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
13-minute read
Your ultimate guide to home loans for people with disabilities
Purchasing a home can present unique challenges for people with disabilities. Learn more about loan options and resources for home buyers with disabilities.
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7-minute read
FHA 203(k) loans: A complete guide
An FHA 203(k) loan allows you to buy and renovate a home in need of significant repairs with a single mortgage. Learn more about 203(k) loan qualifications.<...
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10-minute read
Qualifying for a mortgage: The basics
Many factors can determine whether you qualify for a mortgage. Learn what factors affect your mortgage qualification and how you can improve your chances.
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5-minute read
What does a title company do?
A title company is a third party that works on behalf of both the lender and the buyer. Learn more about what title companies do in the home buying process.<...
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4-minute read
Buying a condo with a VA loan
You can buy a condo with a VA loan as long as you’re eligible and the condo complex is VA-approved. Learn more about using a VA loan to buy a condo.
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3-minute read
What is a transfer tax?
A transfer tax is a one-time fee for transferring property ownership. Learn how transfer tax is assessed, state and local government rules, and how it works.
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8-minute read
House title: What you need to know
A house title indicates who has legal ownership of a property and the rights to use it any way they see fit. Learn more about how a house title works.
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5-minute read
VA home loan inspection requirements: What to know
VA loans don't require a standard home inspection, but they do require a VA appraisal, and the home must meet minimum property requirements. Learn more.
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8-minute read
How to buy a house with ‘bad’ credit: Loan options, requirements, and credit-building steps
Learn how to buy a house with bad credit, including about the lowest possible credit score, home loan options for bad credit, and ways to boost your score.
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