How to Find an Apartment Fast

Have your financial and identification information in order.

Maybe you just got a new job that starts in a couple of weeks, and you have to find an apartment that is available before you begin. If this is your situation, or if for any number of other reasons you find yourself needing to move into an apartment fast, you can plan your move quickly and efficiently by considering your needs. Take stock of you current situation in detail, and you can find a new place to live in no time.

Instructions

1. 

   Know how much you can afford.

   Determine how much you can spend each month. The area you're moving to may be more or less expensive than where you're living now, so you may have to pay more or settle for a place that's not as good.

2. 

   Know when you need to move in exactly.

   Talk to a rental broker. Ask how much she will charge to find you an apartment by the date you need to move in. If she has no apartments available within your time frame, move on.

3. 

   Use a phone book in print or online to find apartments.

   Search for apartments online. Craigslist is one of the best sources. You can also try Rent.com or Move.com, which allow you to choose your apartment by city, price and number of bedrooms. You can also use the online yellow pages to search for apartment complexes in the city you're moving to. Many complexes do not advertise online, and you can miss out on some nice places to live if you limit yourself to online advertisements and websites.

4. 

   List apartments that meet your needs.

   Make a list of apartments that meet your budget, space and neighborhood criteria. Call them for information and to make appointments to see the apartments. Talking to managers or owners on the phone may give you information you could not find online. If you leave a message and do not receive a call back within 24 hours, try again. Sometimes leasing agents cannot answer the phone right away because they are out showing apartments to other renters or working with a resident at the time you call.

5. 

   See if you can overnight or electronically transfer your application and move-in fees.

   Tell the leasing agent when you need to move in and make sure she can have an apartment ready for you in time. Have her email you an application form and any credit forms you need to fill out if you can't drive to the complex and ask if you can send the application and other forms back electronically or via fax to speed up the processing time. Offer to pay your deposit and application fee via a fast payment method such as bank transfer, PayPal (if available) or over-nighting a check or money order if you live far from where you will be moving.

6. 

   Have your credit check and identification with you at meetings with leasing agents.

   Have your documents and finances in order and with you when you go out apartment hunting on foot. Bring a copy of your credit report with you as well as your checkbook. Dress well to show that you mean business, and keep any appointments you make to look at apartments.

7. 

References

• Move.com: Important Tips for Finding an Apartment