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

311 W Campbell Avenue Phoenix, AZ 85013

$469,000

2 Beds

1 Bath

982 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6694291

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

DELIGHTFUL CHARM in all the best ways inside this 2B/1b quaint historic Yaple Park, located walking distance to the lightrail, Lux Coffee, and restaurants galore! Coveted features of this beauty include historic wood flooring t/o, wood burning fireplace, ceiling height kitchen cabinetry, coved plaster ceilings in living room, unique picture windows (beautiful light in every room), original solid wood doors and hardware, and vintage bath tile. Newer updates & upgrades include a pavered north facing front conversation patio, blown-in cellulose insulation in the attic, updated wiring t/o the interior of the home, newer hexagonal kitchen tile flooring (installed with proper sub-flooring), newer gas water heater, newer roof (2019), new concrete rear patio, with wooden deck for entertaining, partly updated sewer (with ABS) at the kitchen sink & clean outs in rear yard, and new dual paned French doors to the rear patio and yard. This incredible starter property also has very inexpensive flood irrigation rights through SRP, large shade trees, an exterior garage (and laundry room) that could be converted to a guest house down the road, gated parking, and qualifies for historic taxes through the City of Phoenix (owner just needs to apply - see application in documents tab). For simple, beautiful, charm-filled living in a walkable area it doesn't get much better than this in Central Phoenix! Must see!!

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16102 W Quail Creek Lane Surprise, AZ 85374

$469,000

2 Beds

2 Baths

1,712 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6696261

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

Beautifully remodeled and updated Manzanita 2BD/1.75BA 1712 Sq.Ft. beauty. NEW Roof 2020, HVAC 2019, office enclosed for nice extra private space. Kitchen cabinets with under cab lighting, and backsplash 2018. Beautiful granite adorns the kitchen! Updated Primary and Guest bathrooms 2018. Neutral colors, crown molding, plantation shutters, Energy efficient windows and screens. RO, soft water system too! Replaced Irrigation valves, updated cabinet pulls. 2-Car extended garage with storage. What a lovely, well cared for home just waiting for you!

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1007 W Canyonlands Court San Tan Valley, AZ 85140

$469,000

4 Beds

3 Baths

2,443 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6694828

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

Welcome home! This highly desirable cul-de-sac, fabulous two-story abode is about to be yours! Once inside, you'll immediately notice the harmonious open floor plan graced with bountiful natural light and tile flooring. Spotless kitchen is equipped with plenty of espresso cabinets, recessed & pendant lighting, built-in appliances, a handy pantry, and a center island with a breakfast bar. Head upstairs to discover the sizable loft complemented by built in wraparound desk and a wall-mounted fireplace to keep you warm during cooler months. Romantic main bedroom includes plush carpet, an ensuite with dual sinks, and a walk-in closet. Finally, the generous-sized backyard with its covered patio, lovely gazebo, hot tub and artificial turf is the right spot for unwinding or gatherings. This gem is the one you're looking for!!

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2032 W Rancho Drive Phoenix, AZ 85015

$469,000

4 Beds

2 Baths

1,604 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6700849

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

MOVE-IN READY SOLIDLY BUILT CHARMER in Bethany Villas, a quiet, friendly, and walkable neighborhood in West Central Phoenix. Absolutely turn key, the owners went above and beyond the fully remodeled condition in which they bought it in 2022, and added even more upgrades! Features include all major systems updated, including newer electrical, plumbing, HVAC, roof, dual paned windows, flooring, exquisitely upgraded kitchens and baths, with newer appliances, including washer, dryer, and fridge (with newly installed water line), matte finish quartz countertop island with storage (including deep drawers), recessed canned lighting, newer plumbing and lighting fixtures t/o, newer water heater, lush and attractive front and rear landscaping (AZ Ash and Pistache shade trees, and ficus bushes), newer rear yard perimeter block wall fencing, RV gate with alley access, and newer cellular blind window coverings t/o. If you want to live in a true community with neighborhood gatherings, a community Facebook group (the Simpson neighborhood association), neighborhood newsletter, coordinated yearly garage sales, potluck, neighborhood happy hours, holiday events, luminaria lightings, and hot chocolate gatherings, in a house that is completely ready to move in, this is it!!

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1839 W Utopia Road Phoenix, AZ 85027

$469,000

3 Beds

1 Bath

1,161 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6701569

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

Welcome home! This delightful 3-bedroom residence features a practical RV gate and a low-maintenance yard. The living room has a neutral palette and contemporary wood-look flooring. The eat-in kitchen comes with quartz counters, white shaker cabinets, stainless steel appliances, a stylish tile backsplash, and sliding doors that open to the backyard for seamless indoor-outdoor living. Each cozy, well-sized bedroom offers plush carpeting and ample closet space. Enjoy breathtaking sunsets in the enchanting backyard, which offers an open patio, artificial turf, and a sparkling pool for cooling down on hot summer days. This value won't disappoint! *Sellers are willing to assist with 5k credit toward buyers closing costs

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11437 N Coggins Drive Sun City, AZ 85351

