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 family looking at a house possibly their own resident.

5-minute read

No-closing-cost mortgage: Does it make sense for you?

Closing costs can sometimes present a financial barrier for home buyers. In cases like these, applying for a no-closing-cost mortgage can potentially help.

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Couple with arms around each other, smiling, in front of new home.

9-minute read

What’s the mortgage payment on a $200K loan?

The loan term, interest rate, and other factors can impact your mortgage payment on a $200K loan. Learn more about the monthly payments on a $200K mortgage.

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Happy couple discussing something on papers.

6-minute read

How much do you need for a down payment on a house?

You might’ve heard you should make a 20% down payment on a house. However, it depends on several factors. Here’s how to determine the amount you ...

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Tree lined walkway along waterfront with skyline in distance in West New York, New Jersey.

9-minute read

How to buy a home in New Jersey

Buying a house in New Jersey is an exciting milestone. Use the Rocket Mortgage guide to learn more about home prices and assistance programs in New Jersey.

Read more

A family having a meal in their backyard.

7-minute read

What is a conventional loan?

A conventional loan is a non-government-backed home mortgage. Learn more about down payment requirements, getting approved, and more.

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Woman paddling her canoe down a river.

6-minute read

How to buy a home in Utah

Are you ready to buy a house in Utah? Navigating the process can be hard, but it’s easier with the Rocket Mortgage guide.

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Man standing outside of garage with motorcycle.

5-minute read

Debt-to-income ratio (DTI): What is it and how is it calculated?

Your debt-to-income ratio measures the difference between your obligations and your income. Learn how to calculate DTI and what it means for mortgages.

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A couple on a couch looking at a laptop, possibly researching or managing their mortgage online.

8-minute read

Reverse mortgage vs. home equity loan vs. HELOC: How to choose

You can use your home's equity through a reverse mortgage, home equity loan, or HELOC. Take a look at our guide to learn the pros and cons of each.

Read more

A stylish young man with tattoo sleeves working on a computer.

5-minute read

What is the prime rate and how does it work?

The prime rate is a desirable borrowing interest rate offered by lenders to creditworthy applicants. Here’s what mortgage applicants need to know.

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