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    Dawn M. Smith

    Dawn is a real estate and military life writer who has a serious HGTV habit. When she is not writing, her teen daughter, Army husband, and golden retriever keep her busy through chauffeur duties, travel planning, and long dog walks. Dawn is pleased to share her experiences with MilitaryByOwner readers who are hoping to simplify military family journeys of all kinds. Follow Dawn on Pinterest for more ideas and resources and visit her site at Dawn M. Smith Custom Content Creation.

    Posts By Dawn M. Smith

    March 20, 2023

    My Home Is Under Contract: What's Next?

    Selling a Home

    Closing day is exciting, but what are the steps you need to know before you get there? Learn what to expect after the contract is signed.

    March 15, 2023

    Deployment Ahead: Should I Move Back Home or Stay Put?

    Military Life

    When faced with a deployment, the entire family must make a difficult decision. Should you move back "home" near family and friends where you have deployment support or stay put at your current locati...

    March 10, 2023

    Home Renovation Loans: Make Repairs on a Budget

    Home Buying

    Where do you find the money to buy a home and include the costs of the repairs and updates? With several options to choose from, whether rolling the repairs into your loan or utilizing a home renovati...

    March 01, 2023

    Home Renovation Reality: What Those Fix-Up Shows Don't Tell You

    Home Maintenance

    Watching home renovation shows on cable TV, it seems so easy to make upgrades or even flip a house! What's the reality behind the scenes?

    February 27, 2023

    10 Reasons Not to Sign a Lease

    Renting a Home

    What's a deal breaker for you before signing a lease? Take a look at some of the red flags you should pay attention to before deciding where you'll live for the next two to three years.

    February 17, 2023

    What Renters Should Know About Tenant Screening

    Renting a Home

    For military families, finding a rental home is stressful for many reasons. But one matter could block you from moving into the perfect rental home: tenant screening.

    February 15, 2023

    11 Common Issues Found During Home Inspections

    Selling a Home

    Don't let your home inspection derail your buyer's financing. Here are common issues to look for, whether the buyer is using a VA or conventional loan.

    February 06, 2023

    Learn the Secrets Home Stagers Use to Draw Buyers In

    Selling a Home

    Home staging is usually a big part of a home seller's prep. As a homebuyer, understand what features and concerns to take notice of behind a beautifully staged home!

    February 03, 2023

    What to Know About the 2023 Military Spouse Licensing Relief Act

    Military Life

    Get the latest news for military spouses transferring professional licenses with the new Military Spouse Licensing Relief Act and Military Spouse Licensure Reimbursement program.

    January 16, 2023

    2023 Real Estate Trends: What Military Home Sellers Need to Know

    Selling a Home

    Military home sellers, stay strong! If you market and price your home correctly in 2023, chances are that you'll find buyers in no time.

    December 19, 2022

    How to Help Your Holiday Guests Feel at Home

    Military Life

    Guests over the holidays are a given for military families. Go the extra mile and provide personal touches to add extra coziness!

    November 30, 2022

    How You Can Volunteer in the Military Community

    Military Life

    There are hundreds of organizations that support the military community year round. Here's how to find one that you connect with.