<img src="https://d5nxst8fruw4z.cloudfront.net/atrk.gif?account=5C8hi1agq800qI" style="display:none" height="1" width="1" alt="">

    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.
    Find Dawn M. Smith on:

    Posts By Dawn M. Smith

    April 10, 2023

    Tips and Tricks for a Successful PCS to Okinawa, Japan

    PCS Moves

    Is the military moving you to Okinawa, Japan? Lucky you! Get expert tips from military spouses who've been there before your PCS move.

    March 23, 2023

    What to Consider Before You Invest in a Vacation Home

    Property Management

    Wherever you intend to buy your vacation home, you need to dive into the reality of what it's like to be a vacation homeowner. You’ll put a lot of work in before ultimately enjoying that condo by the ...

    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 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!

    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.

    November 04, 2022

    3 Tips for Finding Home Maintenance Providers

    Home Maintenance

    While you may be proficient at some aspects of maintaining your home, some jobs are better left to professionals. Learn how to find reliable home maintenance help!

    October 24, 2022

    8 Ideas for Family Outings near Offutt AFB

    Air Force Bases

    Omaha, Nebraska, might be unfamiliar right now, but once you learn about the most popular things to do, Offutt Air Force base will feel like home in no time.

    October 21, 2022

    What to Know for a PCS Move to Charleston, South Carolina

    PCS Moves

    Did you recently receive orders for a military PCS to the Charleston area? Read on for helpful information about neighborhoods, schools, and more!

    October 17, 2022

    Did I Miss My Chance to Sell? Tips for Fall Home Sales

    Selling a Home

    Fall is here, but don't worry. You still have time to sell your home for a great price! Use these tips to get your home ready to sell.