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
5-minute read
Adjustable-rate mortgages: The pros and cons
Adjustable-rate mortgages start with lower interest rates that later adjust, affecting your monthly payment. Learn more about the pros and cons of an ARM.
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8-minute read
7 dangerous real estate scams and how to avoid them
Buyers and sellers must take the threat of real estate scams seriously. Here are 7 of the most common fraudulent real estate schemes to watch out for.
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8-minute read
Home equity loans: A complete guide
A home equity loan is a second mortgage that allows you to borrow your equity as a lump sum, using your home as collateral. Learn more about home equity loans.
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6-minute read
What is annual percentage rate and how does it work in real estate?
Annual percentage rate (APR) is the rate your loan will accrue interest at over the repayment term. See how APR works on a mortgage and why it’s important...
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10-minute read
How to repair your credit score in 6 steps
Ready to bump up your credit score? We’ll help you understand what your credit score means and walk you through six ways you can improve your credit score...
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5-minute read
When to rent vs. buy a house: Weighing the pros and cons
When relocating to a new place for a job, you have a choice between renting or buying a home. Explore the pros and cons of each approach before deciding.
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7-minute read
Relocation mortgage loans: How to relocate with a low down payment
Employees relocating for work may feel their down payment isn’t enough. If this is you, learn more about relocation loans and how they may help you mak...
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5-minute read
Offer dates in real estate: What buyers and sellers need to know
In some real estate transactions, the seller decides to set an offer review date for their home. Learn about what this means for buyers and sellers.
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6-minute read
Green architecture: What is it, and what are its goals?
Green architecture is a design movement committed to building homes that don’t damage our environment. Learn more about the principles of green archite...
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