Dawn M. Smith

Contributing Writer

Thanks to military life, Dawn knows all too well the ups and downs of creating a new home after each move. She uses her experience to write about real estate and home topics for publications that include HomeLight and MilitaryByOwner.

Dawn M. Smith
Dawn M. Smith

About

Thanks to military life, Dawn knows all too well the ups and downs of creating a new home after each move. From scouting the best neighborhoods to choosing the perfect paint color and hiring home professionals, she gets it all done (usually in a hurry) with her family and Golden Retriever in tow. She uses her experience to write about real estate and home topics for publications that include HomeLight and MilitaryByOwner.

Articles
Dawn M. Smith  •  Aug 4, 2026
How Much Does It Cost to Move Yourself?
Planning a DIY move requires careful budgeting. Use this guide to budget for the expected moving costs and the hidden ones, too.
Dawn M. Smith  •  Aug 4, 2026
7 Helpful Tips for Making the Move to Senior Living
If you or a senior loved one is preparing to move into a senior living community, read on for tips to smoothen out the transition process.
Dawn M. Smith  •  Aug 4, 2026
10 Questions to Ask Yourself and Your Leasing Agent Before Renting an Apartment
So, it looks like apartment living is the way to go, but you’ve got a lot of details to consider. Keep this checklist close to help you ask the best questions about your finances, the lease, and, of course, if the apartment is pet-friendly.
Dawn M. Smith  •  Aug 4, 2026
Does My Moving Truck Need to Stop at a Weigh Station (And Should I Be There When It Does)?
Weigh stations aren’t a top priority when you’re planning your move—until they are. Here’s how to find out if your moving truck needs weighing and why you might want to attend the weigh-in.
Dawn M. Smith  •  Aug 4, 2026
Moving Cross-Country? Find Out Whether You Should Ship Your Furniture or Buy New
Moving long-distance means choosing what to bring and what to part with. Learn all the pros, cons, and costs of shipping versus buying new furniture when you move.
Dawn M. Smith  •  Aug 4, 2026
Want to Know What a Property Manager Does? Here’s the Job Description
A property manager handles all the daily operations of rental units. Learn more about the ins and outs of a property manager’s responsibilities.
Dawn M. Smith  •  Aug 3, 2026
The Go-to Buyer’s Pre-Home Inspection Checklist
When it comes to home buying, there’s nothing wrong with knowing everything about the house. If you think you’ve found the perfect place, a pre-home inspection checklist helps you talk to the inspector about your worries before their official visit.
Dawn M. Smith  •  Aug 1, 2026
How to Buy Furniture Perfect for Your Space
Before you buy new furniture, you should make a plan. These tips guide you in the right direction and help make your home furnishing project easier.