Do You Own an Income Property? Here Are Four Tips for Finding Great Tenants

Trusting another individual with your property can be nerve-wracking because it’s difficult to gauge how well they’ll care for their home from a viewing and rental application alone. However, there are several steps you can take to help ensure that you select responsible tenants that will take good care for your property while they live there.

1. Make Your Home Desirable

When creating your rental listing, show your property at its absolute best and list its attractive features. The listing should be well written with proper capitalization and full sentences, even if it’s only going on Craigslist. Include plenty of photos that are staged nicely to show the full potential of the home both inside and out.

If you want the best applicants, strive to be the best property! You need to attract tenants who are looking for a home rather than a crash pad.

2. Have A Thorough Application Process

Don’t be afraid to ask for in-depth information from your applicants. The more you know about them the more you can assess what kind of a tenant they’ll be. An application should ask for:

– full name
– the applicant’s job & their supervisor
– their income
– current address
– government identification (i.e. a photocopy of their driver’s license)
– next of kin or an emergency contact
– previous landlord references
– any additional info you think is necessary

3. Check References

One of the most important things you can do when choosing a tenant is check their references. At least one reference should be a past landlord, and it’s great to contact a current employer as well. Favor applicants who can prove they’ve been a good renter in the past and who seem to have reliable employment.

When calling references have a prepared list of questions. For past landlords you’ll want to ask about their cleanliness, if there was any damage to the property, noise complaints, or missed rent. When speaking to an employer, make sure to ask how long they’ve been working there, whether they’re a reliable worker, whether they’re respectful, and if they can see them continuing to work there for the long-term.

4. Meet Them!

Always meet potential tenants in person. See if they have a pleasant demeanor, if they’re easy to talk to and are polite to you, and whether they seem to take care of themselves. Trust your gut, if you have a bad feeling about someone then it may be best to keep looking.

Need more advice on income properties? Give me a call today – J.P. Cook – 602-320-4253.

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24228 N 24th Place Phoenix, AZ 85024

$1,100,000

4 Beds

3 Baths

4,294 SqFt

Status Active Under Contract

MLS # 6769826

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

Discover this dramatic 4200sf showpiece with amazing views. Multiple upgrades and updating including Acacia wood floors, dream kitchen, gorgeous lighting, man cave family room with 3TVs and fireplace, balcony off upstairs bed, unique spa like downstairs bath. Large, private, corner lot with no one behind you OR to the North. Currently has the home set up as 4 bedrooms plus den/loft but you can use the extra rooms as an office or a gym room, too. Large driveway and 3 car garage with EV outlet. The over sized north facing backyard has plenty of grassy space as well as a resort style pool with benches, a sun shelf and a heated hot tub that waterfalls into the pool. BBQ by the pool outdoor kitchen. The Solar System keeps energy costs low.

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22635 N 45th Place Phoenix, AZ 85050

$1,100,000

5 Beds

3.5 Baths

3,196 SqFt

Status Active Under Contract

MLS # 6774400

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

This stunning home sits on a spacious .24-acre lot and offers the perfect setup for multi-generational living, featuring 2 bedrooms and a full bath on the lower level. Located just blocks away from PVUSD elementary and middle schools, it's an ideal location for families. Surrounded by a pristine natural desert wash, this elegant home provides exceptional privacy from its prime position on an oversized semi-cul-de-sac lot. Step inside the beautiful foyer, where dark wide-plank flooring and muted white walls create a sophisticated ambiance. The gorgeous living room boasts tall windows, plush carpeting, and soaring vaulted ceilings. A chandelier-lit formal dining room adds an extra touch of elegance.The stunning kitchen features an abundance of silver and gray cabinetry, exquisite exquisite countertops, and upscale stainless steel appliances, including a deep farmhouse sink. A casual dining/breakfast room flows seamlessly into the family room, which is anchored by a dramatic luxury wood-framed fireplace, media wall, art-display niches, and twin shutter-trimmed windows. Upstairs, a spacious loft/library area leads to big secondary bedrooms and a romantic primary suite. The primary suite offers a slightly elevated sleeping area, a large sitting room, a luxurious bath, an enormous walk-in closet, and a cocktail balcony overlooking the backyard's alfresco amenities. Outside, enjoy a sparkling freeform pool, sprawling lounge decks, an expansive grassy lawn, a barbecue island, and just the right amount of flowering shrubbery. The home was fully remodeled in 2019, is exceptionally quiet, and shares a fence with only one neighbor for ultimate privacy.

