All new homeowners require a few essentials to get them settled in home ownership.

Here are just a few items to add to your new house shopping list.

Home Security

One of the first things to consider buying for a new home is a security system. There are so many different systems available today on the market, chances are you can’t go wrong with purchasing any of them.

 Tool Kit

In one way or another, things in the home are either going to break or need maintenance of some kind. Having the right tool for the right job at the time needed is very important for all home owners. Here are a few items to consider to start your tool kit::

• a drill (corded or I prefer cordless)
• measuring tape
• pliers
• wire cutters
• level
• Allen wrench

The most expensive purchase any of us will make in our lifetime is our home. And owning a home requires work and regular maintenance.

Here are a few home maintenance myths you may be familiar with but aren't sure if they're true.

Cut the Grass Short and You’ll Mow your lawn Less Frequently

According to "The Lawn Institute", “Cutting your lawn too short creates an environment for both weed and disease infestation. It also causes the lawn to lose moisture much quicker.  Select a mowing height appropriate for the turf grass species in your lawn. Then set your mower blade height of cut and mow frequently enough so you cut off no more than the top third of the grass plant. This will encourage stronger roots,” the institute

Got carpet stains, or need to repair a small area of your carpet?

Here are a few easy home solutions you can try...

Slime

If someone in your house is a fan of slime, you probably have wished they weren't. Slime is primarily made of glue and most of it is washable. Try using plain white vinegar, on the area. It might take some patience, but you can get the slime out of your carpet!

Pet Messes

A handheld extractor (vacuum) can suck liquids from carpet and works better than attempting to absorb the mess with paper towels or rags.

Chewing Gum

Everyone's nemesis - Chewing gum on the carpet. Have no fear though, you can remove chewing gum from carpet as well as most other materials by placing ice on the area for a few minutes. Let it

Whether you are a new homeowner with limited handyman experience or a long-time DIYer, there are some easy things everyone should know how to fix.

Knowing how to fix these few common household problems can help save you from a pricey repair bill.

How to Fix a Wobbly Ceiling Fan

A fan that wobbles a lot can be dangerous and needs to be adjusted. You can learn how to check and adjust the ceiling fan by watching any number of YouTube videos or visiting one of the many appliance repair sites.

How to Fix a Running Toilet

Fixing a running toilet is relatively easy and if left to run can be quite expensive in your water bill. You can purchase the insides which come with instructions from your local big box store. The trick is to make sure you

One thing home owners face alone are yard nuisances. Often home owners are at odds with pests, insects as well as other types of yard nuisances and how to get rid of or control them.

Here are a few suggestions to help in dealing with a few yard nuisances...

Clover

Mowing over clover is futile at best since  it always grows back.

One way of getting rid of clover, if you're willing to sacrifice some of your grass, place plastic sheeting, or a large garbage bag, over the clover. Be sure to weigh down the edges so the plastic doesn’t fly off. Keep the clover covered for a few weeks. Depriving clover of sunlight and oxygen should help kill it as well as your grass!

Another method is to control it with a nitrogen-rich weed-and-feed formula.

Continuing our DIY home project list, here are a few more project ideas that anyone can complete with little to no experience

 You can "Right click" and select "View Image" to see larger images.

Home owners usually want to take on DIY projects but often fear they lack the skills necessary to do a good job.

Well, I'm here to tell you, if you don't try you won't succeed. I know this from experience!

The best way I know of increasing DIY skills, is to take on small projects in the beginning and build on the skills after taking on more difficult projects.

I visit Anna White's website for ideas as well as plans for some DIY projects. 

There are also many other wonderful websites that offer free instructions/plans for most DIY projects that the average and beginner DIYer is capable of completing.

With just a few tools, some materials and some time the following project ideas make for great family or solo projects. And most importantly of

New homeowners as well as seasoned owners often rush into or fail to prepare for various aspects of owning a home without really considering consequences.

Some of these aspects include: Remodeling, Improvements, Emergencies and more.

Let's take a look at some of these and see what we can do to minimize the impact of them on the family, budget and emergencies...

Remodeling

Remodel is something many home owners fail to plan for and/or rush into. It's imperative when considering a remodel, you live in the home for a while and let ideas come and go and write down the ones that seem to stay in your mind. Doing this will minimize financial waste as well as provide a better foundation for beginning that remodel.

Improvements

New home owners

Proper AC maintenance is a must if you want to avoid expensive energy bills. By properly maintaining your A/C unit, increases the efficiency of your system and prevents costly repairs.

Here are a few mistakes you want to avoid to remain cool all summer long!

Size Requirements

AC units are sized based on the cubic feet of area they need to cool.

This is particularly important when you are purchasing a new AC unit, replacing a unit or renovating your house.

If your area to cool is larger than the rated A/C unit, the A/C unit will have to work harder to cool the air. Consequently the unit will wear out more quickly and not be able to meet the demands of the temperature set on the thermostat.

Likewise if your area is smaller than the rating

Bug bites are often more annoying than dangerous. They can itch and/or they may be painful!.

Fortunately, there are some home remedies for bug bites that are relatively easy to obtain and apply.

Here are just a few to try the next time you get bitten.

Aloe Vera Gel

This comes from the Aloe Vera plant.  I have one growing on my back porch that I use all the time! It's very helpful with sunburn!

This gel soothes inflamed skin and may serve as a moisturizer as well. In addition, Aloe Vera extract has antibacterial properties which may help keep insect bites from becoming infected.

To Apply:

Simply dab some gel on the bite site. Either by breaking off a piece from a plant, the gel is inside, or directly from a store bought container.