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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12246 W Lonesome Trail Peoria, AZ 85383

$559,990

4 Beds

2.5 Baths

1,967 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6775929

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

MLS#6775929 February Completion! The Champlain in Mystic Discovery offers a stunning single-level design with 1,967 square feet of comfortable living space, including 4 bedrooms, a study, 2.5 baths, and a 2-car garage. Located in a master-planned community nestled in the scenic hills of North Peoria, this neighborhood features a resort-style amenity center complete with a heated pool, event lawn, covered outdoor play area, and inviting indoor-outdoor gathering spaces. The Champlain's Tuscan-inspired elevation adds instant curb appeal, while its thoughtfully selected interiors feature upgraded quartz countertops, 42'' recessed panel maple cabinetry, a custom kitchen backsplash, upgraded carpeting, and elegant matte black hardware.

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2855 E Quenton Street Mesa, AZ 85213

$559,990

3 Beds

3 Baths

1,973 SqFt

Status Active Under Contract

MLS # 6736496

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

Experience luxury with this single-level home in Lehi Crossing, Mesa. This 3-bedroom, 3-bath residence features two master suites and an open Great Room plan that seamlessly connects the kitchen, Great Room, and dining areas. Located in a well-maintained gated community, the home boasts a large curved kitchen island with granite countertops, a full-length covered patio, and a tandem 3-car garage. Fully paid-off solar panels enhance energy efficiency. The community offers serene open spaces, covered playgrounds, and half-court basketball courts, with easy access to downtown Tempe or Scottsdale via Red Mountain Freeway, Loop 202, and Loop 101 Freeway.

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263 S 165th Avenue Goodyear, AZ 85338

$559,990

4 Beds

3 Baths

2,229 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6767694

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

STOP THE CAR!!! It's the Crimson with 4 bedrooms + flex space, 3 bath. Multi slide door off the great room and leads out to the extended covered patio. Gas appliance package with stainless steel built in 30'' cooktop, wall oven, micro and glass canopy hood all for the cook in the family. Kitchen upgrades include Barnett maple Boulder cabinets with 42'' kitchen uppers, pull out trash drawer with two bins. AZT Hana Sky quartz countertops, EMS 3x6 tile backsplash, single bowl undermount sink. Flooring includes DT Broxburn Gray 6x24 plank tile in all areas of the home except bedrooms and closets. Soft water loop, dual sinks in bath 2. 8' tall garage door with two openers and so much more.

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25536 S 227th Street Queen Creek, AZ 85142

$559,990

3 Beds

2.5 Baths

2,224 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6716617

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

Crimson with 3 bedrooms + kids retreat area, 2 baths + powder bath, 12'x8' sliding glass door that leads out to the extended covered patio. Pavers at drive, walk and entry. Stainless steel gas appliance package with 30'' cooktop, wall oven and canopy hood. Sonoma Maple slate (gray) cabinets with 42'' kitchen uppers, pull out trash drawer. Himalaya white granite countertops in kitchen, enhanced kitchen island and owner's bath. Stainless steel undermount single bowl sink. Upgrade flooring includes EMS Baccarat 12x24 tile in all areas of the home except bedrooms/closets. Dual sinks at bath 2, soft water loop. Owner's bath has a drop in tub and tile shower surrounds and so much more. Estimated completion December.

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14244 W Banff Lane Surprise, AZ 85379

$559,990

5 Beds

3 Baths

3,675 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6737438

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

****PRICE IMPROVEMENT - $40,000 PRICE REDUCTION**** *Home also qualifies for up to $5k Lender credit to buy down rate or reduce buyers cash to close*. This Home is perfect for entertaining on its massive oversized corner lot, sparkling pool, huge great room & Kitchen area. Offering a generous sized owners suite with an enormous walk-in closet providing ample space for you and your partner. Oversized Loft leading to 3 additional bedrooms on the upper level. The 5th bedroom located on the first floor would be perfect as a mother-in-law suite or home office. All new Stainless steel Frigidaire Gallery appliances (not shown in pics). Large backyard with Sparkling pool, garden area with a Green house & Garden boxes. DO NOT MISS OUT on this AMAZING HOME

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14632 W Georgia Drive Surprise, AZ 85379

$559,990

4 Beds

2.5 Baths

2,908 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6744715

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

Take advantage of VA assumable loan at 2.75%. Welcome to your move in ready home with a Modern Barn style featuring an Open Floor plan, 4 Bedrooms, 2.5 Bath, Den/Office, Loft, Gourmet Kitchen with upgraded grey cabinets, Quartz countertops with glass tile backsplash & stainless-steel appliances, Walk in Pantry nestled next to a charming shiplap mudroom, large island opens to the Great Room complemented by elegant wainscotting wall with tile planks flooring, Master Suite with separate shower and soak in tub, walk in closet. Did I mention energy efficient with solar panels, RO system & water system, 3rd car garage! The extra-large patio slider welcomes you to an extended Patio cover. perfect for entertainment with a custom BBQ, large backyard! The community features resort style amenities including pool, clubhouse, fitness center, BBQ are and much more. Very close to the 303 & shopping center.

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31867 N 130th Avenue Peoria, AZ 85383

Open House

$559,990

4 Beds

2 Baths

2,054 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6649706

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

The Kendrick features a quaint, covered front porch ideal for welcoming guests. Walk through the spacious foyer and gallery hall to the grand open concept dining and great room ideal for hosting and entertaining. A centralized laundry room makes access easy from any room in the home. While a dedicated office is perfect for students and hybrid workers. A back covered patio perfect for taking in the surrounding Peoria mountains and Southwest landscape is the cherry on top! Located in the highly desirable Vistancia masterplan, resident will enjoy access to the 3.5 mile Discovery Trail, and two state of the art recreation centers.

