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

White ranch style home with tiled roof in California surrounded by trees.

10-minute read

FHA loans in California

Homes are expensive in California, but an FHA loan can help aspiring homeowners afford a home with a low down payment and flexible credit requirements.

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Southwest style white stucco home with Spanish style tiled roof and rounded doorway and windows. Landscape is drougt resistant.

13-minute read

FHA loans in Texas

An FHA loan in Texas may let you buy a home with a low down payment and flexible credit options. See how to qualify for one here.

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Ranch style home in Contemporary style with wood framing, black garage door and front door and white exterior.

4-minute read

Texas property tax guide for homeowners

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

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NYC street corner with old-fashioned brick apartment building.

6-minute read

New York property tax guide for homeowners

New York has a higher effective property tax rate than many other states. Learn about how New York property taxes work and how much you can expect to pay.

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Palm Springs midcentury modern ranch style home in white with large front yard landscaped with palm trees.

12-minute read

Buying a house in California: A guide

Are you considering buying a home in the Golden State? Learn about California’s housing market, top cities, and the buying process so you know what to ...

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Ranch house with bay window and basketball hoop in driveway.

5-minute read

How much house can I afford on $80K?

Starting your home buying journey with a salary of $80,000 a year? Find out your mortgage options and how much house you can afford on $80,000.

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A header image related to home loans specifically tailored for people with disabilities, possibly featuring accessibility adaptations or services provided.

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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A couple of new construction homes along a suburban street.

5-minute read

Average closing costs in Texas

Average closing costs when buying a home in Texas are higher the national average. Learn what you can expect to pay when you close on your new home...

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Aerial view of Vail Colorado with mountains in background.

3-minute read

Average closing costs in Colorado

Closing costs in Colorado are lower than the national average but will vary depending on the price of the home. Learn more about who pays closing costs.

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