Dawn Haskins Smith - Engel & Völkers

08/27/2026

Buying a home starts long before you begin touring properties. One of the smartest things you can do is understand your financial position before you start your search.

Here are a few ways to prepare:

💰 Review your income, savings, monthly expenses, and existing debts to determine a comfortable budget.

📊 Check your credit profile so you have a clear understanding of what may affect your financing options.

🏦 Get pre-approved for a mortgage. A pre-approval gives you a realistic price range, helps you shop with confidence, and shows sellers you're a serious, qualified buyer.

Taking these steps early can help you avoid surprises, make stronger offers, and move quickly when the right home comes along.

📌 Save this post for when you're ready to start your home-buying journey, and share it with someone who's planning to buy their next home.

08/20/2026

Outdoor spaces deserve just as much love as the inside of your home ☀️🏡

A well-designed exterior can completely change how you enjoy your home, turning even a small space into a relaxing retreat.

🌿 Layered greenery - Mix potted plants, hanging baskets, and garden beds for depth and color
🛋️ Comfy seating areas - Create inviting zones with outdoor sofas, cushions, and throws
💡 Ambient lighting - String lights, lanterns, or pathway lighting to extend evenings outdoors
🪵 Natural textures - Wood, rattan, and stone elements to bring warmth and balance
🪴 Statement planters & decor - Use bold pots or garden accents to add personality
🔥 Comfort features - Fire pits or outdoor heaters for year-round enjoyment

Even small updates can create a space that feels like an everyday escape!

💬 What’s one feature you’d add to your dream outdoor space?

08/13/2026

When it comes to cooking, are you team Gas Stove or Electric Stove?

Some people swear by the responsiveness and control of a gas stove, while others love the convenience, clean look, and easy maintenance of an electric stove.

The best choice often comes down to how you cook, what features matter most to you, and personal preference.

08/06/2026

Your dream outdoor space starts here! 🏡☀️

Would you rather have a comfy pergola perfect for morning coffee, relaxing with a book, and escaping the afternoon sun, or a beautiful deck with room for entertaining, outdoor dining, and enjoying views of your backyard?

Both create amazing outdoor living spaces, but they offer very different experiences.

Which would you choose for your home?

07/31/2026

07/31/2026

Huge congratulations to my first-time homebuyers on Kent Island! 🏡

Our journey began five years ago, and after years of searching, patience, and persistence, they finally found the perfect place to call home. I couldn’t be happier for them as they begin this exciting new chapter!

A special thank you to Julian Scarborough with CMG Home Loans and Dan Collins & Paula Sodeman with CLA Title for helping make this milestone a reality. It was a pleasure working together to bring everything across the finish line!

07/30/2026

Summer has a way of changing everyday life in the best way. ☀️

Morning coffee lasts a little longer outside, evening walks become part of the routine, and weeknights feel more relaxed. It’s often those small seasonal shifts that make summer feel memorable.

So, what's your go-to summer ritual?

07/23/2026

Homeowner Tip 🏡✨

Want your living room or bedroom to feel instantly more styled? Try the “odd number” pillow rule.

Using 3 or 5 pillows in varying sizes and textures creates a more balanced, designer-inspired look than perfectly matching sets. Mix solids with subtle patterns and layer larger pillows in the back with smaller accent pillows in front for added depth.

Small styling updates like this can make a space feel more polished and intentional.

07/16/2026

Imagine walking into a space and instantly knowing it feels like home. 🏡✨

That moment of connection is what every buyer hopes for, and it doesn’t happen by chance. It takes the right guidance, a clear vision, and a deep understanding of what truly matters to you.

Whether it’s natural light, a welcoming layout, or a certain sense of calm, the goal is more than just finding a house; it’s finding your place.

Let’s turn the search into something meaningful. Because the right home doesn’t just check boxes, it feels right.

07/09/2026

How do you display your TV at home? 📺🏡

TV placement might seem simple, but it can completely change the look and feel of a living space.

Do you prefer a classic TV stand with extra storage and a grounded, traditional feel? Or do you go for a wall-mounted setup that saves space and creates a clean, modern, streamlined look?

Both options have their appeal; it really comes down to how you want your space to function and feel!