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

4359 N 203rd Avenue Buckeye, AZ 85396

$594,990

3 Beds

2 Baths

1,674 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6736229

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

This Gorgeous Altena floorplan curated with Classic 'Looks' interiors selections offering a gorgeous cohesive design. Your spacious kitchen is designed with a large island, pendant lighting, quartz counters, stunning stacking cabinets and GE profile stainless steel appliances. Feel the openness of your great room and dining room with coffered ceiling and crown molding. Enjoy indoor-outdoor living with your 12 ft sliding glass door. The Primary Suite includes an Upgraded no step rain shower. Wood look tile throughout most rooms and plush carpet in bedrooms, plus window coverings included! ^^Up to $20K can be applied towards closing cost OR short/long term interest rate buydowns when choosing our preferred Lender. Additional eligibility and limited time restrictions apply.

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20251 W Catalina Drive Buckeye, AZ 85396

$594,990

4 Beds

3 Baths

2,456 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6747889

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

Ready for Move-in - It's the stunning Amethyst floor plan with 3 bedrooms + study, 3 full baths and 3 car garage. Pavers at drive, walk and entry. Large walk in shower at owner's bath. 12x8 sliding glass door that leads out to your extended covered patio. Sonoma maple Linen-off white cabinets with hardware in kitchen with 42'' kitchen uppers and pull out trash drawer with two bins. AZT Tawny Quartz countertops in kitchen and at the enhanced island. Kitchen sink is a black under mount single bowl sink. 8' tall interior doors. Upgrade flooring includes Beaumont Olmo 7x24 plan tile in all areas of the home except bedrooms and closets. 5'' baseboards and 3 1/4'' door casings. Dual sink at bath 2. Soft water loop, gas stub for future BBQ, garage door, garage service door and much more.

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274 S 164th Drive Goodyear, AZ 85338

$594,990

4 Beds

3 Baths

2,510 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6744181

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

Very spacious Jade floor plan with 5 bedrooms, 3 baths and 3 car garage. Multi slide door off the great room. Bedroom #4 has it's own private full bath and walk in closet perfect for a guest suite. All secondary bedrooms have walk-in closets. Plenty of storage space. Large walk in shower at owner's bath. Pavers at drive, walk and entry. Stainless steel gas appliance package with 30'' cooktop, wall oven and canopy hood. 8' tall garage door with two controls. Additional kitchen cabinets in Barnett Maple Boulder (Gray) with 42'' uppers and pull out trash bins. AZT Hana Sky quartz countertops in kitchen and the enhanced kitchen countertop. Upgrade flooring includes DT Broxburn Gray 6x24 plank tile in all areas of the home except bedrooms and closets. Estimated completion October.

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8190 N Bel Air Road Casa Grande, AZ 85194

$594,900

3 Beds

2.5 Baths

1,959 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6765429

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

The home boasts 3 large bedrooms with lighted closets and 2.5 baths, an open floor plan that includes a great room with vaulted ceilings, dining area & views of the backyard, covered patio and rock fire pit. The kitchen features plenty of granite counter space, pantry, spice cabinet, stainless/black appliances, the fridge and built-in microwave are just over a year old. The oversized laundry room has extra space, lots of cabinets and a half bath. The 2 car attached garage is extended length and has a 220 plug for compressor/welder etc. All has been freshly painted inside and out 7/2023, with a new roof installed on both the home and the workshop 8/2024. There is also a 220 electric RV hook up on the exterior of the home near the RV gate. Behind the RV gate is a large covered parking area and patio off the garage. The detached workshop is 16'X24' with a sub-panel, ample electrical outlets, multiple workbenches, drawers and shelves. All on 2.44 surveyed acres of land with approximately 1 acre cleared and gravel base. There are also multiple water spigots around the exterior of the home for convenience. The home is located approximately 2.5 miles from I10 and just minutes from shopping, dining and entertainment and just a 30 minute drive to Chandler, Gilbert and the East Valley. Property owner is a licensed Realtor.

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9919 E Radioactive Drive Mesa, AZ 85212

$594,900

3 Beds

3 Baths

2,115 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6655238

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

Major Price Reduction! Better than New! 3 Bed + Den, 3 Baths, 3 Car Tandem Garage. Very spacious floorplan. Wood Plank Like Tile Flooring w/Upgraded Carpeting. Across the street from a park. Features Include: Butler Pantry, Large Kitchen Pantry, Gas Cook Top, Granite Countertops throughout w/ Island &Breakfast Bar, White Cabinets with Pull Handles, Wood Shutters, Soft close drawers & cabinets, Gas Stub for BBQ, Walk-In Master Shower, Extra Insulation to Garage, Built in Classy Closets in Garage w/overhead cabinets, Epoxy Garage Floor, Backyard Fully Landscaped w Brick Pavers and Artificial Turf, Water plumbed to backyard to add irrigation for garden boxes, Pavers at Front making driveway wider, Overhead cabinets in Laundry. 5 minute freeway access. Eastmark Community offers: Heated Pool, Splash pad, Dog parks, Many Parks, Tennis courts, Fishing Pond, Ball fields, Frisbee golf course and Rec Center. There are many recreational spots close by including a regional sports park just south of this home on Ellsworth and Pecan Lake Entertainment which offers many various attractions and restaurants.

