Decision made, and for the most capitalistic reasons!
One prospect finally said, “I’ve budgeted more than your asking, I can afford to pay a bit more.” To which I responded, “You move to the front of the line if you pay more!” a few numbers later and we’re scheduled to sign a lease.
So, as a call back to the “what good are real estate agents?” thread, I finally know the answer. They are there to tell the parties involved that this is a business transaction, and it is acceptable to adjust the amount of money involved until both sides are agreed.
I mean, I didn’t even have anybody ask “what can I do to get into this apartment today?”
Now I have to send out about 10 “so sorry” emails.
The tenant to-be will satisfy all of the landlord advice in this thread. A self sufficient individual, with no pets, leaving a long term living situation, who has a stable job within very easy walking distance of the apartment. I get the sense there may be some personal issues around leaving the current residence, but that’s not my drama.