Some options might require hiring real-estate agents or lawyers:

• Simultaneous closing: This is what occurs when two or more homeowners swap homes simultaneously. This transaction should be seemless with little or no break in ownership between the homeowners. However, this option also includes sub-options which vary sligthly on the financing situation of the homeowners, (i.e. refianance with buy out, quit-claim deed swap, an equitable difference trade and a simultaneous buy/sell). The simultaneous buy/sell is the most common sub-option - most of the time this is offered as the only option, mainly because this is what Real Estate agents push (you can pretty much tell why).

• Swapping as rentals: Homeowners can rent each other’s homes or make other arrangements permitted by law, such as lease-to-own agreements. Renting gives you more time to sell your home but allows you to relocate as needed. This option is differs from the first option as it does not require a closing "a public recording" - in this particular case, ownership does not necessarily change unless there is a third party (an investor who may buy the properties and lease back between the two parties); normally this transaction is between two parties and managed by a Property Manager (PM) - this is either 2 local PMs or one nationwide PM. This option is overlooked, mainly because most homeowners are stressed about ownership and feel determined to offload their homes. However, this option is actually the best one, if the homeowners are willing to ride out the housing crisis, structuring the homeowner lease agreements with incentives to sell home and/or extending lease terms contingent on home sale or transfer of ownership benefits everyone. This option as most others require a real estate lawyer to assist.

• Swapping mortgages: Though this one may appear to be similar to the first option, this one varies in that there may not be a closing, It depends on a lot of things; however the most critical piece of this option, though not common is the result of working a swap by altering and/or assuming the loan. This option focuses on the lender's ability to make things happen; working directly with a mortgage company to swap mortgages is possible. Given the market conditions, some mortgage companies are flexible. This option requires working closely with your lender.

I hope this information has been somewhat helpful, surely removing the stress of owning a home you no longer need is the simplist goal and most likely your ultimate objective (complete transfer of ownership) and in most cases it maybe publicized as a simultaneous buy/sell, but should there be circumstances where this can not be possible, consider all options with your lawyer and be flexible, focus on why you have to move and what will satisfy the move in the meantime to allow you flexibility to move on with minimal impacts to your future livelihood.