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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

    May 15, 2019

    8 Tips for a Cross-Country Move with Pets

    PCS Moves

    For some, pets are family members, and planning for their move is almost as taxing as planning for a child. Some dogs need even more space! Start with these tips before your move with pets.

    May 13, 2019

    Pet-Friendly Restaurants and Attractions near Joint Base Lewis-McChord

    Military Life

    Take a look at where you and your family could spend free time with your furry family member near Joint Base Lewis-McChord!

    April 24, 2019

    What to Know About Flying with Pets During Your PCS Move

    PCS Moves

    Bad news about pet travel is stressful for military families, because airline travel can be unavoidable. Start here with the latest info for your PCS move.

    April 22, 2019

    Kid-Friendly Things to Do in Hampton Roads

    Military Life

    There are so many kid-friendly activities in the Hampton Roads area of Virginia, your family will be hard pressed to run out of things to do

    April 19, 2019

    How to Plan Your Military Travel with Pinterest

    Military Life

    Have you ever thought of using Pinterest to plan your next trip? The Travel category on Pinterest remains one of its most popular--use it to plan your military family's travel!

    November 21, 2018

    9 Things Only Military Families Think Are Normal

    Military Life

    What is normal, anyway? Whether it's moving alone, becoming instant BFFs with someone you just met, or items from overseas countries all over your house...see what your military family would add to th...

    October 19, 2018

    Pet-Friendly Home Upgrades: What Are You Willing to Pay For?

    Home Decorating Ideas

    Pet owners now make up the majority of the U.S. population, and there are many things they're looking for in a home. What home upgrades or pet-friendly features are homebuyers and renters wanting?

    July 25, 2018

    Understand the Fair Housing Act When Listing Your Property

    Selling a Home

    The Fair Housing Act is federally mandated to protect buyers and renters from discriminatory practices during real estate transactions. Find out how to be sure you're within the law when selling or re...

    April 03, 2018

    Easy Ways to Decorate with Green...Without Painting!

    Home Decorating Ideas

    Use these simple ideas to date your spring home decor with popular shades of green.

    March 01, 2018

    3 Tips for Selling Your Home to a VA Loan Buyer

    Selling a Home

    As your PCS date approaches, the plan for selling your home should be taking shape. One of the best tactics to attract military home buyers is to make sure the property is conducive for those hoping t...

    February 22, 2018

    Home Selling 101: 3 Lessons You Need to Learn

    Selling a Home

    Don't miss the details involved with these steps to a successful home sale.

    February 13, 2018

    6 Home Decor Trends to Embrace for Under $100

    Home Decorating Ideas

    Give your home decor a quick facelift with one of these easy ideas!