Mortgage Rates in 2026: What’s Normal? A 20-Year Perspective of the Market | Max Slyusarchuk Digest

Mortgage rates, mortgage market shifts, and mortgage broker strategy — all in one special 20-year anniversary edition of the Digest by AD Mortgage. In this episode, host Serena Diaco sits down with Max Slyusarchuk (CEO & Founder of AD Mortgage) to break down how the mortgage industry changed from 2005 → 2008 → 2020 → 2023–24 → 2026 — and what those shifts mean for today’s independent brokers. ✅ In this conversation, you’ll learn: – What the mortgage market looked like in 2005 (pre-tech era) – Why relationships still matter, even in today’s digital market – What the 2008 mortgage crisis taught lenders and brokers – Why mortgage cycles repeat (and how to survive them) – Are today’s mortgage rates actually “high” — or historically normal? – How borrower behavior changed (Zillow, rate tools, faster expectations) – How product demand shifted after 2008 (Conventional vs Non-QM vs Government) – Where the biggest bottleneck is today: marketing & borrower outreach – Why independent mortgage brokers are resurging – The #1 mistake brokers make: chasing basis points & working with too many lenders – Max’s best advice for winning in 2026 — even in a slow market If you're a broker building for the long term, this episode is a must-watch. 👇 Question for brokers: Do you think understanding market history helps brokers grow faster today — YES or NO? 👍 Like, subscribe, and hit the bell for more broker-first mortgage industry insights. #MortgageRates #MortgageBroker #MortgageMarket #NonQM #WholesaleLending #ADMortgage _____________________________________________________________________ AD Mortgage (NMLS # 958660) is a top wholesale and correspondent lender, bringing first class service.  We are a nationwide lender able to conduct business in 40+ states. Join the more than 8,500+ companies who’ve already chosen AD Mortgage as their long-term partner to expand their pipeline! Learn About Programs: https://admortgage.com/our-programs/?utm_source=yt&utm_medium=sm&utm_campaign=CEODigest2526 Calculate Your Loan: https://pricer.admortgage.com/?utm_source=yt&utm_medium=sm&utm_campaign=CEODigest2526 Submit Scenario: https://admortgage.com/scenario-request-form-2/?utm_source=yt&utm_medium=sm&utm_campaign=CEODigest2526 Become a Partner: https://admortgage.com/become-a-partner/?utm_source=yt&utm_medium=sm&utm_campaign=CEODigest2526 Follow us where you wish: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/admortgage/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/admortgagecompany/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/admortgagellc/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/ad_mortgage Threads: https://www.threads.net/@admortgagellc Telegram: https://t.me/admortgage_bot 00:00 The market can change overnight: Introduction 01:55 2005 vs now: the biggest shift in mortgage 03:43 2008 crisis lessons, and what 2020 / 2023–24 repeated 04:15 The mortgage cycle never stops: expand fast or get left behind 05:20 Are today’s rates actually “high”? (Max’s take) 06:46 Borrowers changed, and brokers must adapt 07:32 Most popular loan programs right now and what products disappeared after 2008 08:22 The REAL bottleneck today: marketing 09:26 AD Mortgage turning point: why wholesale + tech changed everything 10:14 Why AD is expanding while others shrink 11:23 2026 direction: products, loyalty program, marketing tools 12:00 Why independent brokers are coming back (big time) 13:24 Team vs tech: what really builds a successful broker shop 13:56 Big broker mistake: chasing bps & too many lenders 15:19 One advice for 2026: how to win in a slow market 16:20 Final message + question for brokers