Thanks to all of you for the feedback!
Direction has good insights into the real estate business and knows of which he speaks. And actually I HAVE already downsized from last year's house sale, moving from a house twice the size to this much smaller one. It is all on one level and has a small privacy fenced back yard with small garden space. My main search for this place was finding somewhere safe for my pets...the three cats liking to go outside away from traffic and a fenced yard for the doggies. My mortgage payment is about the same as I would be paying in rent, and without the pet restrictions. I do have to upkeep the place, but unless I get rid of two dogs and three cats, I'm pretty much stuck here. I've pondered in the past few days since posting this thread, what my life would be like without the pets, and I have to admit they DO add a lot to my life! Life in a sterile apt without my critters would be pretty empty! So for now, I'll have to stay here. If I should ever manage to sell this place, my friend's cottage would be ideal as she would allow me all my critters!
Also, I've already sunk a lot of money into improvements in this house after just one year. I'd probably not even break even if I tried to sell it. (I always do this...spend too much on a place! and lose money in the sale!)
Patty