Headshot of Karen Idelson

Karen Idelson

Editor

Karen Idelson is a content editor and creator who is obsessed with promoting personal financial literacy, budgeting, and investing as well as their role in supporting overall well-being. She strives to make the articles she edits for RocketMortgage.com accessible and interesting so that readers will be inspired to learn more and increase their knowledge of personal finance.
 
Prior to joining the team at Rocket Mortgage in 2025, Karen worked as a writer, editor, and speaker, focusing on the business and technology of entertainment for more than two decades. A graduate of the University of Arizona and the American Film Institute’s Advanced Technology Internship Program, she has contributed to the Los Angeles Times, Variety, Animation Magazine, The Dallas Morning News, the Houston Chronicle, The Arizona Republic, Women’s Wear Daily, The DGA Quarterly, and many other publications. A veteran speaker and moderator, Karen has also hosted dozens of panels, including several for the hit ABC series “Lost” in the legendary Hall H (IYKYK), which seats more than 6,000, at Comic-Con International in San Diego, as well as panels about entertainment business trends at the World Animation & VFX Summit, SXSW, and Variety’s Entertainment Technology Summit.
 
Karen grew up in the Southwest and is a longtime U2 superfan who has seen them play in more than a dozen cities, four different countries, and three continents. If she’s not helping fine-tune the personal finance content at Rocket Mortgage, chances are she’s searching for a new place to grab a coffee with friends or driving to the next trending sushi restaurant.

Expertise

Mortgage
Personal Finance
Real Estate

Education

University of Arizona, Bachelor of Arts in Psychology with an emphasis on Social Psychology

American Film Institute, Advanced Technology Internship Program

Universidad de Salamanca. Studied Spanish language and culture

Coursera certification: Tools for Data Science

Recent Articles

Mother and young son swinging at park on a sunny day.

5-minute read

Are property taxes included in a mortgage?

Are property taxes included in your mortgage? Learn how factors like property taxes and insurance can change your monthly home payment.

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An elegant home featuring a driveway and meticulously designed landscaping.

8-minute read

5/1 ARM loan: Everything you need to know

A 5/1 ARM offers home buyers a low introductory interest rate for the first 5 years of their loan. Learn more about how a 5-year ARM loan could work for you.

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Two people discussing finances or some sort of payments.

6-minute read

Biweekly mortgage payments: Are they a good choice for you?

Making biweekly mortgage payments can result in getting your mortgage paid off earlier.

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A couple with a real estate agent, engaged in discussion, possibly viewing a property or discussing home options.

7-minute read

12 questions to ask when buying a house

It may be hard to know what questions to ask when buying a house. Use this checklist to make sure you get all the important information you need.

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A couple with an agent in a home, likely discussing real estate matters.

8-minute read

Capital gains tax on real estate and home sales: A guide

Selling your home? Learn how capital gains tax on real estate works, how much you might owe, and strategies to reduce or avoid taxes when selling your home.

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A couple holding a measuring tape possible going to renovate their house.

5-minute read

What is the 70% rule in house flipping?

Real estate investors use metrics like the 70% rule to help determine how much to pay for a property. Learn more about the 70% rule in house flipping.

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A mature couple looking through their bills while using a digital tablet, possibly managing finances or household expenses.

7-minute read

How much house can you afford with a VA loan?

Are you wondering how much house you can afford with a VA loan? Use our VA loan affordability calculator and take a look at a few of the determining factors....

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Man with bun working at home office.

8-minute read

How to get a mortgage without 2 years of work history

Getting a mortgage without 2 years of work history is possible – but will involve extra paperwork. Learn everything you need to know to qualify for a home...

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Just married couple first house, possibly depicting a newlywed couple celebrating their first home looking outside the window.

6-minute read

How to get rid of PMI

PMI can raise your mortgage payment, but you may be able to cancel it once you have 20% equity in your home. Learn how to get rid of PMI and save.

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