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10259 N Nicklaus Drive Fountain Hills, AZ 85268

$1,100,000

3 Beds

3 Baths

3,095 SqFt

Status Active Under Contract

MLS # 6781648

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

DESERT CANYON GOLF COURSE HOME - backs the 12th Fairway. This house comes TOTALLY FURNISHED from linens to dishes to tools in garage. Huge open main living space & kitchen offers the perfect home entertainment space plus bonus room for quiet TV/Reading time. Split Bedrooms. Master has private access to back patio. Large fenced yard allows space to add a pool if you want one or enjoy low maintenance hard scape for the seasonal owner.

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8424 E Via De Dorado -- Scottsdale, AZ 85258

New

$1,100,000

3 Beds

2 Baths

2,315 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6789426

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

Nestled in the heart of McCormick Ranch, discover this beautifully remodeled, single-level gem. Exuding elegance and sophistication from floor-to-ceiling, this home offers a peaceful, yet dynamic, spacious split floor plan perfect for modern living. Scandinavian design inspired kitchen is truly exquisite, featuring Bosch appliances with custom paneling to match cabinets, an inset coffee machine, 5-burner cooktop, stunning kitchen island, privacy shades on sliding glass doors and windows, lighting options for every mood including under cabinet/recessed/pendant, opening to the large front paver patio and access to office/creative/bonus room with separate entry. Freshly painted interior, with perfect natural and modern lighting. Every inch of this property speaks of quality and style, making it a must-see for those seeking the ultimate in Scottsdale living. Located between two parks, minutes from shopping, restaurants, gym, pharmacy, walking/biking paths, golf, entertainment and so much more. See extensive Updates, Improvements & Enhancements List and set the intention to make this your next home in Scottsdale's most livable and desirable community.

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634 E County Down Drive Chandler, AZ 85249

$1,100,000

4 Beds

3.5 Baths

3,599 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6738354

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

Nestled within the upscale gated community of Fieldstone Estates, this pristine home showcases an ambience of Arizona living throughout. This premium north/south facing property situated on a 1/3 acre greenbelt lot in Chandler is an entertainers delight. A gated front courtyard leads into a formal living room featuring an elegant two-way fireplace and views directly showcasing the outdoor resort oasis. This desert gem highlights ultimate living with an impressive gourmet Chef's kitchen including a deluxe island with breakfast bar, double ovens, gas cooktop, stainless steel appliances, built in fridge, warming oven, built in microwave and a large walk-in pantry. The primary suite boasts an abundance of natural sunlight offering direct outdoor access to a spacious covered patio. Custom wood shutters and two stone accent walls amplify the exquisite nature of the room. The luxe bathroom with his and her separate vanities is complete with a soaking tub, private double shower and a considerable walk-in closet. This luxurious home boasts 4 bedrooms including a guest suite/den with built-in Murphy bed and desk, a formal office with impressive bookcase and additional cozy theatre room perfect for entertaining or relaxing. Exclusive outdoor living space offers a resort style heated pool with waterfall and elevated spa backing to a vast common area. A wooden slat pergola covers a fully functioning outdoor kitchen complete with built-in BBQ, dual gas burner stovetop, electric deep fryers, wood burning pizza oven, kegerator and sink providing a significant space perfect for open-air dining. Additional lower level outdoor patio with impressive wood burning fireplace provides ample seating areas for tranquility & relaxation. Don't miss out on this exclusive property designed for superior indoor and outdoor enjoyment!

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5366 E Juniper Avenue Scottsdale, AZ 85254

$1,100,000

4 Beds

3.5 Baths

2,781 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6650821

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

: EXQUISITE! Stunning North/South home in sought after location. Four bedrooms and three and a half bath, two level home. This home has been completely remolded and redesigned. Fabulous kitchen with new cabinetry and quartz counters. and newer stainless appliances. All new windows throughout the home. Formal dining room, living room and family room, with high soaring ceilings. Downstairs suite with own bath. Three large bedrooms and two full baths upstairs. Half bath off living. Separate laundry and 3 car garage. Master bedroom has walk-in closet and its view balcony. Beautifully redesigned master bath with soaking tub and large open shower. Landscaping is beautiful with care free artificial grass, sparkling pebble-tech pool, fruit trees galore, two covered patios and a louvered extension

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38730 N Donovan Lane Phoenix, AZ 85086

$1,100,000

5 Beds

4.5 Baths

5,065 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6690310

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

WOW Breathtaking Vista's from every room Enjoy the City lights from your own home. So much privacy, no neighbors in front of you or looking in your backyard! Unbelievable indoor ,outdoor entertainment. Courtyard w/ Fireplace to enjoy in the winter and evenings. Travertine stone flooring throughout the downstairs. Hand scraped hardwood floors nested in the family room w/ a fireplace to enjoy.Gorgeous Granite counter tops & stone backslash in your Kitchen. Soaring ceiling in the dining area. Mutigerenational living ensuite downstairs. Huge master bedroom upstairs to enjoy the amazing views with plus huge closet. Bonus room w/ cabinets in it. Perfect for a family fun room. Bonus downstairs where a 4 car garage was.A man cave or arts / craft room. RV gate. 5 bed & 4.5 bath. Owner Agent

