Is it the perfect time to downsize?
Nothing lasts forever — including a blazing hot sellers' market! Even though a market shift is clearly present, it is still a great time to sell! AND it's easier to find and secure your next home than it has been in the past 18 months.
The home where you raised a family or lived most of your working life is probably not your forever home. And it’s a fact of life that suddenly, a place that was perfect for you a decade or two ago might start to feel cavernous and empty (or just contain more square footage than you really want to clean regularly).
If you’re starting to dream about trading in your rambling old house for a smaller home or new condo, then it’s probably time to seriously consider downsizing from your current home. Before you start shopping and put your home on the market, though, there are a few things you need to think about and discuss with any family members who’ll be making the journey with you.
Steps ...

If you’ve been thinking about investing in real estate, getting your finances in order before you start searching for properties and scheduling appointments will save you from money headaches in the long run. 
A real estate investment could be one of your largest investments, and unless you have cash ready to invest, you’ll need a plan for financing and a plan for cash flow in the future. Here’s what you need to do before heading out to property shop:
1) Create A Financing Plan
If you have strong credit, consistent W-2 income, and a sizeable down payment, traditional financing could be your best option for your first real estate investment since interest rates are typically low and the terms are attractive. Figure out how much you can afford based on your current expenses, and how much cash you’ll need to have on hand for renovations and upgrades. Make sure you know where your liquid funds will come from to improve your chances of landing a good deal. ...