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Home ownership is not without it's challenges. Much has been and can be written about it. I would just like to make two points.
First, you have spent a lot of money for your home and that investment must be protected. You may not live in a potential flood area (Do you know if the Kentucky River has ever flooded? Neither do I) but there is always the danger of fire and the possibility of a tornado. Make sure your Home Insurance Policy provides full coverage for the hazards your home may experience and, if you can, opt for full replacement coverage in the event of an unwelcome event.
Second, homes need to be maintained diligently, particularly as they age, to protect their value and enhance their appreciation. Outside your home, the quality of your landscaping, external paint, roof, and other characteristics are important. Home maintenance is a continuing job which can become a real problem if allowed to slide. If you don't have the time to do it yourself, hire a handyman, even an ambitious student for cleanup activities.
A couple more thoughts on preparing for the unexpected. If you have very tired windows in your home and you decide to replace them, do it with double paned impact resistant windows. They will be more energy efficient, make it quieter inside, and be very welcome if a major storm should come along. Garage doors are the largest single opening in most homes that aren't reinforced with studs. If you have an older one, consider replacing it with a new one that is wind-resistant with more structural reinforcements. And if you could use a new roof, choose UL rated, class A shingles for fire protection and those rated for high wind and hail impact.
If you are diligent with your home maintenance activities, it will payoff when you decide to sell your home, even if that is the farthest thing from your mind at the present time. You never know!
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