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
PersonalFinance
RealEstate

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

Young couple reviewing invoices and doing family business plan.

7-minute read

How to invest in real estate with little to no money

You don’t need a big bank account to invest in real estate. Learn how to get started in real estate with little to no money and build your financial future.

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Two raised mobile homes with decks overlooking seaside.

5-minute read

Can you get a VA loan for a mobile or manufactured home?

Wondering if you can use a VA loan for a mobile or manufactured home? Find out what’s possible and whether a VA loan makes sense for you.

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A couple reading, potentially exploring information related to homeownership or mortgages.

6-minute read

What is the average down payment on a house?

The average down payment on a house isn’t 20%. How much you put down depends on your loan and situation. Here’s what to know before applying for a mortgage.

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Two lawyers or real estate agents discussing some documents with a women.

4-minute read

How a prenup agreement might protect your future assets

A prenup outlines how spouses will handle assets and financial matters in case of divorce or death. Learn how to protect your future assets with a prenup here.

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Mixed race couple diligently working while standing on personal finances and budgeting documents.

6-minute read

What is considered debt when applying for a mortgage?

When applying for a mortgage, what is considered debt? Take a look at our guide to what monthly debt payments lenders consider when approving a mortgage.

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A young Asian woman assisting her father with a phone, possibly related to technology or communication assistance.

7-minute read

Is now a good time to refinance my mortgage?

When is a good time to refinance your house? It depends on your circumstances. Learn about some indicators that refinancing could be a good decision for you.

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A smiling African American woman working on her laptop, possibly in a home or office setting.

19-minute read

10 best rental property management software options for 2025

What's the best property management software? Discover the top rental property management software for real estate investors, property managers and landlords.

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A spacious, fully furnished white colored lounge area.

7-minute read

Condo loans defined and explained

Planning to purchase a condominium? Discover how condo loans may differ from conventional home mortgages so you can have a smooth home buying experience.

Read more

Mother and daughter laughing while baking, depicting a cheerful moment during a baking activity.

8-minute read

FHA down payment assistance: Everything you need to know

Down payment assistance is available to home buyers with an FHA loan, but restrictions and requirements exist. Learn about FHA grants for down payments here.

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