Headshot of Tom McLean

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

Media mentions

Recent Articles

Aerial view of historial home in Mississippi.

8-minute read

Buying a house in Mississippi: What you should know

Are you considering buying a house in Mississippi? Learn a...

Read more

Couple looking at a home, potentially discussing or exploring a property they're interested in purchasing.

6-minute read

Don’t fall for these 7 mortgage myths: What first-time home buyers should know

Buying your first home? Don’t let outdated mortgage myths hold you back. Discover the...

Read more

Couple doing financial planning on a laptop, indicating financial management or budgeting.

5-minute read

How to understand your mortgage statement

Your mortgage statement includes important information like due dates and your loan balance...

Read more

Smiling businessmen shaking hands, symbolizing a successful business deal or partnership.

6-minute read

Highest and best offer: What buyers should know

A highest and best offer might be requested by a seller who has received multiple offers on their home. Learn more about this offer and its potential impact....

Read more

A luxury kitchen with a marble slab backsplash and modern appliances.

6-minute read

What are lender credits used for when buying a house?

Lender credits let you roll your closing costs into your loan for a higher interest rate. Learn about lender credits and if they could be helpful to you.

Read more

Couple shaking hands with an agent, possibly after finalizing a real estate deal or signing an agreement.

7-minute read

Are closing costs negotiable?

When buying or refinancing a house, some of your closing costs may be negotiable. Learn which closing costs you can negotiate to save money on your mortgage.

Read more

A couple looking at an iPad in a kitchen.

7-minute read

How to lower your mortgage payment

Paying off your mortgage doesn’t always go as planned, but there are ways to reduce your monthly payments. Learn how to lower your mortgage payment here.

Read more

Young couple reviewing documents with a real estate agent.

8-minute read

What is a mortgage? Loan basics for beginners

A mortgage is a loan that’s used to buy real estate. Learn more about how a mortgage works,...

Read more

Historic brick multistory home.

6-minute read

Can you buy a foreclosed home with an FHA loan?

You can buy a foreclosed home with an FHA loan, but there are rules that can make it harder to compete. Learn more about buying foreclosures with FHA loans.

Read more

16 of 37