Lori Cowin’s foray into real estate was part destiny, part necessity. About a decade ago, she unexpectedly lost her job as an operations manager for Social Security Disability.
“Around the same time, a friend was starting real estate school and encouraged me to join her,” recalls Cowin, now an award-winning Realtor with Fathom Realty Elite. “I was let go in July 2016 and had my license by September! I couldn’t be happier [with] how it all turned out. I truly found my passion.”
In 2025, Cowin helped at least 20 families buy and sell homes, reaching a sales volume of about $10.5 million. The child of deaf adults, she is fluent in American Sign Language and loves assisting first-time homebuyers, older adults, individuals with disabilities and clients seeking a second chance in life.
Cowin is always transparent and realistic with clients. “If a client is not ready, I tell them, ‘It’s not a no, you can’t buy a home; it’s just not right now. Let’s develop a plan,’” she explains. Sometimes it takes years for clients to prepare, and that’s fine with her. Educating and empowering clients to make the right decisions gives her as much satisfaction as meeting her production goals.
Consistently building and nurturing relationships has helped Cowin craft a referral-based business in the East Valley, which has been her hometown since 1998. When situations go sideways, she responds rather than reacts, ensuring favorable outcomes for her clients. “I’ve learned that we can solve almost anything if everyone stays solution-oriented,” she shares. “They don’t pay me to lie to them … I’m direct and transparent, but with empathy and kindness.”
When she’s not assisting clients, Cowin likes to run, hike with her dogs and try new restaurants with her family.
