We are in the market to buy a house. Can I terminate my apartment lease without paying penalties.

No! You need to negotiate a buyout with the landlord, sublet (if allowed) or find a replacement tenant.

No, unless you had that written into the lease agreement, I have never seen it unless a person asks for it, if they know they are going to be house hunting

I wish! I just found a new apartment with 3 times the square footage within walking distance of my current apartment for the same price and wish I could move today!

A lease is a contract with a specific end date, find a friend or post an ad online to get a relacement tenant to take over your lease.