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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Sort by: Select Price, Low to High Price, High to Low Newer Listings First Older Listings First Open House Date

16210 E Links Drive Fountain Hills, AZ 85268

$650,000

2 Beds

2 Baths

1,878 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6658826

Property Type Townhouse

Price Type --

Welcome to the prestigious private FireRock Country Club community. This perfect turn key unit with absolutely zero steps is located in the heart of the community. Brand new AC unit (2 months old), new hot water heater, and water softner along with new induction stove. Shades and blinds throughout this unit filled with natural light. Built in shelves in office along with recessed lighting throughout. Wood laminate flooring throughout and security door entry. Built in bar for entertaining your friends and family. Why live somewhere looking at a block wall? Live life with a view! This one will not last long.... its turn-key ready!

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5530 S 111th Street Mesa, AZ 85212

$650,000

4 Beds

3.5 Baths

2,715 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6685047

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

Welcome Home! Look no further, this beautiful property will check all your boxes! Oversized modern property situated on an large lot in Bella Via. Step inside this beautifully upgraded home and fall in love with its open spaces, including 4 bedrooms, 3.5 bathrooms, large living areas, dining room and a private study. Two master bedrooms( one downstairs and second at the upper level)perfectly designed for privacy. Large loft area, great for entertainment. Covered patio is perfect for outdoor dining and the built-in barbecue makes it easy to cook up a feast. Modern fireplace and movie projector are perfect for cozying up on relaxing nights.

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19743 W Exeter Boulevard Litchfield Park, AZ 85340

$650,000

4 Beds

2.5 Baths

2,982 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6722040

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

Looking for a new home? This fantastic 4 bed, 2.5 bath residence now on the market is for you! Charming curb appeal, a low-care landscape, and a 3 car tandem garage are just the beginning. Discover a spacious dining & living areas w/elegant wood-look flooring, recessed lighting, and neutral palette throughout. The fabulous kitchen is equipped w/everything you'll need for home cooking, ample cabinetry, a pantry, quartz counters, SS appliances, and an island complete w/a breakfast bar. Upstairs you'll find a sizeable loft perfect for an entertainment area. End your busy day in the primary bedroom, boasting soft carpet, a walk-in closet, and an ensuite w/dual sinks. Finally, the expansive backyard w/its covered patio is a blank ready to become your own private oasis! Don't miss out!

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4252 E Desert Sky Court Cave Creek, AZ 85331

$650,000

3 Beds

2 Baths

1,782 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6733020

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

Your new home in the gated community of Ocotillo at Dove Valley Ranch is sure to check all the boxes! Meticulously maintained, this single-level gem has a private pool, three bedrooms, a versatile den option, a split-great room floor plan, and beautiful desert wash & sunset views from the back. Interior features include neutral tile flooring & carpet in the bedrooms, granite kitchen countertops, stainless appliances, a pantry, and vaulted ceilings. The backyard is perfect for entertaining with a sparkling pool, a covered patio, and views of the natural area open space. The home's exterior was painted April 2024; plus, there are no two-story homes around for ultimate privacy! Beyond your new home, enjoy all Dove Valley Ranch has to offer: one of North Phoenix's finest public golf courses, a clubhouse bar/lounge, and easy access to first-rate schools, parks, hiking, shopping, & more.

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17966 W Highland Avenue Goodyear, AZ 85395

$650,000

4 Beds

3 Baths

2,343 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6726612

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

Welcome to Alicante at Sedella, a luxurious gated community! This 4 bedroom, plus den is the popular Lark model which is a unique single story home featuring a social living area. One of the bedrooms includes its own bathroom making a perfect ensuite. The kitchen opens into the great room and dining area for entertaining!! The owners chose to upgrade the living room and master bedroom with 16 ft multi sliders. With wall to wall sliders on the rear of the home, you can be sure there is no lack of natural light!! The oversized private backyard features a large salt water pool, an 8ft RV gate and RV parking. YES the HOA does allow you to park your RV or trailer behind it! Come take a look today, the photos don't do it justice!

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3932 E Shaw Butte Drive Phoenix, AZ 85028

$650,000

4 Beds

2 Baths

2,029 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6745223

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

Gorgeous home, great location and plenty of updates! What's not to like??? This beautiful 4 bedroom, 2 bath home offers a renovated pool, owned solar, updated AC, dual pane Low-E windows, granite throughout, a stunning kitchen and more! Centrally located with easy freeway access. Schools, parks, and abundant shopping nearby. Not to be missed!

