Tom McLean is a veteran writer, editor, and author with more than 30 years’ experience as a professional journalist.

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

Line of homes along the water in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.

4-minute read

Average closing costs in Pennsylvania

Closing costs in Pennsylvania are, on average, higher than they are in other states. Learn more about what closing costs you can expect to pay on a house in ...

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Close up of clients and Realtor reviewing contract.

4-minute read

Choosing a bridge loan vs. a HELOC: What's right for you?

Bridge loans and HELOCs can cover you financially if you need to buy and sell a house at the same time. Learn more about which is best for you.

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Historic home in Farmington Hills, Michigan.

5-minute read

How to buy a home in Michigan

Median home prices in Michigan are significantly lower than the national average. Learn everything you need to know about preparing to buy a home in Michigan.

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A quiet residential street lined with homes with snow on the ground.

4-minute read

Average closing costs in New York

Closing costs in New York state are higher than the national average. Learn more about which fees you must pay when you’re buying or selling in New Yor...

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Senior couple sitting on sofa in home with a tablet and relaxing together.

9-minute read

How to buy a house in Georgia

Is Georgia on your mind? Here’s what buyers should know about the market and how to prepare to buy a house in Georgia.

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Senior couple sitting on a couch at home with a laptop and book.

8-minute read

How much is a mortgage on a $300K house?

A mortgage on a $300,000 home could cost you between $1,800 and $2,500 a month just for interest and principal. Here’s how to determine if you can affo...

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Front view of similar brick houses with red and blue door.

9-minute read

What is a VA IRRRL Streamline refinance?

A VA IRRRL may be the best option for you if you want lower monthly payments. Read our article to learn more about VA Streamline refinance and how it works.<...

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Row of homes along a sidewalk in German Village neighborhood in Ohio.

4-minute read

Average closing costs in Ohio

Closing costs in Ohio are lower than the national average. However, it's still important to know how much to expect to pay. Learn how much closing costs are ...

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A street lined with cars and buildings in Reading, Pennsylvania.

5-minute read

How to buy a house in Pennsylvania

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

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