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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10624 E Nido Avenue Mesa, AZ 85209

New

$565,000

3 Beds

2.5 Baths

2,031 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6787188

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

Known for quality, Blandford Homes built this lovely and well cared for home in the coveted community of Mulberry. Great curb appeal thanks to a craftsman exterior design with stonework, beams, and a paver driveway and spacious porch. Low maintenance front yard with turf and gravel. You will be greeted by a welcoming entryway and will immediately notice the 10-foot ceilings which provide for a luxurious feel. Desirable floorplan with 2 bedrooms towards the front of the home and the primary suite at the back of the home, giving you the privacy you desire. This floorplan does not come up for sale too often! Brick-laid tile in the kitchen/bathrooms/hallways and brand new carpet in the living area and bedrooms. The kitchen features elegant staggered espresso colored cabinetry with a subway tile backsplash, gas stove, high-end KitchenAid stainless steel appliances, large island with pendent lighting, walk-in pantry, and granite countertops with plenty of space for all of your favorite cooking appliances. Good-sized primary suite and primary bath with a dual sink vanity, separate shower and tub, and a large walk-in closet. 3-car tandem garage which means plenty of space for storage, and a water softener too! The home has been freshly painted from top to bottom with one of the most popular neutral colors from Dunn Edwards. Spacious covered back patio with pavers extending to a separate lounge area. Ample backyard space with just the right amount of vegetation including a grapefruit and fig tree. Jacuzzi and gazebo are included in the sale! Community amenities include 2 pools, multiple parks, fitness center, clubhouse, tennis/pickleball courts, basketball court, and a dog park. Tons of shopping and dining options nearby, including a Fry's grocery store less than a half mile away and a Walmart within 1.5 miles. Come take a look today to see what this home and the Mulberry community has to offer, and you will fall in love!

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5100 E Rancho Paloma Drive Unit 2077 Cave Creek, AZ 85331

$565,000

2 Beds

2 Baths

1,990 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6673934

Property Type Apartment

Price Type --

MOTIVATED SELLER -OPEN TO RATE BUYDOWN! Experience the ease of condo living! This like new property is perfect for a primary or second home. A perfect pied-a-terre if you travel to the city for business frequently. Expansive, open layout provides multiple design opportunities. Kitchen with island, Tiled-to-the-Ceiling backsplash, LG Refrigerator that pops out those perfect round ice spheres and a spacious patio make entertaining delightful. Bedrooms are split for privacy, with the guest room enjoying an en-suite bath. The primary bedroom carries off a king bed, large nightstands & still has room for seating. The primary bath has a light, bright ambience with upgraded LED Lighting. Walk in Shower, dual sinks, and extra storage - nd just beyond is the walk-in closet of your dreams. Punctuated with encaustic tile in the laundry and entry, with custom window coverings throughout, this stylish home needs nothing. Schonbek modern crystal pendant lighting, Modern Forms kwall sconce and ceiling fans are all in place. Enjoy the mountain views from the living and dining room, sunsets and sunrises from the patio, overlooking the central common grounds and pool. Patio is oriented for maximum shade. This location is quiet, away from traffic noise. it's a short walk to enjoy the spa, pool or workout facility. Just steps to your private, 2 car garage. What are you waiting for? The Mirror in Guest Bath doesn't convey, but like styles can be found online. Washer and Dryer negotiable. Listing Agent is a friend of Seller. Also available as rental under MLS 6720915

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280 S Evergreen Road Unit 1333 Tempe, AZ 85288

$565,000

4 Beds

4 Baths

1,853 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6693190

Property Type Townhouse

Price Type --

Very rare 4 bedroom, 3.5-bathroom townhouse in Villagio at Tempe offers a spacious and versatile layout, perfect for families , investment or for those who value extra room for guests or home offices. The LARGEST floor plan at 1853SF. 2-car garage adds convenience and storage space. Its rarity within the community, with the last 4-bedroom hitting the market three years ago, highlights its desirability and potential for investment or long-term residency. Owners replaced the areas with rugs and installed Luxury vinyl flooring, freshly painted , new window blinds.

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9854 W Ross Avenue Peoria, AZ 85382

$565,000

4 Beds

2 Baths

1,828 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6678518

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

Welcome Home! This 4-bed, 2-bath home sits on a huge 15,284 Sq. Ft. lot! The home offers vaulted ceilings, a freshly painted interior, tile and laminate flooring throughout. Be greeted upon entry to a gracious amount of living space. The owner's suite boasts a walk-in closet and private bathroom offering dual sinks with a separate shower and tub. The eat-in kitchen features granite countertops, a breakfast bar, stainless steel appliances and plenty of natural lighting. Make your way out back to an above ground hot tub and a SPARKLING PEBBLE FINISH POOL entirely resurfaced in 2022. Relax comfortably under the paved and extended covered patio. Here you will be conveniently located just minutes from Peoria's most popular shopping, dining and entertainment spot

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11995 E Pivot Peak -- Gold Canyon, AZ 85118

$565,000

3 Beds

2.5 Baths

2,230 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6699719

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

3 car tandem garage w/ 8' door & lots of storage! 3 bed 2.5 bath energy efficient house in Master-planned community of Peralta in Gold Canyon. Immaculate w/ countless upgrades! Chef's kitchen features gas cooktop, maple cabinets w/ double roll-out shelves & soft-close drawers, granite counters, pendant lights & walk-in pantry. Every bedroom has walk-in closets w/ extra shelves. Upgrades include: 36'' vanities, fixtures, ceiling fans, tile throughout, extra storage area, dedicated laundry room, extended covered patio & more! Low maintenance yard w/ storage shed. Community parks, pickleball & basketball courts, covered picnic area w/ grill, corn hole, horseshoes, fire pits under twinkle lights, walking trails, children's play area. Peralta Trails Elementary School is in the community.