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360 S Golden Meadows Trail Williams, AZ 86046

$1,100,000

5 Beds

3 Baths

3,582 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6714945

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

Beautiful custom 5 bedroom, 3 bath home! Featuring vaulted ceilings, wood flooring, fireplaces, conservatory & Spectacular views in the Pines! Open concept floor plan makes this home perfect for entertaining & two Skylights keep everything light & bright! Gourmet kitchen is a cooks delight w/ gas cooking, ample cabinet space, Stainless Steel appliances & double ovens! From Kitchen & Dining areas expansive views of the San Francisco Peaks! Primary bedroom has oversized bath w/ 2 closets, walkin shower & jetted tub! Nestled on a 1.1 acre lot surrounded by majestic pine trees and 2 minutes from Elephant Rocks Golf Course. Several outdoor sitting areas to enjoy Williams weather and views! Close to hiking trails, lakes, Route 66 and shopping! A place to call home in the Pines!

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8259 E Mulberry Lane Scottsdale, AZ 85251

$1,100,000

5 Beds

3 Baths

2,883 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6740353

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

Discover this beautifully upgraded home, featuring an open-concept main house w/ over $120k in enhancements. The property includes a separate 695sf guest house + an enclosed climate control AZ room for a total of 2883sf - below current appraisal! The guest house features a living area, kitchen & 1 bed/1 bath, perfect for guests or rental income. The main house offers 4 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, and an AZ room that leads to an outdoor space designed for entertaining. Enjoy a pool, outdoor kitchen & bar, putting green, and palm trees. Located close to Old Town Scottsdale, ASU, sports venues, and major highways, this home offers convenience and a vibrant lifestyle. Recent upgrades include a climate-controlled wine cellar, new roofing, windows, & hardwood floors.

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7200 N 34th Avenue Phoenix, AZ 85051

$1,100,000

3 Beds

3 Baths

2,065 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6744364

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

Welcome to this charming 3-bed, 2-bath home featuring a convenient food cellar in the laundry room. Additionally, there's a 1-bed, 1-bath guesthouse complete with a living area and kitchen, all situated on a secluded 1-acre irrigated lot in the heart of the city. With a gated entrance, this property has been maintained by the same family for 60 years, showcasing true pride of ownership and beautifully kept grounds. The main house offering a comfortable living space, while the cozy 480 sq. ft. guesthouse is perfect for guests or extended family. Outside, enjoy your own private oasis with a sparkling pool surrounded by lush, green grass. The spacious garage is tall enough to accommodate a full-size RV, multiple cars, a boat, or even serve as an impressive workshop. A unique property!

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28301 N 154th Street Scottsdale, AZ 85262

$1,100,000

4 Beds

3 Baths

2,818 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6758363

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

Welcome to your new custom home in Scottsdale! This home was built with solid 2 X 6 construction and has gorgeous solid pine interior doors throughout. Sitting on a full acre, this 2,818 sq ft property has plenty of space for everyone with 4 bedrooms and 3 bathrooms. The large garage is perfect for multiple vehicles, storage, or even a workshop. Just over one acre for your horses, or room to add a pool, garden, or outdoor entertaining space. Located in a quiet neighborhood, this home is close to schools, shopping, and parks and offers incredible views of 4 peaks mountains! Inside, the open floor plan offers a comfortable living area that connects to the kitchen, which features ample counter space and cabinets for all your needs, granite counters and pantry. The master suite includes its own bathroom, walk-thru shower and his & hers walk in closets. Beautiful natural stone in the showers and baths. The other bedrooms are spacious and can serve as extra bedrooms or an office.

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43 E Desert Hills Drive Phoenix, AZ 85086

$1,100,000

4 Beds

3 Baths

3,058 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6755034

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

Looking for a private estate on an acre with no HOA and room to expand, park your toys and trucks? Look no further than this fully renovated home in Desert Hills with City water! Step into the great room which has lots of natural light and is perfect for relaxing or entertaining. Enjoy the spacious kitchen with stainless steel appliances and workspace galore. The split floorplan has 2 bedrooms with a jack and jill bathroom setup, another bedroom with its own bathroom on one side; and the master retreat with its own fireplace on the other. The master bathroom is resort-like! Wanna cool off and enjoy some mountain views? Take a dip in the relaxing pool. Take advantage of the acreage to park your toys, build an RV garage, guest house and just feel like no one is around you.

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