Can you get a mortgage when you move, before you secure a new job?

I am a teacher, have been teaching steadily for 25 years, with a Masters for 20, permanently certified to teach in NY state. But now I want to move to Maryland to be closer to my daughter. I put my house on the market this month. I have sent to the State Ed dept. of MD the proper papers (copies of closed transcripts, and a copy of my certification) but still have not heard back. I would be able to offer a substantial down payment (40%). I want to buy a house when I sell mine but may not have a job yet. Is there a way around this?