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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

    October 02, 2026

    What to Know for a PCS to Naval Station Norfolk, Virginia

    Navy Bases

    Get tips for a PCS to Naval Station Norfolk, including housing options, local attractions, and community insights to ease your transition.

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    October 01, 2026

    How to Find the Best School Solution for Your Military Kids

    Military Life

    Find the best school before a PCS, compare public, private, DoWEA/DoDEA, and homeschool options, and help military children transition smoothly.

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    September 18, 2026

    What to Know for a PCS Move to NAS Patuxent River, MD

    Navy Bases

    Wondering what it's like to be stationed at NAS Patuxent River, MD? Get details on where to live, areas to explore, school districts, and more.

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    September 14, 2026

    Common Issues Found During Home Inspections

    Selling a Home

    Learn about common home inspection issues, who pays for a home inspection, how long it takes, and what buyers and sellers should know before closing.

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    September 10, 2026

    Understanding the VA Vendee Loan Program

    Home Financing

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

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    September 03, 2026

    A Back-to-School Guide for Military Families

    Military Life

    We're sharing back-to-school tips for military families, from educational resources to PCS support and savings opportunities. Prepare for a successful school year with expert advice.

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    August 27, 2026

    Easy Ways to Make Connections at Your Military Child's New School

    Military Life

    Help your military kids make new friends at school and find a community for yourself with these tips to settle in and volunteer after a PCS move.

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    August 17, 2026

    What Repairs Should You Ask a Seller to Make?

    Home Buying

    What can you request when negotiating home repairs with the seller? Learn what issues to focus on and to protect your investment.

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    August 06, 2026

    Top Date Night Ideas for Couples in Washington, DC

    Military Life

    Discover the top date night ideas in Washington, DC, from museums to romantic restaurants, perfect for couples looking for a memorable evening.

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    August 03, 2026

    Explore Virginia Beach Neighborhoods

    PCS Moves

    What are the best neighborhoods for military families in Virginia Beach? Take a quick tour of some popular locations.

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    July 30, 2026

    Easy DIY Kitchen and Bathroom Updates

    Home Decorating Ideas

    What are the easiest DIY kitchen and bathroom upgrades? Start with these easy ideas when you're wanting to update your home without remodeling.

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    July 24, 2026

    Can My Houseplants PCS?

    PCS Moves

    If you've got a green thumb, you may be wondering what to do with your houseplants when the military says it's time to move on. Start here!

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