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

A house roof in woods under heavy rain, possibly symbolizing emergency plan for home during a natural disaster.

7-minute read

Disaster preparedness plan and checklist

A natural disaster can destroy years of hard work in seconds. Prepare for the unexpected with an emergency plan for home to help minimize destruction.

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Energy efficient ranch style home with solar panels and raised bed gardens.

6-minute read

Energy-efficient home: What it is and how to create one

An energy-efficient home has various appliances and features that reduce energy consumption and offer potential savings. Learn about how you can create one.

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Raised house on sandy beach in Alabama with heron on roof.

6-minute read

States without property taxes: Unpacking the myth

There aren’t any states with no property taxes. However, there are some places with low taxes or exemptions for certain homeowners. Here are the facts.

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Woman reviwing information on her laptop.

4-minute read

What is a CLUE report in real estate?

A CLUE report is a detailed overview of a property’s insurance claims history. Learn the importance of CLUE reports in real estate transactions here.

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Two story brick home in Spring.

6-minute read

What is the average monthly mortgage payment in Ohio?

Discover the average monthly mortgage payment in Ohio, the factors influencing it, and how it compares nationally. Learn more about owning property in Ohio.

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Ranch style barndominium with white roof and white siding. Three french doors are in the center and flanked by additional windows  on either side.

6-minute read

Can you build a barndominium with an FHA loan?

Yes, you can use an FHA loan to buy or build a barndominium, but the process is unique. Here’s what to expect when financing this type of house with a FHA...

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Plumber squatting onto kitchen floor to look under the kitchen sink while holding a clipboard.

11-minute read

Home inspection complete: What’s next for buyers?

After the home inspection, you should review and address any discovered property issues and negotiate with the seller. Learn more about the steps you should ...

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A view of a park in a city with track and benches.

5-minute read

What is property tax and how to calculate it

Property taxes are paid to local governments to help cover the cost of community services we receive. Discover how to calculate property taxes with our guide...

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Barndominium in forest with lit firepit in front.

6-minute read

Can you build a barndominium with a VA loan?

Yes, you can use a VA loan to buy or build a barndomini...

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