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

3240 W Black Oak Loop Show Low, AZ 85901

$560,000

3 Beds

2 Baths

1,550 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6677802

Property Type Townhouse

Price Type --

Move in ready, lock and leave golf villa in Torreon now on the market. This villa provides 3 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, detached 1 car garage and views of the tremendous tall pines that surround the villa for privacy. Upon walking in you'll love the simplicity of the décor and the cozy feel in the atmosphere. Open/split floor plan offers a spacious and private space for friends and family to enjoy. The covered deck and patio add the perfect areas for relaxing and taking in the fresh mountain air. This one of a kind villa needs to be on your list as it won't last long.

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15035 S 178th Drive Goodyear, AZ 85338

$560,000

3 Beds

2 Baths

2,124 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6731532

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

Welcome to your stunning new 3-bedroom, 2-bathroom home in the sought-after Estrella Mountain at Vidrio by Landsea. This High Performance Home offers breathtaking mountain views and a chef's kitchen with endless counter space, walk-in pantry, 42'' Dusk shaker cabinets, hexagon backsplash, stainless steel appliances, and white quartz countertops. With 9ft ceilings and plenty of windows, the home is filled with natural light, creating a bright and airy atmosphere. Modern design touches and the latest in-home technology ensure a stylish and efficient living experience. Don't miss out - this gem won't be on the market for long!

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4518 E Ivanhoe Street Gilbert, AZ 85295

$560,000

4 Beds

2.5 Baths

2,426 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6776195

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

Welcome to this charming 4-bedroom, 2.5-bath, 2 Car garage w/ Huge backyard, Full of potential! Situated in a sought-after area of Gilbert, this property features a spacious layout with plenty of room for family living and entertaining. While it hasn't been updated, its solid structure and care make it an excellent canvas for your personal touches. Enjoy the convenience of nearby schools, parks, and local amenities in this friendly neighborhood. Being sold as-is, this home offers a unique opportunity for buyers ready to invest in their vision. Don't miss the chance to turn this well-kept house into your dream home!

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1112 E Winged Foot Drive Chandler, AZ 85249

$560,000

3 Beds

2 Baths

2,333 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6747831

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

Super cute home in southeast Chandler ready for you to make your own. This functional and spacious floorplan offers easy living in the highly desirable community of Sunfield in Chandler. This spacious home features large living spaces, three bedrooms and two baths. The master suite looks to the desert inspired backyard. There is also a lovely covered patio for you relax and unwind on. If you are looking for a active 55+ community .. you will love all the amenities - tennis, pickleball, golf, social clubs, dining and so much more! Welcome home!

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8345 E Oak Street Scottsdale, AZ 85257

$560,000

3 Beds

2 Baths

1,305 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6751765

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

Come check out this lovely remodeled home in Old Town Scottsdale! Cosmetic and functional updates throughout with a beautiful real grass backyard! Updates include a new roof in 2022, upgraded electrical system, new water main, new drainage system, fresh interior and exterior paint, new flooring throughout, renovated bathrooms, dual-pane windows and doors, updated paneled wall. Added Bonus you can jump on the Scottsdale Trolley right across the street! It's free to ride and will take you to numerous set locations. From Dr.s Appts, to school, into town and more! Come see what this beautiful home has to offer!!

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4173 E Cholla Canyon Drive Phoenix, AZ 85044

$560,000

4 Beds

3 Baths

2,050 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6759443

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

Welcome to your charming 4-bedroom, 2.75-bath home in the highly desirable Mountain Park Ranch neighborhood! This inviting residence features all-new interior paint and boasts a formal living and dining area, a spacious family room, and an eat-in kitchen with a bay window and stainless steel appliances. The convenient downstairs bedroom and remodeled bath with a walk-in shower add to the home's functionality. Upstairs, you'll find the master suite with French doors, a large walk-in closet, and two additional bedrooms. Enjoy tile flooring downstairs and laminate flooring upstairs, along with ceiling fans throughout for added comfort. Step outside to your private, cozy backyard, complete with a refreshing pool (new pump), new synthetic turf, and an extended Moroccan-style covered patio with misters, perfect for relaxing or entertaining. Breathtaking views of South Mountain surround you, and you're located in the highly accredited Kyrene School District. Mountain Park Ranch offers fantastic amenities, including hiking, biking, tennis, pickleball, volleyball, and basketball. Plus, you're just minutes away from great shopping at Trader Joe's, Starbucks, Phoenix Premium Outlet, Chandler Fashion Center, and Wildhorse Resort & Casino, which features golf, casual, and fine dining. Don't miss your opportunity to make this wonderful home yours!

