Moving due to work

[PAhippo]

If the sales are down in the area you want, ask the realtor if you can rent one that's for sale.
I did that once. ( I was trying to sell). Tenant got cheaper rent, had 24 hrs notice before a showing , and 2 months from a signed sales agreement to move.

Kind of a gamble but it might give you time to look.

[Northern Maine Land Man]

In Maine it is called "rent with an option to buy". It is relatively common and there are escape clauses for the owner and renter both. Call it a two year test drive.

[PAhippo]

We have that but in this case, there's no option to buy, just rent.

[ArmyWife94e]

again, thank you all so much for the help. Cant wait to move up there.