Everybody has some idea of an ideal apartment location and design that would let them live their best life.

Unfortunately,  people  flock  to  cities,  and  many  end  up  sharing  a  vision  of  the  perfect  future  life. When the time is right and resources plenty, you still have to find a way to beat all other applicants trying to land the same property as you are.

Luckily,  if  you  approach  the task with a clear strategy in mind, you're likely to outpace the competition. Let's explore some ways to increase your chances of success.

Research Is Key

Patience might not be your forte at the moment. Still, taking the time  to  do  your  research and learn about what you're getting yourself into is key to success.

Nobody  expects  you  to  understand all the ins and outs of the real estate market, but a basic-level analysis can't hurt. Learning the  frequent  terms  and  jargon, and familiarizing yourself with the industry lets you act quickly when necessary. 

Moreover,  visit  online apartment searchers in the area that interest you. Look at pricing, neighborhood differences, and amenities. If you're moving to a new city or state, learn about standard landlord requirements. 

All  these  bits  of  knowledge add to your negotiating capabilities. Plus, research helps you narrow down your search to apartments that meet your criteria, making the following tips much more manageable.

Make the Time

Competitive markets require you to jump on listings as soon as you get the chance, even if it's a simple property tour. 

Try  toclear your schedule on evenings and weekends during the search phase. That way, you'll be able to visit last-minute showings and  meet  landlords.  It  might  be  intense  for  a  bit,  but  luckily, everything is so fast-paced that it shouldn't take more than a few weeks.

On  the  technical  side of things, be sure not to miss a call or alert. Set pop-ups and push notifications from your apartment search apps and keep an eye on your email. 

Once you communicate with the owner for the first time, follow up the meeting with an email offering to sign the lease to get them to move quickly.

Put Together the Paperwork

Apartment   searches   always   come  with  tons  of  paperwork, but the heap doubles in aggressive markets. Sellers and renters will  request  endless streams of information about your past to make an informed decision.

Show  your  proactivity  by  putting together the necessary info before meeting them. Having the following ready covers most of the bases:

• A renter resume with income, credit score, and occupation

• Filled out application forms

• ID copy

• Credit report copy

• Proof of income

• Letters of recommendation from previous landlords

• Pet information, such as training certificates and proof of vaccination

Competitive  city  landlords  expect  you to provide information and sign contracts on moments' notice. It's not fair, but you're there to get the condo, and that entails meeting their expectations.

Prepare the Funds

Apart  from  being  the  best applicant, it helps if you're ready to write   out   a   check   right   after   viewing   the  vacancy.  While budgeting,  it  is  ideal  to  leave  a  little room for offering to pay extra if you find yourself in a stalemate with another applicant. 

Alternatively,  you  could  offer  to  pay multiple months upfront, together   with   the   first   and   last   month's   rent.  Again,  it's inconvenient  that  homeowners  in these cities look to squeeze as  much  money  out  of  tenants  as possible, but money talks, and you're there on a mission.

Stay Flexible

Finally,  have  a backup plan. Even with all these tips, you might find that your dream neighborhood is a bit too competitive. After all, it's not worth paying double when you can find a more accessible apartment several blocks down the road.

If  location  is  vital, you could open your mind to a broader housing type and trait scope. Think about must-have characteristics and eliminate some perks to broaden your pool of available options.

You  probably  already  have  a dream city. If not, a few of our recent reports suggest that you could enjoy all the characteristics you want from your new location by considering new cities and even out-of-state properties.

Key Takeaways

In  the  end,  remember  that  you'll  have  to  work  harder  to find an apartment in a much-desired city. That's no reason to give up, though.

Arrange the paperwork, have the money at hand, and be ready to act ASAP. Prepare yourself mentally for several exhausting weeks ahead, and don't stop trying until you're unpacking your boxes in the apartment of your dreams.