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
4-minute read
What’s in the 21st Century ROAD to Housing Act?
The 21st Century ROAD to Housing Act covers everything from points and fees on small loans to appraisals to manufactured housing. We have the highlights.
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10-minute read
Types of home loans and how they work
Compare types of home loans, from conventional and FHA to VA, USDA, and jumbo loans. Learn how each works, down payments, and how to choose. Start here.
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9-minute read
Types of VA loans: A guide to your options
Compare the different types of VA loans, eligibility, benefits, and fees so you can choose the right purchase, refinance, or renovation option. Learn more.
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8-minute read
What does a title company do?
What does a title company do in home buying? Learn how title search, insurance, escrow, and closing protect your purchase, then start your mortgage application.
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10-minute read
What is cost basis in real estate?
Learn what cost basis in real estate means, what can increase or reduce it, and how to calculate adjusted basis before you sell. Read the guide.
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8-minute read
What does a real estate broker do?
A real estate broker typically supervises buyer’s and seller’s agents within a brokerage, ensuring transactions are handled professionally and accur...
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7-minute read
Reasonable requests after home inspection: What to ask for
Learn what’s a reasonable request to make after the home inspection, what sellers may fix, when to ask for credits, and how to negotiate confidently.
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5-minute read
What is a purchase agreement for a house?
Learn what a purchase agreement for a house includes, who prepares it and what happens after signing. Read the guide before you close.
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5-minute read
Nonconforming loans: What are they and how do they work?
Wondering what a nonconforming loan is and how one works? Learn about your mortgage options and see whether a nonconforming loan is the best option for you.
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