The fastest way to close a lease is to offer a bigger concession than anyone else- and only if they apply today.
I'm not saying I recommend this tactic, and I don't follow it at all myself, I'm more of the slow and steady type, but if you only seek to fill an apartment ASAP, that will do it,
Drop your rental qualifications.... NOT.... (sorry, couldn't resist)
I am not into the gimmicks of concessions. What I would offer is something DIFFERENT.... For example, offer the prospective residents the choice of PAINT color or type of flooring......
Anyone can offer $$$ off, and most everyone probably is; think outside the box and do something different.