The lady in the office has told me several times that she hand-picked us for this particular apartment, which has a beautiful view of the lake, and is getting pretty much brand new everything.

I think it's because:
1) We are excellent prospective tenants, having stayed in the same apartment, paying high rent, for 7 1/2hrs without being late with a payment, and
2) She likes me. I like to do business in person whenever possible, and it usually pays off.

I think that those factors helped grease the wheels more than anything, and that there was a good deal of luck involved. I did plead my case when we were discussing issues with any delays, but I was very anxious, so I could hardly say I was really being assertive...