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
What is a 20-year mortgage, and should you consider one?
A 20-year fixed mortgage is a loan with payments over a 20-year term. Learn how these mortgages compare to other loans and see Rocket Mortgage’s current r...
Read more
4-minute read
How the constant maturity Treasury rate affects your mortgage
The Constant Maturity Treasury rate plays a key role in determining adjustable-rate mortgage interest rates. Learn how the CMT rate impacts mortgage payments...
Read more
5-minute read
Accessory dwelling unit, or ADU, defined and explained
An accessory dwelling unit is a separate living space located within your home or on your property. Find out more about ADUs and how one might work for you.<...
Read more
5-minute read
APR vs. interest rate: What's the difference?
Interest rate and annual percentage rate are terms you’ll often see when comparing mortgages and other loans. Learn the difference between APR and inte...
Read more
10-minute read
A guide to bank statements for your mortgage
Are you self-employed or a freelancer who wants to buy a home? If you have income but it isn’t reflected on a W2, a bank statement loan could be right ...
Read more
6-minute read
Rent-to-own apartments and condos: An entry to homeownership
Rent-to-own programs can help in reaching homeownership goals over time. Discover rent-to-own apartments, condo programs, and their benefits and drawbacks.
Read more
8-minute read
Understanding bird dogs in real estate: What they are and how to become one
A bird dog identifies underpriced properties and sells these leads to experienced investors. Learn the role bird dogs play in the larger real estate ecosystem.
Read more
3-minute read
What is the NMLS, and how can I get my license?
The Nationwide Mortgage Licensing System, or NMLS, is a database of licensed mortgage loan originators. Learn more about the NMLS and how to get a license.
Read more
6-minute read
A walk-through on how to apply for a mortgage
The mortgage application process has five important steps. Learn each step of the mortgage process from start to finish for a smooth path to homeownership.
Read more