Mortgage Admin Insights: Documents, Processes & Tips from LendCity

In this special admin edition of the Wisdom Lifestyle Money Show, host Kristen Dillingham sits down with LendCity Mortgages admins Kayla Miller and Jillian Barnes to demystify the mortgage application process. Drawing from their backgrounds in healthcare and medical care before joining the team in 2018, the trio shares how they've learned the ins and outs of mortgages from scratch under Scott Dillingham's guidance. They emphasize that getting a mortgage is simpler than expected for many, but success hinges on proper documentation, budgeting wisely, and avoiding impulse buys like expensive cars that depreciate and impact financing power. The discussion highlights transferable life skills, like prioritizing homeownership over short-term luxuries, and provides practical advice for first-time buyers and investors alike.

Diving into the LendCity process, they outline steps from initial lead intake to pre-approval, including filling out applications, submitting income docs, and cross-referencing details for accuracy. Key tips include ensuring job letters are on company letterhead, signed by HR, non-editable (PDF preferred), and dated within 30-60 days, as lenders like banks require this to verify employment and prevent fraud—policies tightened post-COVID. Pay stubs must be clear, with matching year-to-date earnings, and explanations for discrepancies like unpaid leave. For identification, two pieces of government-issued ID (front and back) are needed, such as driver's licenses, passports, or even hunting/gun licenses, but health cards are prohibited. The episode stresses transparency to avoid surprises, noting that blurry or incomplete docs lead to delays.

For investors with rental portfolios, they cover needing recent leases, tenant acknowledgments for month-to-month setups, T1s for rental income verification, mortgage statements, and city-issued property tax bills (not just escrow combos). Assets like savings, vehicles, or household goods are crucial for high-net-worth programs, closing costs, or creative strategies to boost purchasing power, such as paying off debts. On appraisals for refinances, cleaning the home, mowing the lawn, and pointing out upgrades like new floors, countertops, or windows can help maximize value. As of November 2025, LendCity continues to focus on investor-friendly financing, with no major policy shifts noted in Canadian mortgage regulations per recent checks. This episode equips listeners with actionable insights to navigate mortgages confidently, blending personal stories with updated best practices.