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5674 N 12th Street Phoenix, AZ 85014

$650,000

2 Beds

2 Baths

2,404 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6729008

Property Type Townhouse

Price Type --

Completely renovated single-level, open contemporary floor plan, with 2 huge bedrooms & bathrooms in North Central Phoenix. Everything has been updated from electrical, plumbing, HVAC, roof, & beautiful new landscaping. High End upgrades include chef's kitchen with huge island, quartz countertops, custom cabinets, porcelain tile flooring, soundproof windows with blackout shades. Relax in either the front patio with soothing waterfall fountain or private & spacious back patio with glass firepit. Immaculate and meticulously maintained. Prime Central Phoenix location with top rated Madison school districts, close to Biltmore high end shopping and top rated restaurants, hiking & biking trails, within Eruv. No HOA - would make an amazing primary residence and/or long or short term rental!

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4323 N 129th Drive Litchfield Park, AZ 85340

$650,000

5 Beds

3.5 Baths

4,623 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6732968

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

This palatial estate in the exclusive Bel Fleur gated community is a must see! Within the 4,623 sq ft of this vast home, you will find 5 bedrooms, 3.5 bathrooms, a luxurious open kitchen, separate formal living and dining spaces, a sizable family room, and a spacious loft. The home features ample natural light, soaring ceilings, 3 fireplaces, new A/C units in 2023, and tasteful touches throughout. The primary suite is located downstairs, with double sinks and separate tub/shower in the bathroom, and an expansive walk-in closet. The 3 car garage has abundant space. The home backs to common area and offers a quiet retreat from the city while still being just a short drive to the Wigwam, golf, restaurants, parks, schools, and everything that Litchfield Park has to offer. Priced to sell now!

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20857 E Arrowhead Trail Queen Creek, AZ 85142

$650,000

4 Beds

3.5 Baths

2,325 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6735444

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

Welcome home! Right in the heart of Queen Creek, just minutes from Queen Creek Marketplace, Costco and all of the shopping and entertainment that Queen Creek has to offer as well as quick freeway access. This gorgeous 4 bedroom, 3.5 bathroom home has been beautifully upgraded. Outdoor areas includes a large side patio with pavers and the backyard features a heated pool and spa that is perfect for swimming and entertaining all year long. Interior features tile flooring, a gourmet kitchen with quartz countertops and under cabinet lighting! The living room features a custom entertainment center with an electric fireplace as well as automated shades for the rear sliding door. You must see this home to appreciate its beauty!

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320 E Joan D Arc Avenue Phoenix, AZ 85022

$650,000

4 Beds

2 Baths

2,229 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6734382

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

Welcome to Moon Valley! This 4-bedroom home is on a huge cul-de-sac lot boasting an RV gate with a large slab for parking your boat, RV, or other toys. The tiled covered patio overlooks the grass lawn and pool. Enjoy the winter evenings by sitting on the patio near the wood-burning fireplace. The kitchen has granite counters and stainless-steel appliances. Relax in the family room in front of the beautiful stone fireplace. In addition to the formal dining room, there is a breakfast room next to the kitchen. The en suite master bedroom has a large walk-in closet and the bedroom has a Jack & Jill bath. This home is conveniently located with easy access to I-17 and the 101.

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14421 N Prickly Pear Court Fountain Hills, AZ 85268

$650,000

3 Beds

2 Baths

1,838 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6738052

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

WOW a big price reduction, lowest 3 bedroom SFPrice Welcome to this beautiful home located in the highly sought-after golf community of Sunridge Canyon!, This is a true 3 bedroom home (all have closets). Tucked away against a backdrop of open space, this property offers a peaceful escape. and views of the Town of Fountain Hills and very close to the Golf Course . HVAC new 2018/Nothing to do but move in and enjoy life in beautiful Fountain Hills. This single level home offers a formal dining room / kitchen with breakfast bar and breakfast room overlooking the yard / 3 Full bedrooms one is set up from a perfect office/den Nice location allows for e-z access to all community amenities including Golden Eagle Park/Pickle Ball courts and more/ just a short drive to shops and restaurant

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3741 E Catalina Drive Phoenix, AZ 85018

$650,000

3 Beds

3 Baths

2,134 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6737385

Property Type Townhouse

Price Type --

END UNIT I PREMIUM LOT I 3 bedroom + Den, 2.5-bath in Arcadia Lite! This contemporary home is situated at the end of a quiet cul-de-sac within a gated featuring a community pool! Enter into a spacious layout featuring 10' ceilings on both levels, modern kitchen with 8' indigo island, granite countertops, ample cabinet space, walk in pantry, + Frigidaire Gallery matching appliance package! Main level offers a den/flex space, powder room, and open living space. 2nd level opens to a flex/loft space, laundry, primary + 2 secondary bedrooms, 2 full baths. Sliding glass to back patio w/paved seating space + synthetic grass are perfect for entertaining. End unit offers extra privacy and no neighbors to the East! EV charging station included!

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