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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23038 E Twilight Drive Queen Creek, AZ 85142

$575,000

3 Beds

2 Baths

2,243 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6763396

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

Welcome to your New Home in the prestigious master-planned lake community of Harvest Queen Creek! This beautiful property has over $40k in builder & seller upgrades! It features an open floor plan with 3 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, and a versatile flex space perfect for a playroom, office, or teen retreat. The Great Room is highlighted by a builder-upgraded kitchen, complete with a gas range, an oversized island, and tasteful Roman shade window coverings. Modern light fixtures and ceiling fans add elegance and comfort throughout the space. Expansive 12-foot sliding doors open to an extended covered patio, overlooking one of the largest lots in Hacienda at Harvest, spanning 8,281 square feet. The Primary Suite offers privacy with a split-floor layout, featuring a spacious walk-in shower and a walk-in closet. Both secondary bedroom include walk-in closets and share a full bathroom. The home's exterior has an upgraded paver driveway, walkway, and entrance, leading to a 3-car tandem garage equipped with a commercial-grade, non-slip floor, backed by a lifetime warranty. As part of the Harvest community, you'll enjoy access to a variety of amenities, including a heated pool, children's playground, and scenic walking and biking paths around the catch & release lake. The home is within walking distance to Schnepf Elementary and is conveniently located near shopping, dining, and fun seasonal events. This property is a blank canvas, ready for you to transform into your dream indoor-outdoor oasis. Refrigerator, Washer, and Dryer are included! The Seller is willing to install rocks at backyard for the right Buyer. Furniture & household items also available for purchase on separate bill of sale.

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2856 N 71st Street Scottsdale, AZ 85257

$575,000

3 Beds

2 Baths

1,478 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6770564

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

Location, Location, Location! A charming home situated in the Heart of Scottsdale! Close to Old Town, Tempe, shopping, dining, & entertainment. NO HOA! This preferred, split, Great Room floor plan shows very light & bright and exudes a cool vibe. The crown molding is a nice accent! Perfect for entertaining or Family/Friend time. A Guest Bedroom offers a separate entrance. The updated Kitchen features a gas stove, granite counters, stainless steel appliances, tiled backsplash, and a skylight. French doors lead to a large screened in Arizona Room/Patio. The Primary Bedroom is sizable and offers a walk-in closet. French doors provide an escape to a quaint Private Patio. The Primary Bath boasts a beautiful tiled walk-in shower. NEWER A/C! NO CARPET HERE, just lovely wood-look plank tile floors throughout. Relax in the spacious, private Backyard with mature shade trees & Mountain views. This home is move-in ready and a must-see!

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7031 W Morrow Drive Glendale, AZ 85308

$575,000

3 Beds

2 Baths

1,800 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6759901

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

This 3-bedroom home with a blue pool in Arrowhead Ranch exudes charm and comfort! A grassy front yard, 2-car garage, brick veneer, and code entry box in the front door are just the beginning. Discover an open layout with all-new double-pane windows and doors, vaulted ceilings, sunny bay windows, and a two-way fireplace. The kitchen offers stainless steel appliances, plenty of honey oak cabinets, granite counters, and tile backsplash. The main bedroom features backyard access, a fireplace, and a lavish bathroom with a jetted tub, glass enclosure shower, dual sinks, and a walk-in closet. In the backyard, you'll find a swimming pool with a heater and chiller, green grass, two covered patios, and a pool house with a/c. Plus, the roof is only 3 years old! You won't be disappointed!

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6812 S Hardy Drive Tempe, AZ 85283

$575,000

4 Beds

2 Baths

2,237 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6770066

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

Incredible 4 bedroom home on a 1/3 acre lot in a quiet Tempe neighborhood. Upgrades include Alder wood cabinets and slab granite counters. Newer stainless steel appliances. Tons of tile. Split bedroom plan, roomy master closet with built ins. 4th bedroom is 11 x 20 den option or 5th bedroom. Huge back yard with citrus trees and a great view of South Mountain. Close to all the major freeways, shopping/dining, Sky Harbor and ASU. SPA IS NOT OPERATIONAL AND CONVEYS AS IS

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10910 E Oro Avenue Mesa, AZ 85212

$575,000

2 Beds

2 Baths

1,922 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6766561

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

Discover the perfect retirement lifestyle in this inviting 2-bedroom, 2-bathroom home with a den, located in a sought-after 55+ community in Mesa, AZ. Designed with comfort and ease in mind, this home offers a relaxed and welcoming atmosphere ideal for those looking to enjoy their retirement years. This active adult community boasts incredible amenities, including a 27-hole executive golf course, perfect for both seasoned players and those just looking to enjoy a leisurely game. You'll also have access to top-tier recreational facilities, with clubs and activities tailored to your interests—whether it's Pickleball, Tennis, or Softball, there's something for everyone. Enjoy a vibrant social life, meet new friends, and participate in a variety of clubs and programs that keep your retirement to the fullest. This is more than just a homeit's your gateway to a fulfilling and active retirement!

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804 N Wilderness Circle Payson, AZ 85541

$575,000

3 Beds

2 Baths

1,686 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6762747

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

This beautifully maintained and updated home is located in the Woodhill subdivision on a quiet cul-de-sac. The home offers large rooms, a split floor plan, a generous primary suite with an oversized closet, hickory extended cabinets, a breakfast bar, vaulted ceilings, and a large screened covered patio. It has new exterior paint, a new Electric Heat Pump, water heater, primary bathroom shower, beautiful luxury vinyl plank flooring, a roof replaced two years ago, and much more. You do not want to miss out on this perfect place to call your home!

