    5 Tips for Long-Distance House Hunting

    Renting a Home

    How do you house hunt long-distance? Plan and prepare with these tips, especially tailored for military families navigating relocation challenges.

    June 11, 2026

    Summer Home Maintenance Made Simple

    Home Maintenance

    Simplify summer home maintenance with practical tips and a checklist to keep your home in top shape while enjoying the season's warm weather.

    June 03, 2026

    How to Choose Your Non-Negotiables When Buying a Home

    Home Buying

    When it comes to buying a home, military families need to decide on their essential non-negotiables. Learn how to set your list, from budget and location to future rental potential.

    June 01, 2026

    19 Facts You Didn’t Know About the U.S. Army

    Military Life

    Discover fascinating and surprising facts about the U.S. Army as it celebrates its birthday, from its origins to presidential connections and iconic taglines.

    May 26, 2026

    Easy Ways to Add Curb Appeal Before Your Home Sale

    Selling a Home

    Enhance your home's curb appeal with key upgrades and maintenance to attract buyers and maximize your home sale potential. Start here with these tips for staging your house to sell.

    May 23, 2026

    Beach Living Near Camp Lejeune

    Marine Corps Bases

    What is it like to live near the beach at Camp Lejeune? From housing costs to flood insurance and commute times, learn the best beach towns for military families renting or buying near base.

    May 19, 2026

    Updates on Military Spouse Employment, Licensing, and Entrepreneurship

    Military Life

    Learn about the latest efforts to support military spouse employment during PCS moves, including information about transferring licensure, reimbursement programs, and portable careers for military spo...

    May 16, 2026

    8 Key Tips for VA Loan Assumptions

    Home Financing

    A VA loan assumption can be a money saver if you're the right military home buyer. Here's what you need to know before starting the process.

    May 14, 2026

    10 Reasons Not to Sign a Lease

    Renting a Home

    What are red flags when signing a lease? Take a look at some questions to ask before renting a house.