Open House

$469,000

3 Beds

2.5 Baths

1,766 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6702382

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

SPECTACULAR remodeled home on the golf course**Come see what your dream home feels like! This beauty offers a spacious open floorplan with exquisite design and modern upgrades throughout in the heart of Sun City 55+ community. Meticulously updated offering the perfect blend of style and functionality. Whether you enjoy relaxing indoors or entertaining guests outdoors, this home has it all.**Key Features are-Chef-sized kitchen with new cabinets galore-New sleek appliances-Oversized kitchen island for meal prep and casual dining-Custom pergola back patio overlooking the golf course-Primary bedroom offers a large walk-in closet for ample storage and luxurious walk-in shower and modern bathtub for a spa-like experience in the primary bathroom-Convenient laundry room inside the home-Updated fixtures and finishes throughout give you a complete contemporary look. New roof for peace of mind and great curb appeal-Serene views of the golf course and surrounding greenery. Don't miss this opportunity to own a piece of paradise in Sun City. See it today and make this beautifully remodeled home yours!

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16918 W Marcos De Niza Drive Surprise, AZ 85387

Open House

$469,000

2 Beds

2 Baths

1,518 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6703635

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

Upgraded split floorplan. 2 bd/2 ba + den. Stunning front paver courtyard offers picturesque sunset views. Security screen door. Dream kitchen w/white cabinets, granite counters, & tile backsplash, illuminated by both a skylight & recessed lights for a bright, airy feel. Entertain with ease as the kitchen & dining area seamlessly transition into the Great Room, featuring media wall w/floating shelves + stone accents. Retreat to the owner's ''sanctuary of relaxation'' w/charming bay window & a stunning doorless tiled shower, complimented by a new tall vanity, granite counters, framed mirror, + new lights. The hall bath also boasts a tall vanity, granite counter, & new lights. Backyard w/patio beckons for outdoor enjoyment, & has knee & pony walls , lush landscape for privacy & pets+ FENCE

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42833 W Mallard Road Maricopa, AZ 85138

Open House

$469,000

2 Beds

2.5 Baths

1,945 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6636635

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

MOTIVATED SELLERS - OFFERING 3% SELLERS CONCESSIONS FOR CLOSING COSTS OR RATE BUY DOWN. Move-In Ready! Both bedrooms have ensuites and a den/office/workout room. Kitchen with under-cabinet lights, gas appliances double oven range. Butler's pantry and walk-in pantry, cabinets have dual pull-outs. Granite countertops, oversized island with additional storage. Laundry with counter space and cabinets.10' ceilings and 8' doorways. Extended Bay Window on the primary bedroom. Tile flooring throughout. Backyard has gated side yards with bunny fencing. Extended pergola patio, pavers and outdoor BBQ. Foam insulation, energy-efficient windows with sun-screens, and a powered attic ventilator. Ceiling fans in all rooms. A 25' extended and insulated garage with sink and 5' storage extension. Items to convey - back patio TV and cabinet with covers, garage TV and sound bar, King bedframe with mattress in Primary bedroom, and desert scape artwork above bed.

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13256 N 38th Place Phoenix, AZ 85032

$468,999

3 Beds

2 Baths

1,240 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6643265

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

Welcome to this breathtakingly remodeled home, a true gem that blends modern luxury with unparalleled convenience. Situated just a mile east of SR 51, this home offers swift access to major roads and urban amenities. A short stroll down the street leads to the lush expanses of Indian Bend Park, providing a perfect setting for outdoor recreation and relaxation. Perfect for New Beginnings. This home isn't just a residence; it's a lifestyle choice. Whether you're looking for a peaceful family haven or a vibrant social hub, this property caters to all. It is the perfect way to start your new year in style.

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18755 E Elizar Drive Gold Canyon, AZ 85118

$468,995

3 Beds

2.5 Baths

2,070 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6695197

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

Entrada del Oro in the Superstition Mountains: A serene desert escape with breathtaking, rugged beauty. Perfect for sunrise and sunset admirers.

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40258 W Michaels Drive Maricopa, AZ 85138

$468,995

4 Beds

2 Baths

2,370 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6695514

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

You'll find plenty to love about the Raleigh plan! The center of the home boasts a large gourmet kitchen with a convenient center island and walk-in pantry, which flows into an open-concept dining room and great room. The owner's suite is adjacent, with a private bath and a walk-in closet. There are three additional bedrooms and a bath off the great room and off the entry is a private study. Outside, enjoy your corner lot and large covered patio!

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18740 E Elizar Drive Gold Canyon, AZ 85118

$468,995

3 Beds

2.5 Baths

1,930 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6679862

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

Entrada Del Oro..... Entrance to Gold! Charming 3BR/2.5BA home! The back yard offers picture perfect views of Superstition Mountains and is the ideal place to enjoy evening sunsets. Beautiful Laminate flooring throughout with carpet in the bedrooms, kitchen comes with GE kitchen appliances & Quartz counter tops, two tone interior paint. The front yard comes desert landscaped and driveway is complete with pavers, make this home yours today!

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