I agree with the first response. Also you will be most probably applying for a loan in North Carolina too. Correct me if I am wrong. So if you move your credit around too much right now it will probably affect your credit rating and that is a very fragile thing in the market now. The credit cards are charging more for their money and you don't want to mess with your credit score.
I am just guessing this is what is going on. And you are correct to question how long it will take to sell your house so price it very carefully.
You could rent the current house out and buy another if you can handle hiring a rental manager. Lot's of people are taking that route.
Good luck