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
10-minute read
2025 guide to teacher home buying programs
It’s possible to own a home as a teacher. Learn how home buying programs and home loans for teachers can help you achieve homeownership.
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5-minute read
A guide to freehold estates
A freehold estate is a type of property ownership that can be held indefinitely and passed on forever. Learn more about the types of freehold estates here.
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6-minute read
Escrow holdback: How it can help you close on time
Your lender can demand a repair if an appraisal reveals a problem with the home you’re buying. Learn how an escrow holdback can keep your closing day o...
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7-minute read
Buying a house with a friend: Pros, cons and how to get started
It’s becoming more common to split costs and achieve homeownership by buying a house with a friend, but is it right for you? See what you should consider.
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6-minute read
Breaking a lease to buy a house: Can (and should) you do it?
Breaking a lease to buy a house can be tricky. Learn how to get out of a lease, how much it might cost you, the pros and cons, and weigh the alternatives.
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8-minute read
FHA down payment assistance: Everything you need to know
Down payment assistance is available to home buyers with an FHA loan, but restrictions and requirements exist. Learn about FHA grants for down payments here.
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4-minute read
11 tips for buying a house out of state
Looking to buy a house out of state but not sure how the process works? Read our article on what you need to know when purchasing a home in a different state...
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5-minute read
How to increase your mortgage preapproval amount
Buying your dream home may be more realistic than you think. Explore our guide to learn what might help increase your mortgage preapproval amount.
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6-minute read
How to take out equity from your home and save money monthly
Home equity loans, HELOCs, and cash-out refinances let you use your home equity. Learn how to draw on your home equity and understand your equity loan options.
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