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4323 W Lapenna Drive New River, AZ 85087

$559,947

4 Beds

3 Baths

3,097 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6726997

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

DESERT LIVING AT ITS BEST! 4BR/3BA PLUS LOFT HOME WITH 3,097 SF LIVING SPACE IN THE GORGEOUS COMMUNITY OF ANTHEM! GOURMET KITCHEN WITH GAS COOK TOP, DOUBLE OVENS, BREAKFAST BAR, STAINLESS STEEL APPLIANCES & PANTRY. LARGE PRIMARY SUITE WITH GENEROUS WALK-IN CLOSET, DOUBLE VANITY, GLASS SHOWER & SEPARATE SOAKING TUB. RELAXING STONE FIREPLACE IS PERFECT FOR THOSE CHILLY DESERT EVENINGS. OPEN FLOOR PLAN WITH LARGE OVER SIZED ROOMS INCLUDING UPSTAIRS LOFT THAT IS THE PERFECT BONUS ROOM. ENERGY EFFICIENT DUAL ZONE AC CONTROL. BEAUTIFULLY LANDSCAPED YARD WITH COVERED PATIO, BUILT-IN BBQ, TURF GRASS & RAISED PLANTERS MAKING THIS AREA THE PERFECT OUTDOOR RETREAT. GARAGE INCLUDES BUILT IN GARAGE CABINETS AND EXTRA STORAGE SPACE. THIS ONE WONT LAST!

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11028 E Quarry Avenue Mesa, AZ 85212

$559,900

4 Beds

3 Baths

2,080 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6732636

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

Move-in ready! Welcome to this charming residence featuring a spacious 3-car garage and RV gate in Highland Ridge. Discover an impressive interior offering gleaming wood-look floor, a soothing palette throughout, a formal dining area, and recessed lighting. The well-appointed kitchen showcases a plethora of wood cabinets, stainless steel appliances, granite counters, and a center island. The primary bedroom boasts a private bathroom equipped with dual sinks, a separate tub/shower, and a walk-in closet. You will find an oversized backyard, complete with covered/open patios, a built-in BBQ, and plenty of space for entertaining! What are you waiting for? Create new memories in this fantastic home!

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600 N Mariposa Drive Wickenburg, AZ 85390

$559,900

4 Beds

2 Baths

1,902 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6717080

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

Welcome to your new Territorial home! This remodeled home, located on ~2/3 acre corner lot offers a blend of Southwestern charm and modern convenience. Living room with panoramic views of Bradshaw Mtns to the north. Large living spaces bathed in natural light designed for both relaxation and entertainment. Beautiful and practical upgrades include custom travertine tile floors, custom (real) granite countertops, custom cabinets and totally remodeled master bath with Rohl fixtures. Kitchen boasts matching Frigidaire Gallery stainless steel appliances. For outdoor enthusiasts an RV shelter with water and electric hookups provides an ideal space to park your home on wheels or, if you prefer, your boat, motorcycles and/or ATVs. New window coverings include top of the line Hunter Douglas motorized blind, top down-bottom up front picture window shade and no-cord shades. Foam roof still under transferable warranty, new rain gutters with fun rain chains. Don't miss this opportunity to own a piece of old west Arizona! Relax in Wickenburg, the Most Western Town in Arizona, where it's easy to imagine yourself back in a slower paced time.

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1100 W 9th Street Tempe, AZ 85281

$559,900

3 Beds

2 Baths

1,588 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6766519

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

You'll love this spacious 3-bedroom, 2-bath home with a rare two-car garage, located in the heart of Tempe! It features modern updates throughout, including a beautifully upgraded kitchen with ceiling-height cabinetry, Quartz countertops, and stainless steel appliances. The primary suite offers a bonus space perfect for a home office or an extra room, plus a large Arizona room ideal for a second living area or game room. The home boasts energy-efficient windows, a brand new 2024 HVAC system, and stylish tile flooring in the main living areas. The large backyard includes a covered patio with elegant tile, a ceiling fan, and a refreshing diving pool to cool off in the Arizona heat. Whether you're looking for a primary residence or an investment property, this home is truly move-in ready! Just minutes from ASU, Whole Foods, Trader Joe's, and downtown Tempe's many amenities. Don't miss out on this one!

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7136 W Noble Prairie Way Florence, AZ 85132

$559,900

3 Beds

2.5 Baths

2,461 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6763419

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

STUNNING ENDEAVOR w/LUXURY UPGRADES! This 3-bed+den/2.5-bath home offers a perfect blend of style & function! Double slider opens to extended paver patio w/gas fireplace & lush landscaping next to Open Space! Plantation shutters,10' ceilings w/curved arches, beautiful entertainment center w/surround sound highlight the Great Room! Chef's kitchen inc. granite counters, tiled backsplash, stainless appliances, gas cooktop, butler's pantry & walk-in pantry. Primary suite has a bowed window, double vanities & makeup vanity, walk-in custom tiled shower & spacious closet. Split 2nd & 3rd bedrooms share Jack-&-Jill bath, Den w/French doors offers versatility! Additional perks: 2-CAR w/4' EXTENSION+CART garage w/storage, PREPAID SOLAR lease & TOWN OF FLORENCE BOND PAID IN FULL! **A MUST SEE HOME!

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