Lower Mortgage announced a new acquisition this week, with a purchase of Acopia Home Loans that is set to expand its presence in the Southeastern U.S.

The deal adds 14 branches and 36 loan originators to Lower's network. Founded in 2007, Goodlettsville, Tennessee-based Acopia is currently licensed in 12 states, stretching from Texas to the Eastern Seaboard. 

A shared vision that combines technology innovation and service to local communities fueled the new merger, both companies' leaders said. 

"Their strong relationships and reputation align with our vision to create the leading homeownership platform for originators and consumers, empowering more people to build wealth through homeownership," said Lower co-founder Mike Baynes about the Acopia team in a press release. "Together, we see a significant opportunity to accelerate our shared momentum." 

Financial terms of the deal were not disclosed. 

For Acopia, the decision also provides it with more resources to successfully grow and serve its regional customer base, according to President Joey Davidson.  

"The team at Lower continues to impress day after day and has made our transition almost seamless. We are very thankful and excited to be a part of the Lower family," he said. 

In 2024, loan-origination volume at Acopia totaled just under $490 million according to business intelligence platform Iemergent's analysis of Home Mortgage Disclosure Act data. Volumes for Lower came in at nearly $5.4 billion over the same 12 months.  

Ongoing growth at Lower

The Acopia deal is the latest in a series of acquisitions at the Columbus, Ohio-based company over the past few years, further advancing it toward its leadership's previously stated ambitions to enter the top ranks of mortgage lenders.

The company noticeably ramped up merger activity beginning in early 2025, with the purchase of origination technology software firm Neat Labs, and followed it up months later with an acquisition of real estate search platform Movoto. The latter move came weeks after Rocket Cos. announced its plans to merge with Redfin, which set the stage for recent changes in the home finance landscape that led many companies and lenders to re-examine their strategies and business models. 

Lower's 2025 deals were preceded by acquisitions of other midsized and smaller home lenders in prior years, including Thrive Mortgage in late 2023. Late last year, the company also added industry veteran Gino Fronti to help boost production on the West Coast. 

The company's ambitions have not come without some notable pushback, though, including from former leaders who have been critical of the rapid pace of expansion. Lower has also seen exits of several loan officers from its previously acquired brands.  

This week's announcement continues the running consolidation theme in the mortgage industry of the past three years, which saw an elevated level of mergers and acquisitions in a sluggish housing market characterized by stubborn mortgage rates. After approximately 40 deals were struck over the past 12 months, some industry experts expect a similar number this year. 

On the depository side, 2026 has already brought with it a mortgage-specific acquisition agreement between two Southeastern community banks.