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 couple discussing terms and condition possible for mortgage or related to real estate with an agent.

4-minute read

What a forbearance agreement means for you

A forbearance agreement allows borrowers to temporarily suspend mortgage payments during unexpected financial hardship. Learn if it’s the right option for...

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A young couple reviewing paperwork together, possibly related to a mortgage or property.

8-minute read

What types of mortgage lenders are there, and how do I choose the right one?

There are several types of mortgage lenders you can work with when buying a house. From traditional banks to credit unions, discover which one is right for y...

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Two men inspecting a house, potentially related to home inspection or real estate assessment.

6-minute read

What is a seller’s pre-inspection?

As a seller, you might order a pre-inspection before listing your home to address any repairs and help prevent negotiations with buyers. Find out how it works.

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Exterior of modern home with two story picture windows.

10-minute read

Can you build a barndominium with a USDA loan?

Yes, you can use a USDA loan to buy or build a barndominium. Here are the requirements and what to expect when financing this type of house with a USDA loan.

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Modern residential buildings possible available for sale or rent.

5-minute read

FHA commercial loan programs: An introduction

FHA commercial loans are available for the creation of housing for low-income, elderly, or disabled people. Learn more about this type of lending.

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Two women smiling and standing on a porch on a beach.

8-minute read

What to know before buying a vacation home in Florida

Looking for a getaway for the colder months? Need a year-round retreat? A vacation home in Florida might be your ideal solution.

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Father at kitchen table with young son on his lap reviewing paperwork and information on laptop..

5-minute read

How to get a VA Certificate of Eligibility (COE)

Securing a VA Certificate of Eligibility (COE) is the first step to getting a VA home loan. Learn why you need a VA COE and how to get one.

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Man working a laptop, drinking coffee at a cafe with a living wall behind him.

7-minute read

SCRA mortgage protections: What to know

The Servicemembers Civil Relief Act (SCRA) mortgage protections include reducing interest rates to 6% in specific cases and guidelines related to foreclosures.

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A row of townhomes, illustrating residential complexes or real estate developments.

7-minute read

Can the 30% rule help you budget for housing?

How much should you spend on housing? A general guideline says you should spend 30% of your income on housing. Is the 30% rule for housing true for you?

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