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2171 S Portland Avenue Gilbert, AZ 85295

$560,000

5 Beds

2 Baths

2,146 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6761929

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

Discover your dream home with the ideal combination of space, convenience, and community! This stunning single-story gem, perfectly situated on a corner lot, offers both privacy and prime location. With quick highway access, your daily commute or weekend adventures are a breeze. You'll love being just steps away from a beautiful park and the refreshing community pool—ideal for family gatherings or a peaceful escape. Featuring 5 generously sized bedrooms, there's room for everyone to spread out and enjoy. Plus, the roof is less than a year old, providing long-term peace of mind. Located in a highly desirable neighborhood, this home has everything you're looking for. Make it yours today! 🏡✨

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4198 Old Orchard Drive Wickenburg, AZ 85390

$560,000

2 Beds

2.5 Baths

2,042 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6775876

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

Escape the busy city to Wickenburg, a charming western town & rodeo capital of Arizona! Just 30 minutes from Sun City, Wickenburg Ranch blends western charm with modern luxury. This master-planned community offers stunning mountain views, world-class golf at Big Wick & Lil Wick, year-round outdoor activities, & upscale amenities like fine dining, spa services & a resort-style pool. With miles of hiking trails, a lively social calendar, & a welcoming atmosphere, Wickenburg Ranch is ideal for an active, fulfilling lifestyle. This charming home features a spacious great room with a large kitchen island & cozy fireplace, two bedrooms, & two versatile bonus rooms—perfect for offices or guest spaces. Enjoy a beautifully landscaped backyard with an extended patio, built in BBQ and more!

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18926 N 259th Avenue Buckeye, AZ 85396

$560,000

2 Beds

2 Baths

1,907 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6769286

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

This Haven model comes furnished with a heated pool, solar and a lot more. Located on the mountain side of Sun City Festival, the area's premier 55+ active adult community, you can move right in and start enjoying a vibrant lifestyle with incredible amenities. This home features well over $200,000 in furnishings, builder, and homeowner upgrades. It's 1,907 sf includes 2 bedrooms, 2 baths and a den. Interior upgrades include French doors with sidelights at the den, a built-in entertainment unit, 8-foot doors, SS gas cooktop, upgraded charcoal-colored cabinets, granite, fixtures, lighting and electrical. The back patio includes roll-down sunshades and awnings. The side patio features a wall, gate, and pergola. The tandem garage includes built-in shelving, epoxy floors and soft water system.

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2405 E Alameda Drive Tempe, AZ 85282

$560,000

3 Beds

2 Baths

1,560 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6763280

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

This attractive home offers 3 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, a 2-car garage, and NO HOA! The seller has made significant updates, including removing a wall to transform the sunken living room into an open floor plan with a fireplace. The kitchen features modern grey cabinets, exquisite granite countertops, a black stone backsplash, black stainless-steel refrigerator and gas stove. The secondary bathroom has been renovated with a new tiled shower and a vanity topped with granite and a glass sink. The house has an expansive covered patio stretching from the side to the back, alongside a sizeable storage shed. The spacious diving pool has been renovated with Pebble Tec and outfitted with a new variable-speed pump, along with additional blocks added to the fence for enhanced privacy. Further upgrades consist of an AC unit that is only three years old, an attic fully insulated with blown-in material for greater energy efficiency, and a garage floor coated with epoxy. The front yard is landscaped with xeriscaping for low maintenance. The pool table is included if the Buyer wishes. Conveniently located near restaurants, shopping, and freeways.

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22939 E Pummelos Road Queen Creek, AZ 85142

$560,000

2 Beds

2 Baths

1,897 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6767687

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

The seller is open to considering concessions with your offer! Step into extraordinary living with this stunning 2021 home, where space and charm exceed expectations. Situated in Queen Creek's sought-after Harvest community, you'll enjoy resort-style amenities including two heated pools, a splash pad, scenic trails, parks, and a beautiful 1.5-acre lake. Indulge in local flavors at nearby Queen Creek Olive Mill and Schnepf Farms. Inside, you'll find bright, inviting spaces with a kitchen designed for gatherings and a primary suite that serves as your personal retreat. The backyard is an oasis for tranquil afternoons. Your dream lifestyle awaits!

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2362 N Kachina Lane Chino Valley, AZ 86323

$560,000

3 Beds

2 Baths

1,687 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6764850

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

Welcome to this charming 3-bedroom, 2-bath home situated on a spacious 1.5-acre lot in beautiful Chino Valley! Imagine unwinding on the large front porch, taking in breathtaking sunsets, or enjoying your morning coffee on the expansive back deck while watching the sunrise over stunning views that stretch as far as the eye can see. The home's prime location offers a scenic view of the Mignus Mountains & tree farm. Inside, you'll find a newly updated kitchen and bathrooms, adding modern comfort and style. The living room is bright and inviting with vaulted ceilings, a cozy fireplace, and abundant natural light. Two of the guest bedrooms feature unique storage lofts, perfect for added space and character. Brand new roof updated in 2023. Just 30 minutes from Prescott and close to Watson Lake, you can easily enjoy kayaking, fishing, and hiking the beautiful granite mountains. With ample room for animals, toys, or simply enjoying the mild four seasons, this property offers a blend of space, comfort, and rural charm. Don't miss out on this exceptional opportunity!

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