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15829 N 168th Avenue Surprise, AZ 85388

$565,000

5 Beds

3 Baths

2,873 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6715613

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

Stunning two-story residence offering 5 spacious bedrooms and 3 full bathrooms, situated on a large cul-de-sac lot. This home combines elegance with functionality. Dramatic ceilings and decorative archways add a touch of sophistication & grandeur to the living spaces and the host of modern amenities. Enjoy elegant gatherings in the formal living & dining rooms. The kitchen is a chef's delight, featuring ample counter space, modern appliances and opening to the family room, perfect for relaxing while socializing with the cook! Durable & stylish laminate flooring runs throughout the home, except for the stairs, providing an easy-to-maintain living environment. A convenient bedroom & full bathroom on the ground floor offer flexibility, Transferable Home Warranty in place! for guests, in-laws, or a home office. Upstairs and away from the downstairs activity, is the spacious primary suite, offering a private retreat with plenty of room for a sitting area or home office. The en-suite bathroom features double sinks, a separate shower and a luxurious soaking tub, perfect for unwinding after a long day. A large walk-in closet provides abundant storage for all your wardrobe needs. The home is situated on a generous cul-de-sac lot providing a private and spacious outdoor area with a heated pool and spa for relaxation or hosting outdoor gatherings.

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36038 N Puente Alto Avenue San Tan Valley, AZ 85140

$565,000

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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22663 E Rosa Road Queen Creek, AZ 85142

$565,000

4 Beds

3 Baths

2,165 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6722640

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

Charming home nestled in the lovely Spur Cross Community located on a corner lot next to a small green belt area. Don't miss this opportunity to have a home within a home! Gen Suite with separate exterior entrance, living area, kitchenette, bedroom and full bath. Home has additional 3 bedrooms, Great room, Kitchen Island, 42in upper Cabinets, Shutters throughout. Back yard includes covered patio, pavers and turf! Clean and move in ready!

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1723 E Windsong Drive Phoenix, AZ 85048

$565,000

4 Beds

2.5 Baths

2,080 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6736870

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

This two story 4-bed, 2.5-bath home is located in the Ahwatukee Foothills. The prime location offers an idyllic backdrop for relaxation and leisure. The fresh interior, high ceilings, ample windows create an airy and bright feel. Enjoy the comfort of the backyard with the built-in pool. Noteworthy enhancements done in 2024 include new roof, water heater, stove, showers and vanities in both bathrooms, pool resurfacing, carpet, quartz countertops, interior paint, blinds, fixtures, and landscaping. Situated within the esteemed Kyrene School District, renowned for its exceptional educational opportunities, and in close proximity to The Foothills Golf Club, this property offers access to top-tier amenities and recreation, catering to a lifestyle of sophistication and convenience.

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1631 N Lynch -- Mesa, AZ 85207

$565,000

3 Beds

2 Baths

1,753 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6740039

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

Tucked away in the serene community of Montecita at Mountain Bridge, this residence is charming throughout. With three spacious bedrooms and two well-appointed baths, the split floorplan gives everyone the space they need - all located on a premium lot with no neighbors behind. The private pool with water feature calls to you from the backyard oasis for the perfect cool-off - any day, any time. Community amenities galore, and less than 20 minutes' drive to Valley airports, Saguaro Lake, Canyon Lake & the Salt River as well as hiking trails and mountains everywhere you look. You'll find so many amazing opportunities for enjoying life in the Valley of the Sun here.

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4550 E Corral Road Phoenix, AZ 85044

$565,000

3 Beds

2 Baths

1,796 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6742076

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

Why drive to your next hike? Live nestled among the 16,000 acres of South Mountain Park (trailhead access around corner). Homes seldom come to market in this neighborhood, especially a single story, Great Room concept one. Enjoy engineered hardwood floors through out most of the house & brand new carpet in the secondary bedrooms. Dual pane windows make summer a whole lot easier to handle. Once we cool off, the two-way wood burning fireplace gives your nest an ambience you never knew you ''needed.'' Outside, the front courtyard is the perfect party patio. Use the Tuff Shed for extra storage or hobbies. With electiricity & a loft the possbilties are endless! There's no HOA. Parking an RV or boat on your concrete slab space is A-ok here. A nest perfect for those who love the great outdoors!

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11 E Irene Street Pearce, AZ 85625

$565,000

3 Beds

2 Baths

2,384 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6743046

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

Approaching this beautiful, well maintained, Santa Fe style home sitting on 2.4 acres with fabulous views of the Dragoon Mountains, the first thing you will see are 18 pistachio tree. Entering the home you see a large great room from which you can walk out onto the covered patio with views of the Chiricahua Mountains. The large kitchen comes with granite countertops and an abundance of cabinet space. Step down into the main dining room featuring gorgeous Texas mesquite hardwood floors. The large main bedroom has an attached bath with walk in shower. This horse property includes a 48'x36' barn with 4 stalls, bathroom w/ shower and an additional 48'x12' of covered hay storage. The horse pasture is surrounded by electric fencing. Add to this a greenhouse with irrigation of sprinklers.

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