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 beige single-family home, potentially showcasing a residential property in a serene neighborhood.

5-minute read

How to identify overpriced homes: 5 signs to look out for

Wondering how to tell if a house is overpriced? Read our guide to learn the best techniques for identifying overpriced homes in the real estate market.

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A young couple moving into a new place, carrying boxes.

7-minute read

Relocation mortgage loans: How to relocate with a low down payment

Employees relocating for work may feel their down payment isn’t enough. If this is you, learn more about relocation loans and how they may help you mak...

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Newly built modern single-family tan home with landscaping, representing construction loans.

9-minute read

What to look for when buying a house: A guide for home buyers

If you’re about to begin the home buying process, there are some things you should keep in mind. Read on to learn about what to look for when buying a hou...

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A cozy house with a charming garden and a lovely deck, perfect for relaxation and outdoor gatherings.

8-minute read

How to determine if you should buy a house

A lot of factors go into determining whether or not you should buy a house. Here’s what you need to know when making the decision to buy now, or hold o...

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Two story tan house with green front yard in California.

8-minute read

How much should you spend on a house?

Wondering how much you should spend on a house as you begin the home buying process? Learn what your budget should be based on your income and expenses.

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A woman enjoying with her child on the balcony.

6-minute read

USDA vs. conventional loans: What's the difference?

To help determine the best mortgage solution for you, we've created a comprehensive guide that compares the pros and cons of USDA vs. conventional loans.

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A man cleaning mold in the ceiling, potentially related to home maintenance or repair.

7-minute read

Buying a house with mold: What you need to know

Finding out a home has mold doesn’t have to be a dealbreaker. Learn how mold can affect your health and property and the steps you can take to manage i...

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Woman in kitchen, drying dishes and smiling.

8-minute read

When should I refinance my mortgage?

Wondering if and when you should refinance your mortgage? Refinancing can be a smart move for certain homeowners depending on a few key factors.

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Neighborhood development, possibly illustrating a newly constructed residential area.

4-minute read

What are zoning laws and how do they work?

Zoning laws dictate how a property can or cannot be used within a certain geographical area. Learn about common types of zoning laws and how they work.

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