Finding a new apartment can be a exciting endeavor, but at the same time a frustrating process. Here are a few tips to ensure that your apartment search is fast, efficient and fun!

1. Do your research: It took me about 6 months to find my perfect apartment, but when I did, I had a great understanding of the rental rates in each of the areas of was searching. When time came to sign the lease I knew that the apartment I had chosen was below the average rental rates in the area and that I was getting a bargain.

2. Start your search early: Starting your apartment search a few months prior to your move in date is a good way to ensure that you're not leaving it to the last minute. There's no worse feeling than the pressure of knowing you only have a couple days to find an apartment and that most of the best apartments have already been rented.

3. Choose your amenities: Make a long list of amenities (10 ) that you absolutely must have. Then be prepared to cut that list in half. Finding an apartment that meets all of your wish list is probably not going happen, so be prepared to cut the amenities that are least important to you. A pool sounds like a great idea, but if you can live without it your options will increase.

4. Don't wait, act fast: Once you've found the apartment of your dreams, be prepared to sign on the dotted line because chances are there will be 3 other people behind you ready to do the same. Great apartments can be hard to find so don't let them get away, call the landlord directly and try to avoid emailing the rental office. More often than not, the email response times are like molasses on a cold day.

5. Do your neighborhood research: If you are moving into a new neighborhood then make sure you know what you're getting info beforehand. There are a few useful  apartments for rent resources on www.myapartmenthub.com that will actually give you average rental rates, driving distances to nearby cities, employment information, things to do and attractions to see. It's much easier to do the research online than to visit each hood in person.

That's about it. These are the tips that I followed on my search and I'm now living happily in a great apartment at a fantastic monthly rate.

Good luck!