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5921 S Tobin -- Mesa, AZ 85212

$575,000

3 Beds

2 Baths

1,832 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6762561

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

Located within the thriving community of Encore at Eastmark, this 1832 sq. ft split floor plan with 3 bed, 2 bath, extended 2 car garage, and great room is immaculate! Beautiful upgrades include: extensive wood plank tile, grey cabinetry, granite countertops, eat-in kitchen with a large island, stainless steel appliances with a gas range, walk-in pantry, tiled master shower and more! The backyard is private with low maintenance landscaping, a covered patio connected to the paved and turf yard. The 55 plus community features a 15,000 sq. ft clubhouse with a state-of-the-art fitness center, cardio room, fitness and dance studio, classroom, arts and crafts studio, library, internet café, billiards area, and a resort style pool with spa.

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4323 W Villa Theresa Drive Glendale, AZ 85308

$575,000

3 Beds

2 Baths

2,098 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6763477

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

The search is finally over! This coveted corner lot property greets you with a 2-car garage, an RV gate, a tasteful brick facade, and a paver walkway. You'll find a living room with new paint, a charming bay window, and new wood-look flooring. The great room has an inviting fireplace for relaxing evenings. Cook delicious meals in the kitchen, equipped with granite counters, ample wood cabinetry, a tile backsplash, stainless steel appliances, and a handy pantry. You'll also find a versatile den ideal for an office. The main bedroom includes sliding door access to the backyard for seamless indoor-outdoor living, a wakj0ub closet, and an ensuite with dual sinks. The backyard boasts a covered patio, pristine natural turf, and a pool for endless summer fun. Make this yours!

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15021 S 47th Street Phoenix, AZ 85044

$575,000

4 Beds

2 Baths

1,846 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6763249

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

Fall in love, this North-South-facing Former Model Home on a corner lot, offering stunning Sunrises & Sunsets in the desirable Ahwatukee Foothills neighborhood, w/ no HOA! Step inside to Vaulted Ceilings in the living room with Natural Lighting with all New Vinyl Windows Installed (2021). Custom Tile/Wood Flooring throughout flows to the open kitchen featuring designer backsplash tile, granite countertops, an eat-in bar that flows into the great room, w/ easy access to the backyard that has a covered patio, awnings, pavers, newer pebble tech pool (2018) upgraded pool equipment (2023). All the bedrooms have ceiling fans for efficient living The primary bedroom offers a large walk-in closet and a spacious bathroom has granite counter tops, stand-up shower, plenty of Linen cabinet space a sliding door leading to a backyard. This Home is Conveniently located near freeways, shopping, dining, and featuring a new HVAC Air Conditioner installed (2021)

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6063 W Pinon Way Pine, AZ 85544

$575,000

2 Beds

2 Baths

1,200 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6765502

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

Welcome to Pine Creek Canyon at the Portals II nestled in the Ponderosa Pines! The majestic views are breathtaking. This cozy 2 bedroom 2 bath home comes furnished. Extensive paver work recently done makes the entry to the home inviting and gives a fresh updated look. There is a newer AC/Heat Pump as well as a stone fireplace. You will have access to Portal II amenities such as basketball courts, shuffleboard, and tennis courts.

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3549 W Denali Court Anthem, AZ 85086

$575,000

4 Beds

2.5 Baths

2,704 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6764368

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

Welcome to your dream home in Anthem Parkside! This refreshed 4-bedroom residence combines elegance and functionality, featuring vaulted ceilings and a freshly painted interior. The modern kitchen showcases stainless LG appliances, a gas range, quartz countertops, and a walk-in pantry—perfect for any cook. Relax in the cozy family room by the fireplace or enjoy the inviting backyard with artificial turf, an extended patio, and an outdoor fireplace, ideal for entertaining. Upstairs, discover all four bedrooms, a hall bath with double sinks, and a convenient laundry room. Located in a quiet cul-de-sac, just steps from a pocket park and a short walk to the Daisy Mountain Trailhead, this home is a must-see!

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4429 E Del Rio Drive San Tan Valley, AZ 85140

$575,000

4 Beds

2.5 Baths

3,460 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6767453

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

A beautiful 4 bed, 2.5 bath in Laredo Ranch is now for sale! Nestled on a premium corner lot and boasting great curb appeal, a manicured landscape w/lush natural turf, and a 2 car tandem garage! Come inside to discover spacious dining & living areas w/tile flooring and trending palette throughout. Prepare delicious meals in this chef's kitchen comprised of staggered cabinetry w/crown moulding, granite counters, mosaic tile backsplash, pendant lighting, stainless steel appliances, and an island complete w/a breakfast bar. Upstairs you'll find a sizeable loft w/soft carpet, where you can spend a relaxing Sunday evening! Double doors open up to the primary bedroom, showcasing a mirrored walk-in closet, and a full ensuite w/dual sinks for added comfort. Don't forget about the large media room w/custom coffered ceilings! Lastly, the expansive backyard includes a covered patio, mature shade tree, and a sparkling blue pool! This is sure to be the home you've been looking for, hurry and act now!

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