There is more to owning a home than getting a mortgage and making your payments on time. Just like owning anything, you have a responsibility to keep your home in good shape, therefore, regular maintenance will be required. The big difference in maintaining a home and maintaining something like your car is that your home is going to be your biggest investment yet! You're going to want to take special care of it.

But, just like your car, anything can break down at any time, the best way to handle these situations is to be prepared.

1. Have some money set aside as a maintenance fund for things such as lawn care, pool maintenance and annual driveway, sidewalks and deck cleaning.

2. Make sure that your homeowners policy is adequate. You want to enough coverage to rebuild your home if it is ever damaged or destroyed in the case of a disaster.

3. Know the age and when the warranties end on your appliances. Make sure that you have enough money set aside in your maintenance fund that if your refrigerator was to go out, you are well prepared to replace it.

Following these three steps, can give you, as a homeowner, peace of mind knowing that you're prepared to ensure the safety and comfort of you and your family.