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
9-minute read
What credit score do you need to buy a house?
Wondering what credit score you need to buy a house? There’s often no hard answer, but higher scores will always mean more options. Check out practical ad...
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7-minute read
A guide to home equity loan closing costs
Home equity loan closing costs typically range from 3% to 6% of your loan amount. Explore t...
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7-minute read
Step-by-step FHA loan process
Learn the step-by-step FHA loan process – from preapproval to closing –with timelines, requirements, and costs explained. Prepare and apply wit...
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10-minute read
14 questions to ask a mortgage lender
The best way to pinpoint the right mortgage lender for you is to ask plenty of questions. Read through these 14 essential ones to get you started.
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4-minute read
Understanding fully amortized loans
A fully amortized loan isn’t as confusing as it may sound. Read about how fully amortized loans work, what they’re for and what the payments consist...
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8-minute read
How to buy a house in Tennessee
Are you considering a move to the Volunteer State? Learn about Tennessee’s current real estate market, the home buying process, and the top cities to live...
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7-minute read
Non-owner-occupied mortgage rates: What investors need to know
Explore non-owner-occupied mortgage rates, key requirements, and financing options for your investment property goals to determine what’s best for you.
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6-minute read
Low housing inventory: How it affects the real estate market
Low housing inventory results from an increase in demand for houses without the supply to meet it. Understand how this affects the real estate market.
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9-minute read
What is a bridge loan and how does it work?
A bridge loan can allow you to finance a new home before selling your current one. Learn about how bridge loans work and whether you should consider one.
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