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.
June 01, 2022
Military Life
No matter your final destination as you face military retirement, you’ll need somewhere to live. Use these tips to find your forever home in a state that has the perfect quality of life and finance-fr...
April 27, 2022
Home Financing
Refinancing your home could help you pay off your debts, but not always. You'll have to run the numbers with mortgage professionals to make a good decision.
April 22, 2022
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.
March 23, 2022
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 07, 2022
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
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
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
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.
November 08, 2021
Military Life
Springfield, Virginia, is a go-to city for military families headed to the Washington, D.C. area. Check out some of the reasons why.
October 22, 2021
Home Decorating Ideas
Fall is a great time to switch up your home decor, add plushness for the cold weather ahead, or try out a new trend. Try these decorating ideas for homeowners and renters alike!
September 20, 2021
Navy Bases
Moving to Naval Station Norfolk, Virginia? This list will help you settle in, find a home, and connect with plenty of activities!
September 10, 2021
Military Life
Whether it's a new school year or your military kids are moving mid-year, school concerns are part of a PCS move. We’ve got answers and resources to help military families find their best educational ...