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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

    August 28, 2023

    6 College Campuses to Explore Near Fort Benning, Fort Stewart & Robins...

    Travel Tips

    Discover six college campuses near Fort Benning, Fort Stewart, and Robins Air Force Base in Georgia. From Auburn University to Savannah State University, explore the vibrant campuses and unique opport...

    August 16, 2023

    Pre-Settlement Occupancy: A Unique Solution for Military Home Buyers

    Home Buying

    Learn about a pre-settlement occupancy agreement that can help military home buyers who find themselves temporarily homeless during a PCS move. Discover the pros and cons of this option and how it can...

    August 11, 2023

    What Dog Owners Should Know About Homeowners Insurance

    Home Buying

    Discover what dog owners should know about homeowners insurance. Learn about the importance of liability coverage, dog bite statistics, and breeds that may be denied coverage

    August 04, 2023

    Make Temporary Military Housing Your Own

    PCS Moves

    Make temporary military housing your own with these easy ideas. Personalize your short-term home, and then get three tips for decorating your next military housing.

    July 28, 2023

    Ideas to Keep Kids Busy During the Long Days of a Summer Deployment

    Military Life

    Getting through summer with one parent deployed? Start here for some ideas of ways to fill the time.

    July 12, 2023

    5 Smart Hacks for New Military Homeowners

    Home Buying

    New homeowners have a lot to learn! We've rounded up the smartest hacks for understanding the practical components of homeownership.

    July 05, 2023

    5 Factors to Help Rank Your Rental Home Priorities

    Renting a Home

    Searching for a rental home during peak PCS season can be intense for military members and their families. Learn how to prioritize what you're looking for in your next rental home.

    June 30, 2023

    Texas Escapes: 3 Unforgettable Day Trips from Fort Hood

    Travel Tips

    Discover the perfect getaways from Fort Hood, Texas! From sun-soaked beaches to charming German heritage, experience the best of Texas in just a day.

    June 14, 2023

    5 Positive Traits Military Renters Look for in a Landlord

    Property Management

    Attention all landlords! Discover the five essential qualities military renters look for in a landlord. Ensure your rental home is a military-friendly property and make it easier for military families...

    June 12, 2023

    Top Destinations: Favorite Bases for Military Retirement

    Military Life

    Since you’re already pretty savvy about these popular locations for military retirees, we’ve dug into the interesting facts about how they’re ranked, the specific details about their amenities, and so...

    June 02, 2023

    Make Summer Home Maintenance Simple with These Tips

    Home Maintenance

    Breaking down summer maintenance tasks into hour, day, or weekend blocks of time eases the strain of trying to work a month’s worth of work into a week.

    May 19, 2023

    Get Outside Near Wright-Patterson AFB with These Don't-Miss Adventures

    Travel Tips

    Adventure awaits near WPAFB! Whether a hike, camping adventure, or week-long summer vacation near the water, you'll find it all near Wright-Patt.