Apartment hunting--Expats, Dutch and Belgians, help!

Agh!
Ok, we are heading to Ghent for a year mid-September, but unfortunately due to visa requirements for the husband, we have to arrange an apartment BEFORE we head over there. How do people find places, aside from walking around the streets with a cellphone looking for signs in windows? I’m currently trying to write an e-mail to send to IMMO companies to ask if they have anything that suits our parameters since sifting through the offerings trying to find things available this far in advance is hurting my head.
I’ve heard of apartment brokers (makelaars?)-- is this a good idea? Any tips? Any warnings? What should I watch out for in rental agreements? Does Ikea deliver?
Thanks.

A ‘makelaar’ is the best option. You can search for them on the web. Just give him/her your list of wishes and budget and you will get some proposals.

You can use the immo makelaars (mostly reliable but not the cheapest option), or go to the site
www.advalvas.be to see for rental ads in the area
Look for agreements that have clearly defined termination of agreement specifications, what services are included (water, gas, electricity, heating, taxes, )
You can rent very cheap a small truck to carry goods from IKEA.
Other not nessecary more expensive furniture shops do deliver.