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

Recent Articles

Overhead view of Naples, Florida with homes along waterways.

5-minute read

Florida property tax guide for homeowners

Florida has a lower effective property tax rate than many other states. Learn about how the Florida property tax system works and what you can expect to owe....

Read more

Family cooking dinner together in newly remodeled kitchen.

9-minute read

How much income do I need for a $550K home?

How much house you can afford depends on factors like your income, credit score, and existing debts. Learn how much income you need for a $550,000 home.

Read more

Homes nestled in valley near snow capped mountain range during autumn.

9-minute read

FHA loans in Colorado

Colorado FHA loan limits depend on which county you plan on buying in and the market value of the home. Here are the current limits for FHA loans in Colorado.

Read more

Front view of white bungalow with autumn wreath and pumpkin on top step.

6-minute read

How much house can I afford on a $60K salary?

Are you considering buying a house on a $60,000 annual income? Learn about how much house you could afford and which mortgage programs are available.

Read more

Multigenerational family preparing a meal in a white remodeled kitchen.

8-minute read

FHA loans in Pennsylvania

FHA loan requirements in Pennsylvania include credit score, income, and down payment requirements, among others. Find out what it takes to qualify for one here.

Read more

Two story white brick home in spring.

9-minute read

FHA loans in Tennessee

An FHA loan can help you buy a Tennessee home with a low down payment and lenient requirements. Learn more about FHA loans and how much you can borrow.

Read more

Large white house with a staggered roof.

7-minute read

How to claim the property tax deduction: A helpful guide

If you're a homeowner, you can claim a property tax deduction up to $10,000 ($5,000 if you're married and filing separately). Read this comprehensive guide befo...

Read more

Ranch-style home with tan siding, stone accents and a beautifully manicured lawn.

6-minute read

How much house can you afford with a $100K salary?

Starting your home buying journey with a salary of $100,000 a year? Find out your mortgage options and how much house you can afford with $100K.

Read more

Young couple looking out sliding glass doors to expansive wooded hills in their home, drinking coffee.

10-minute read

FHA loans in Virginia

FHA loans can help buyers afford a home in Virginia with a low down payment and less-than-perfect credit. Learn how FHA loans work and who's eligible.

Read more

2 of 33