When it comes to setting yourself up for success, one of the first things you need to understand is the rental market is pretty competitive these days. In fact, as NBC News explains, the number of people renting has reached the highest level in decades. In order to rent the property you want, you need to make sure you’re as appealing to landlords as possible.

You will need to go through an application process and provide things like proof of identity, contact information, employment information, rental history, personal references, etc.

The landlord will examine your credit score, bank statements, criminal record, and similar information. If you have any concerns with your credit history or criminal past, it’s important to resolve them before you apply to rent.

You should also make sure you know what fees will be involved in the process. There is usually an application fee. If you get the place, you might also need to send a deposit or the first month’s rent. If you have a pet, you might need to pay a pet deposit, and some places charge a monthly pet fee on top of this.

It’s easy to make the mistake of thinking that a condo is just a fancier apartment. However, there are a number of key differences between the two. With condos, each unit is owned by an individual. Whereas, with an apartment, the entire building or complex is owned by an individual or entity.

Condos offer more amenities than apartments, such as hot tubs and concierge service. They often offer more privacy as well. However, there are usually homeowner association (HOA) fees involved, which can make condos more expensive. Renting a condo can mean a more personal relationship with your landlord because you might be their only tenant.

Because apartments are rental-oriented businesses, their upkeep and organization can be more professional. The greatest drawbacks to a well-run apartment are the small space and limited privacy.

Renting a house gives you more privacy, and you might have more personal interaction with your landlord. You will also have more storage space, and a garage might be included.  However, renting a house usually requires that you do more of the maintenance.

When choosing a place to rent, it’s important to consider what you need from a home. How close do you want to be to the middle of town? How important is a parking space?

If you are looking for a kid-friendly apartment, you might want to steer clear of balconies and busy streets. Similarly, if you need pet-friendly rental, a fenced yard would be beneficial. If your pets or children are loud, you might prefer a private space like a house. Develop your search criteria and make notes about what will make or break your decision.

With so much to think about, you might consider hiring a real estate agent to help you find your home sweet home. Investopedia points out a real estate agent can actually give you important advantages in finding your perfect place. They can often access listings you can’t. What’s more, they can help negotiate terms with your landlord.

When hiring a real estate agent, ask in advance about their fees and who will cover them. Find out how familiar the agent is with the area, and how much experience she has. Think in terms of interviewing candidates before making your selection. You both want someone who is experienced and easy to communicate with.

You can start prepping for your move even before you’ve chosen your new home. Start by researching what moving services are available in your area. Read reviews to help you figure out which companies are the most reliable and professional. Then, spend some time researching what utility companies you’ll likely be using. You can also go ahead and decide what internet provider you’ll be using. If there’s a certain provider you prefer, such as CenturyLink, you can use online availability maps to see how good coverage for that provider is in your area. Taking these initial steps will help you be able to take swift action once you find your new home.

Finding an ideal place to rent can be difficult. Make sure you prepare for the application process, examine your options, develop your search criteria, and get a pro on your side if things are overwhelming. With a good plan, you’ll find your home sweet home soon!