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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

    April 22, 2022

    8 Decorating Tricks for Awkward Spaces

    Home Decorating Ideas

    Choosing home décor for an awkward space can be a challenge! Use these tips for making the most of your square footage.

    April 11, 2022

    Your PCS Move to Fort Gordon, Georgia

    Army Posts

    Are you prepping for a PCS move to Fort Gordon? Here's everything you need to know, including where to live, things to do, and what to expect.

    April 04, 2022

    7 Restaurants to Try in Springfield, Virginia

    Military Life

    What more could you want than great neighbors, good schools, and an easy commute? The answer is— delicious food! Springfield, Virginia, delivers not only the national chains you’ve depended on during ...

    March 23, 2022

    Househunting Tips for Military Home Buyers and Renters

    Renting a Home

    As a military family, it's important to consider all the factors involved in a home search. Here’s a list of three solid strategies to prepare for finding a house.

    March 16, 2022

    Understanding the Most Common Real Estate Contingencies

    Selling a Home

    Chalk real estate contingencies up to another concept you’ll learn about during a home sale process. Contingencies not only protect home buyers during negotiations, but also sellers.

    March 07, 2022

    Should You Invest in a Rental Property Near Fort Hood?

    Army Posts

    An unwavering real estate craze has taken over the U.S. in recent months. Even military members who’ve never considered real estate investing are buying rental properties in the cities surrounding For...

    February 21, 2022

    9 Can't-Miss Hiking Trails Near Camp Pendleton, California

    Travel Tips

    Love hiking and headed to the San Diego area? You won't want to miss these trails near Camp Pendleton!

    February 16, 2022

    Vintage or Outdated? Make Your Older Home's Features Work for You!

    Home Decorating Ideas

    Living in an older home has its charms AND challenges when it comes to home decorating! Check out these real examples of old vs. vintage, along with some ways to deal with older home features.

    February 14, 2022

    7 Whiskey Bars Near Fort Belvoir, Virginia

    Travel Tips

    Are you a whiskey aficionado? If you are, you'll be happy to know about seven must-try whiskey bars and restaurants near Fort Belvoir, Virginia.

    January 28, 2022

    7 Home Decorating Trends to Try in 2022

    Home Decorating Ideas

    Need home decorating inspiration for 2022? We've got seven home décor trends for you to try.

    January 10, 2022

    2022 Housing Market Trends for Military Members

    Selling a Home

    If you look on the bright side, the nationwide real estate market is poised to benefit both military home buyers and sellers in 2022.  Here's what you need to know.

    December 03, 2021

    What to Know About Being a Geo-Bachelor

    Military Life

    It's not rare for a military member to live as a geo-bachelor for a time. If your family is currently going through a geographical separation, here's what you need to know!