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

17474 W Straight Arrow Lane Surprise, AZ 85387

$585,000

4 Beds

2.5 Baths

2,908 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6738139

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

A lifestyle to treasure! This stunning property is in a most desirable neighborhood and is the key to elegance and comfort. Vacation daily in your community with a pool, splash pad, volleyball, basketball, picnic areas, and hiking trails just to the north. You also get a 4-bedroom home with dedicated office space that is energy-efficient with solar. Easy to whip up culinary delights on your 5-burner gas stove. Both living areas provide flexibility to accommodate your particular style of living. Your large back yard accommodates outdoor living with a covered patio, pavered gathering areas, and artificial turf. Also, a 3-car tandem garage for your motor toys or extra storage. Compare other neighboring properties and discover the opportunity to own this home at a bargain price.

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7216 W Judy Lynn Lane Peoria, AZ 85382

$585,000

4 Beds

2.5 Baths

2,287 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6772487

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

This inviting 4-bedroom, 2.5-bathroom, 2-story home features recent updates and owned solar with loan assumption! With a family room, great room, and loft, this 2,287 sqft home offers ample living space. Updates include a fully remodeled kitchen in 2024, new flooring in 2021, new A/C and water heater unit in 2022, and fresh exterior paint in 2022, ensuring a move-in-ready experience. The bright and airy interior features tall ceilings and dual-pane windows. The split primary bedroom is conveniently located downstairs and includes a full ensuite bathroom and walk-in closet. The kitchen boasts a walk-in pantry, stunning quartz countertops and an island with a breakfast bar. The backyard has been transformed into an outdoor oasis, complete with a newly built BBQ with a bar, and a gorgeous pool with a waterfall feature and new pool equipment including pool filter (2020), pool pump (2020) and pool vacuum (2021). Don't miss out on this impeccable home!

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10260 E White Feather Lane Unit 2048 Scottsdale, AZ 85262

$585,000

2 Beds

2 Baths

1,381 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6774632

Property Type Apartment

Price Type --

This lock-and-leave condo in Troon North has been refreshed and repriced for a quick sale, offering an unbeatable value for luxury living. The motivated seller has completely painted this 2-bed, 2-bath unit, 1 car garage making it spotless, fresh and move-in ready. Enjoy endless amenities, including a heated pool and spa, fitness center, and a BBQ area for outdoor dining steps from this unit. The community features pickleball and tennis courts, and is tucked just inside the Troon North Golf Club, ranked Top 10 public course in AZ with two championship Tom Weiskopf designed courses. Perfect for seasonal or year-round living, this is your chance to enjoy the Scottsdale lifestyle at an incredible price! Book your private tour today! Easy to show, ready for you to make North Scottsdale HOME!

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21033 E Camina Buena Vista Queen Creek, AZ 85142

$585,000

4 Beds

3 Baths

1,994 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6771915

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

Don't Miss Out on this CLOSE OUT & FINAL OPPORTUNITY for this beautiful inventory home located in desirable Hastings Farms. Plus BELOW MARKET RATES AVAILABLE on Fixed Rate or Rate Buydown for qualified buyers when financing with Builder's preferred Lender(s). Located close to Queen Creek Marketplace Shopping, Dining & Entertainment, this Community has Parks, Soccer Field, Basketball Courts, & 8-Mile Walking trail. this Beautiful home is across from the park. Beautiful designer finishes including Gas Cooktop, Double Wall Ovens, 42' Upper Cabinets, Quartz Kitchen Countertop, Tiled Backsplash, Plank Tile Flooring & Window Blinds. Don't Wait, Come See This Home Today.

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15913 S 11th Way Phoenix, AZ 85048

New

$585,000

4 Beds

3 Baths

2,388 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6777033

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

Discover your next home at 15913 S 11th Way, nestled in the gated Rosewood Village at the Foothills! Freshly updated with new carpet, paint, and appliances, this 4-bedroom, 3-bathroom gem offers breathtaking mountain views and a flexible loft space. Enjoy the Arizona lifestyle with a private backyard featuring lush turf and pavers - perfect for family gatherings. With a main-floor bedroom and bath, this home is ideal for guests or multi-generational living. Priced to sell, this beautiful property is a fantastic opportunity for a new family seeking comfort, style, and an amazing value!

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6722 W Piute Avenue Glendale, AZ 85308

$585,000

4 Beds

2 Baths

2,041 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6659432

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

Fantastic property for sale! You will love the light and bright floor plan boasting ample living spaces, a fully equipped kitchen for cooking, and four sizable bedrooms. Outside, discover a serene backyard with a paver patio ideal for gatherings. Don't wait! Tenant is place and the lease ends 12/31/2024.

