Trading One Home For Another?

[Justin Waters]

Hey there! Title might be weird but here's my question. I have decided I am ready to "buy" another home. I'm tired of living in a neighborhood and want to move into the country. My current home is paid off (valued at roughly $400,000). If I were to find another place for what I can get for this one or close to it, what's the easiest way to "trade"? Basically taking the sale of this house and putting it into the new place so it breaks even so I continue to not have a mortgage, if that makes since. I can only think of two ways. Find somewhere to live while I sell my home and buy a new one to move into, or, buy the new home and have a mortgage until this one sells. I'm guessing these are the only two options, but just wanted to ask to make sure I'm not missing something obvious. I would hate to get into a lease somewhere in the meantime or go through the mortgage process again (other two times were a nightmare) if I don't have to.