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

Beautiful similar apartments with a great garden area right in front.

12-minute read

How to start investing in affordable housing

Affordable housing has unique advantages and disadvantages compared with other real estate investment opportunities. Here’s what you should know beforehan...

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Cardboard moving boxes stacked, packing and cleaning.

8-minute read

What is Fannie Mae HomePath?

Fannie Mae HomePath is a program that helps home buyers purchase distressed and foreclosed homes at potentially lower prices. See if it’s right for you.

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Sisters chatting over coffee in home with exposed wooden beams.

9-minute read

What to do when you inherit a house with a sibling

Inheriting property with your siblings can lead to legal and emotional challenges. Here’s how to resolve property disputes while protecting your rights...

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Dad giving high five to son while mother is smiling in kitchen.

8-minute read

Buying a house in the military: The ultimate guide

You can buy a home while serving in the military with planning and the right loan. Learn how VA loans and real estate tips can help service members buy a hom...

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A beach house, symbolizing a coastal living environment or vacation property.

7-minute read

When to sell a rental property: A complete guide

Are you unsure whether to sell your rental property? Learn about the various factors that can make it a good time to sell and the steps you can expect to take.

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A red brick home front with teal colored door and plant vines.

10-minute read

Earnest money: What is it and how much is enough?

Earnest money protects buyers and sellers in a real estate transaction. Learn how an earnest money deposit works and how it can also make your offer stand ou...

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A serene landscape with trees and a pond in the background, creating a peaceful and natural setting.

6-minute read

USDA loan closing costs: What they cover and how to pay them

Learn about USDA loan closing costs, what they include, who pays them, and how to roll them into your loan or get them covered so you can leverage this loan.

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Realtor showing couple a property.

6-minute read

What are REALTOR® fees and who pays them?

REALTOR® fees are how real estate agents get paid for their work. Who pays these fees is changing, so it’s a good time to learn more and understand...

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White new construction minimalist home.

5-minute read

What is delayed financing for cash deals?

If you purchase a home with cash, you may still qualify for a mortgage. Learn about delayed financing, how it works for cash deals, and if it’s right for ...

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