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2627 N 30th Place Phoenix, AZ 85008

$594,900

2 Beds

1 Bath

800 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6688674

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

ATTENTION INVESTORS AND BUILDERS. Small rental home on this amazing RARE LARGE parcel size of 17,000sf!! Zoning is R1-6, so each lot (without a variance) needs a minimum of 6,000sf per lot, but many lots in the area are less than 6,000sf. No variance needed if you split the site into two lots and you could build one home on the South lot and keep the small home on the North lot as rental income ($1,500/mo) until you are ready to tear it down and build a new home. Phoenix zoning now allows ADUs (Additional Dwelling Units). Many new homes are being built in the immediate area and this is a RARE parcel size!! See photos with potential development ideas. Check with city to verify all info. Please don't disturb the tenants by walking the lot without permission from agent. THANK YOU!

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22101 W Ripple Road Buckeye, AZ 85326

$594,900

3 Beds

2 Baths

1,593 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6719977

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

Move in ready 3BD/2BA horse property on an acre lot with NO HOA. This has a spacious living/family room complete with a lovely propane fireplace and plenty of natural light. The kitchen boasts tiled counters, painted cabinets, and large breakfast/informal dining area. Master suite includes walk in closet and separate exit to the back patio. Relax outside under an extended covered patio while enjoying the mountain views with no neighbors behind. Land is the one thing they are not making more of so grab this one while you can.

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769 W Citrus Way Chandler, AZ 85248

$594,900

3 Beds

2 Baths

1,979 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6738698

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

This fabulous residence nestled in the Fox Crossing Community is the one you've been looking for! Make yourself at home in the inviting interior showcasing a designer color palette, neutral tile flooring, and soft carpet in all the right places. The well-appointed kitchen boasts wood cabinetry adorned with crown moulding, sleek granite counters, matching built-in appliances, pendant lighting, a stylish mosaic backsplash, and a center island equipped with a breakfast bar. The serene main bedroom features private outdoor access, an immaculate ensuite with dual sinks, separate tub/shower, and a walk-in closet. Spend relaxing afternoons along with your loved ones in the charming backyard, offering a covered patio and an easy-care landscape! Don't let this home slip by!

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2930 E Leland Street Mesa, AZ 85213

$594,900

4 Beds

2 Baths

1,796 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6749119

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

This newly painted home w/garages & parking galore!! NO HOA!! 3 car garage, a 12 ft RV gate, & a 60 ft long by 15 ft wide concrete pad behind the gate. A 46 ft long by 5 ft wide concrete walk leads from the garage walk door to back yard. Front door is under a covered pergola seating space & opens to a large front living room & then into the spacious kitchen, great room & breakfast nook. 42'' wood cabinets glow, accented by the beautiful granite and tile work. Master and 3 bedrooms complete the package. Lg master w/walk door to back patio, walk-in closet & beautiful bath w/custom tiled shower. Newer appliances. Interior just painted/freshened up, as well as exterior and trim painted. Large back yard is an open canvas & sale includes the 10 ft x 8 ft shed. Convenient NE Mesa location

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1814 N Miller Road Scottsdale, AZ 85257

$594,500

3 Beds

3 Baths

1,482 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6749537

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

Scottsdale for $594,500!! Great investment , casita has remote access through the gate. Home has a pool house / casita with full bath. Wonderful opportunity for additional rental income. (Home 1482 sq. Ft. + Casita 240 sq. ft. = 1722 livable sq. footage as shown on the Maricopa tax) Sparkling pool, The following items have been replaced in (2023) AC unit, Stove, Refrigerator, Washer & Dryer, Water Heater, fans & lighting), (2022) Plantation Shutters. (2020) Casita has portable AC for cooling.

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7314 W Surrey Avenue Peoria, AZ 85381

Open House

$594,500

5 Beds

3 Baths

2,510 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6719780

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

** FIRST LEVEL MAIN BEDROOM / BATH DOWNSTAIRS* also second bedroom / bath down stairs ** SWEETWATER RIDGE is where this gem lies. Meticulously cared for the past 13 years. Kitchen has been fully updated and remodeled from the original look. Newer paint throughout the home inside and out. Downstairs primary bath was remodeled in 2015 with soaking tub and separate shower. Lush carpet. Plank tile. *OVERSIZED BEDROOM UPSTAIRS with TWO CLOSETS. Outside features include RV GATE with concrete slab in front and back yard. Irrigation system for grass and plants in front and back yard. Back patio and aluminum pergola extend from one end of the home to the other end. Sunscreens throughout. Two car garage with enclosed workshop/storage. Near ASU WEST, AZ Christian University , Mid West University.

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12800 N 172nd Drive Surprise, AZ 85388

Open House

$594,321

5 Beds

3.5 Baths

3,159 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6756193

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

QUICK MOVE-IN!!!!! SELLER IS OFFERING INTEREST RATE AND CLOSING COST ASSISTANCE! This beautiful new home is a must see. 5 bedrooms, 3.5 baths, loft and a 3-car tandem garage. 1st floor Owner's Suite! Beautiful, tiled floors on 1st floor including the Great Room, upgraded carpet upstairs and in bedrooms, The home has a large open kitchen and great room. Beautiful gray Cabinets, Quartz countertops, Stainless steel appliances and a large kitchen island. Secondary bedrooms are good size, and some have walk in closets, they are all surrounded by a spacious loft. The home is on a large lot that gives you many entertaining opportunities and has no backyard neighbors. THIS HOME IS COMPLETED!

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