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
7-minute read
Down payment assistance programs: What they are, and how they work
Learn how down payment assistance programs work, who qualifies, and where to find grants or loans that can help with upfront home buying costs. Start here.
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7-minute read
Is earthquake insurance worth it?
Your homeowners insurance excludes earthquake damage. Learn more about earthquake insurance, what it covers, what it costs, and how to decide if you need it.
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9-minute read
What is private mortgage insurance? PMI defined and explained
Learn what private mortgage insurance is, when PMI is required, how much it costs, and how to cancel it. Compare options before you apply.
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9-minute read
What are hard money loans and how do they work?
Learn how hard money loans work, what they cost, and when they may make sense for real estate investors. Compare risks and alternatives before you apply.
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8-minute read
VA loan vs. conventional loan: Key differences
Compare VA loan vs. conventional loan requirements, costs, benefits, and drawbacks to choose the right mortgage. Learn key differences and apply today.
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8-minute read
Is homeowners insurance required? What buyers need to know
Is a homeowners insurance policy required? Insurance is not legally required, but your lender will require you to carry a policy to protect its investment.
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4-minute read
VA jumbo loan limits, rates, and requirements
Yes, qualified borrowers can get a jumbo VA loan. Learn how these loans work, including requirements and whether you need a down payment or pay a funding fee...
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7-minute read
Should you consider a HELOC on your investment property?
A HELOC on an investment property can give you access to cash for improvements and further investments. Learn more about how they work and how to get one.
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8-minute read
What does clear to close mean? What to expect
Clear to close is an important milestone in the mortgage process. Learn what clear to close means, how it fits into underwriting, and what happens next.
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