Headshot of Tom McLean

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.

Expertise

Mortgage
Personal Finance
Real Estate

Education

University of Arizona, Bachelor of Arts in journalism

Recent Articles

Family with young kids snuggling on sunny beach together.

4-minute read

Average closing costs in California

Higher home prices in California mean you can expect to pay more in closing costs. Learn more about typical closing costs when buying a home in California.

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Large white house with colorful landscaping on a hill.

5-minute read

How much house can I afford with a $120K salary?

Are you considering buying a house on a $120,000 annual salary? Learn about how much house you could afford and which mortgage options you can choose from.

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Male loan officer carefully explaining mortgage details on computer screen to engaged woman customer.

7-minute read

What is Section 8 housing?

The Section 8 housing program low-income, disabled, and elderly individuals afford to rent or buy a safe, sanitary home. Learn how to apply for Section 8.

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Mother snuggling and smiling with her baby on white couch with large sliding glass doors behind her featuring wooded yard.

9-minute read

How much is a mortgage on a $900K house?

Expect the mortgage payment on a home costing $900,000 to be between $5,000 and $8,000 per month, depending on your down payment, mortgage rate, and loan ter...

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Small family of three playing a board game together, with a small dog nearby.

7-minute read

How much house can I afford with a $90K salary?

Starting your home buying journey with a salary of $90,000 a year? Learn more about your mortgage options and how much house you can afford with $90,000.

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Cobbled driveway leading to a large brick home set back in the woods.

7-minute read

What salary do I need to afford a $1 million home?

How much house you can afford is determined by a number of factors. Learn how much income you need to afford a $1 million home.

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Woman with baby in southwestern  landscape featuring large cacti and mountains in background.

9-minute read

FHA loans in Arizona

FHA loans can help you buy a home in Arizona with a low down payment and flexible credit requirements. Learn how FHA loans work and the Arizona loan limits.

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Main street on Mackinac Island in Michigan, dotted with pedestrians and horse carriages.

4-minute read

Average closing costs in Michigan

Closing costs in Michigan are typically lower than the national average. Before you close on a house in Michigan, calculate the anticipated closing costs.

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Bird's eye view of Magothy River in Maryland.

5-minute read

How to buy a home in Maryland

Lean more about how to buy a home in Maryland, with step-by-step guidance, market information, tips for finding a lender and agent, and being ready to close....

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