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 newly built tan home surrounded by trees, showcasing a newly constructed property.

5-minute read

What is the average square footage of a house?

Knowing the average square footage of houses can help you understand how much house you can afford. Here’s what you need to know about average house sizes...

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A woman standing in front of a window, engrossed in her phone.

8-minute read

What are mortgage points and should you buy them?

Mortgage discount points can be purchased to lower the interest rate on a new loan. Use this guide to help you decide if you should buy them.

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Mother in kitchen cooking while father feeds child in high chair in dining room.

6-minute read

15-year vs. 30-year mortgage comparison

A 15-year mortgage is paid over 15 years, while a 30-year mortgage is paid over 30 years. Understand the pros and cons of both loan terms.

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A diverse group of individuals gathered around a table, engrossed in conversation.

7-minute read

VA loan limits for 2026: What you need to know

Loan limits cap the amount you can borrow for a mortgage, but VA loans usually don't have a limit. Learn when a loan limit might apply and how they work.

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A dad walking with his son on a sidewalk.

5-minute read

How to build equity in a home

Building equity in a home strengthens your asset and may give you access to cash. Read about the ways you can build equity in your home.

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Aerial view of neighborhoods in Paradise Valley near Camelback Mountain in Arizona.

8-minute read

How to buy a house in Arizona

Thinking of moving to the Copper State? Here’s what buyers should know about the market and how to prepare to buy a house in Arizona.

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Woman with son and large, orange cat on couch.

7-minute read

15- vs. 20- vs. 30-year mortgage: Which is best?

Your mortgage term will influence how much you pay in interest, your monthly payment, and more. Compare common loan terms before you apply for financing.

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A family moving in, showing a family engaged in the process of moving into a new home.

7-minute read

How to move to another state: A step-by-step guide

Moving to another state can get complicated. That’s why you must prepare and plan. Follow our step-by-step guide to learn how to move to another state.

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A man reviewing paperwork at a laptop, possibly managing real estate or financial documents.

8-minute read

Mortgage loan terms: Pick the right one for your financial goals

A mortgage loan term is the time it takes a borrower to pay off their loan when making regular payments. Learn how to pick the right term for your goals.

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