Should I sell now, rent, and then buy next year?

[Rebecca Dee]

Hi! 

I’m wondering if I should sell my house now while prices are high, and then rent for 6 months to a year, and then buy something once prices and interest rates go down as they are predicted to do?

I have a few concerns about this (not necessarily listed in order of importance):

1. 1. We have a dog and a cat, which makes finding rentals harder.
2. 2. Finding 6-month or flexible rentals is difficult.
3. 3. Rentals are expensive in this area, but I am willing to move to a cheaper nearby city if needed. However, rentals are still likely to be close to the same price as a monthly mortgage payment.
4. 4. Considering that rent is likely to be about the same as mortgage, does that completely negate any profits made from selling high and buying low? (Assuming we are able to buy low next year)

I understand that markets can change and predictions could end up being inaccurate, thereby blowing any benefits whatsoever, but allowing for the risk, is it possible for this idea to be profitable?

Thanks!