Tom McLean
Sr. Editor
Tom McLean is a veteran writer, editor, and author with more than 30 years’ experience as a professional journalist. A graduate of the University of Arizona, McLean worked as a news writer, copyeditor, and page designer for daily newspapers in Arizona, Idaho, and California before entering entertainment journalism as a features editor at Variety, where he covered such diverse topics as animation, visual effects, the Oscars, and the comic book business. His freelance articles have appeared in Variety, The Hollywood Reporter, Animation Magazine, Animation World Network, Newsarama.com and the Los Angeles Times. He is the author of Mutant Cinema: The X-Men Trilogy from Page to Screen, published in 2008, and served three years as editor in chief of Animation Magazine. Tom joined Rocket Los Angeles in 2021 to bring his experience to topics ranging from auto insurance to mortgages, real estate, loans, and personal finance. A native of Canada, he lives in Los Angeles with his wife and their two daughters.
Recent Articles
5-minute read
A complete guide to short-term mortgages
A short-term mortgage lets you pay off your home much faster, but it comes with higher payments. If you can afford it, though, you'll save huge on interest.
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7-minute read
FHA down payment assistance: Everything you need to know
FHA down payment assistance comes from state, local, and nonprofit programs, as well as employers and lenders. Learn how it works, and where to find programs.
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7-minute read
Collateralized mortgage obligations: Defined and explained
A CMO is a type of mortgage-backed security that pools mortgage loans and sells them as investments. Here's how a collateralized mortgage obligation works.
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6-minute read
What is joint tenancy? Definition, pros, and cons
Joint tenancy is a way to co-own property with the right of survivorship. Learn how joint tenants share ownership and what happens if one owner dies.
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7-minute read
7 ways to prepare for a refinance appraisal
A home appraisal is an important part of many mortgage refinances. Use our refinance appraisal checklist to prepare and increase your chances of a good result.
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5-minute read
What is a kick-out clause and should you include one?
A kick-out clause allows sellers who’ve accepted an offer to continue showing their home. Learn about other features of a kick-out clause in real estat...
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6-minute read
Deficiency judgment: What it is and why it matters after foreclosure
A deficiency judgment can leave you owing money after foreclosure. Learn what a deficiency judgment is, when lenders pursue it, and how to avoid one.
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4-minute read
How to find liens on a property: A home buyer's guide
It's essential to find and clear any liens on a property you plan to buy. Here’s how to look for, find, and resolve liens on a property before you buy it.
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4-minute read
What is a dry closing in real estate?
In dry-funding states, everything except the payment can be completed at closing. Learn about how a dry closing works, what the risks are, and where it's legal.
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