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

Closeup of uneven wooden floor in old home.

6-minute read

Buying a house with uneven floors? What to consider

Does the home of your dreams have sloped floors? It may or may not be worth fixing. Read on to learn what to consider before buying a house with uneven floors.

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A mom and dad hanging out on their front porch, playing with toddler son.

5-minute read

FHA vs. VA loans: What's the difference, and which one is best for you?

FHA loans and VA loans can be great borrowing options for aspiring homeowners. Learn more about the differences between these two mortgage loan types.

Read more

A large brick house in the countryside at dusk.

7-minute read

What is a mortgage rate?

A mortgage interest rate represents how much you’re paying to borrow funds, expressed as a percentage. Learn more about what determines your rate.

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A house adorned with flowers, portraying a picturesque residential setting or curb appeal.

8-minute read

Primary residence: What it is and why it’s important

A primary residence is an important property classification that will affect your mortgage and taxes. Learn more about what it is and why it's important.

Read more

Toddler playing in doorway of home.

13-minute read

What is affordable housing? How to find and qualify for it

Affordable housing is defined as an occupant paying no more than 30% of their income to housing. Here’s how it works and how to qualify for affordable ...

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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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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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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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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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