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
A guide for buying home warranty plans
Home warranties help you cover the cost of repairing or replacing appliances and home systems for a premium. Here's how they can protect your home and assets.
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5-minute read
Convertible ARM loan: Is it right for you?
A convertible ARM loan lets you switch from an adjustable interest rate to a fixed rate. Learn the pros and cons of buying a home with a convertible ARM.
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7-minute read
A guide to the home inspection contingency
A home inspection contingency allows buyers to respond to results within a specific time frame. Learn how to successfully navigate and reply to an inspection.
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8-minute read
How to get a land loan: Everything you need to know
A land loan is used to finance the purchase of a plot of land. However, securing this financing is different from securing other loans. Here's what you should k...
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7-minute read
What is an appraisal contingency, and when should I use it?
An appraisal contingency lets you renegotiate or walk away if a home appraises below your offer price. Learn how it works, and when waiving it may be risk...
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5-minute read
PITI: What it stands for and what it means
Your mortgage payment includes principal, interest, taxes, and insurance, also known as PITI. Learn how PITI can help you budget effectively for buying a home.
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7-minute read
5/1 vs. 7/6 vs. 10/6 adjustable-rate loans: A guide
When buying a home with an adjustable-rate loan, the reset schedule will affect your budget. Learn how 5/1, 7/6, and 10/6 ARMs differ and which might suit you.
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6-minute read
Conditional approval for a mortgage: What it means and what to do next
Conditionally approved for a mortgage? Learn what it means, common lender conditions, what can still derail approval, and how to reach clear to close.
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6-minute read
Preapproval vs. prequalification: What’s the difference?
Preapproval and prequalification are both important steps toward getting a mortgage, but what’s the difference? Learn when you need each and what to do ne...
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