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28016 N 251st Avenue Wittmann, AZ 85361

$585,000

3 Beds

2 Baths

1,654 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6667989

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

This luxurious mini mansion on over an acre of land in the roping capital of the world is a haven for horse enthusiasts, boasting a private arena and covered stalls on-site, alongside ride-in, ride-out desert access and close proximity to major roping events. The property's circular drive, low-maintenance desert landscaping, and shared well guarantee pristine surroundings and water quality. Inside, the open floor plan facilitates seamless entertaining, complemented by a spacious kitchen featuring stainless steel appliances and tile countertops. With no restrictions, enjoy the freedom to park your camper on-site, striking a perfect balance between privacy and convenience.

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3230 E Larkspur Drive Phoenix, AZ 85032

$585,000

3 Beds

2 Baths

1,883 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6696130

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

Unleash your desert dreams in this North Phoenix gem! This unique 3BR/2BA block home rests on a sprawling 10,000+ sq ft lot near Hwy 51. Step into your own backyard paradise boasting a refreshing diving pool, relaxing pagona, and ample RV parking - all with the freedom of NO HOA restrictions! Soothing water features weave throughout the property, culminating in a front patio oasis complete with a cascading waterfall, a fire feature for cozy nights, and a built-in bar for entertaining. This property offers endless possibilities to craft your ideal desert escape. Don't miss this chance to transform this unique residence into your own personal oasis!

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2221 E Mountain Lion Lane Overgaard, AZ 85933

$585,000

3 Beds

2 Baths

1,729 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6711074

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

This mountain retreat is more than just a home; it's a sanctuary where luxury seamlessly merges with nature, providing an idyllic escape from the everyday hustle. Perfect for both full-time living & weekend getaways, this property is nestled on a 1.01-acre lot adorned with a rich variety of trees, including tall Ponderosa pines, Pinion, Juniper, & cedar. The expansive front & back decks, along with the fire pit area, offer numerous spaces for relaxation & entertaining. Inside, you'll find a welcoming open floor plan highlighted by vaulted ceilings & a striking rock gas fireplace. The layout includes three bedrooms, two baths, and a loft with a Murphy bed, ensuring ample space & comfort. Additional features include a 2.5-car attached garage & a NEW new roof. This retreat comes furnished.

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36038 N Puente Alto Avenue San Tan Valley, AZ 85140

$585,000

2 Beds

2 Baths

1,769 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6717592

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

Stunning home that will deliver perfection to any buyer. Home is upscale and the sellers did many upgrades after moving into the property including glass and iron front door, upgraded springs on garage door, upgraded all appliances in property. landscaping is immaculate with fencing around property, travertine tile on patio and front entryway, electric screen enclosure on patio installed, cabinets painted, ventilation system installed. Back porch fireplace is perfect. Quiet location with privacy has a greenbelt in the back of home. Mountain views are amazing. Home is amazing please get this one while it is available.

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90 Ponderosa Drive Mormon Lake, AZ 86038

$585,000

3 Beds

2 Baths

1,120 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6721100

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

What an absolutely unbelievable one-of-a-kind, off-the-grid, three bedroom and two bath cabin in Stoneman Lake. Overlooking the lake and filled with character and charm, this is the perfect getaway in the perfect setting. On nearly an acre, you'll have the privacy you crave with views to die for. The expansive wraparound covered porch has plenty of room for entertaining with summer temperatures in the mid to low 80's. Inside, the main living area is centered around a cozy rock-faced wood fireplace. The kitchen has a beautiful antique replica stove that catches your eye the moment you walk in. Wood and vinyl plank flooring, metal roof, fruit trees, and the list goes on. Better yet, everything is included. Furniture, furnishings, bedding, towels, dishes, yard tools and all shed items too.

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1514 E Diamond Street Phoenix, AZ 85006

$585,000

4 Beds

3 Baths

1,766 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6730147

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

Check out this CHARMING, VINTAGE, ADOBE, home located in the exciting North Garfield HISTORIC DISTRICT! Thanks to a large ensuite and ARIZONA ROOM addition this home is quite LARGE compared to neighboring homes (1,776 SF). Additionally this home features a fully detached casita/GUEST HOUSE with kitchenette, bathroom, and it's own HVAC unit, making it perfect to use for your favorite in-laws or to supplement the mortgage with a tenant... Step inside the main house and you will find tasteful upgrades that perfectly accentuate all of the historic charm that this home has to offer. ORIGINAL DETAILS INCLUDE; coved ceilings, wooden front door w/ hardware, mail slot, milk door, and hutch. And to top this all off, the home comes with OWNED SOLAR! AVG. electricity bill is $65/Mo!

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