1. Get yourself in a gung-ho apartment search frame of mind. You will be making dozens of phone calls and leaving many messages.

2.Keep your checkbook with you. When you see an apartment which looks good to you, you are going to have to decide and act upon it quickly. Good places do not stay on the market long! People constantly lose good places due to indecision.

3. Dress and groom as though you are going to a job interview when you're going to be meeting a landlord. In many respects it is the same. Landlords of really good apartments usually have their pick of several applicants. They are looking for:

        * Someone both able and responsible enough to pay rent on time.
        * People who will treat them and their property with care and respect.
        * Quiet tenants who will not be disturbing to other tenant or neighbors.

4. Always keep your appointments and always show up on time. Picking up the phone is simple, and we understand cancellations. No-shows are a major source of frustration for agents and landlords. Remember that someone is always waiting for you! While you have an appointment with the agent, the agent may have an appointment with the landlord so you can see the place.

5. Do not take submitting an application lightly. Only do it once you are sure you really want to live in the apartment. Processing your application is costly, and the more times your credit report is run, the more your FICO score can be affected. Be considerate of others and keep these things in mind. Landlord often get their hopes up about an applicant, only to find out the person wasn't serious about renting their apartment.

During the Search:

Try to see the units in the daytime. You'll want to know how much natural light an apartment gets. It's helpful to see what shape the place is in and whether more work is needed to make it habitable.

Do a careful walk-through of any unit you're serious about. The best time to ask about repairs and improvements is before you commit.

Some questions to ask:
How's the water pressure?
How many electrical outlets and where are they placed?
Who are the neighbors?

Take measurements of your larger furnishings (and take along a tape measure) to see how your things will fit...or what things you'll need to buy.

Visit as many places as you can, so you'll have a good idea of what your money buys. Be prepared to act quickly when you find something you like!