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 are panelized homes and how are they built?
Panelized homes are made from kits made in a factory and...
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4-minute read
Interest rate caps: What are they and how do they work?
An interest rate cap limits how much your interest rate will rise on an adjustable-rate mortgage (ARM). Find out more about rate caps and how they work.
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8-minute read
VA renovation loan: How to qualify and apply
A VA home renovation loan lets you bundle your home purchase and renovation costs into a single loan. Find out if you meet the requirements and how to apply....
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4-minute read
How long should you keep your mortgage statements?
Wondering how long to keep your mortgage statements? Learn what to save, what...
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7-minute read
Tax deed vs. tax lien: Key differences
While tax deeds and tax liens both address unpaid property taxes, only tax deeds can lead to an immediate transfer of property ownership. Learn how they differ.
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5-minute read
VA loan vs. conventional loan: What's the difference?
Conventional and VA loans are two different types of mortgages. Trying to decide which is best for you? Read our guide on VA loans vs. conventional loans.
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4-minute read
Single-purpose reverse mortgages: What you need to know
Wondering whether a single-purpose reverse mortgage may be right for you? Learn what it is and the pros and cons of a single-purpose reverse mortgage.
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5-minute read
How to choose a mortgage lender in 5 steps
Choosing the right lender can save you time, money, and peace of mind in the long run. Use these steps to pick the best home loan lender for your finances.
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7-minute read
The costs of buying a house that first-time home buyers should prepare for
There are many ongoing and up-front costs associated wit...
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