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
How a jumbo loan works
Jumbo loans offer financing for properties that exceed conventional conforming mortgage limits. Before applying, borrowers should check out our guide.
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6-minute read
Mortgage forbearance: What it is and how it works
Mortgage forbearance lets you pause or reduce payments during financial hardship. See how it works, what it covers, and what to expect when the pause ends.
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6-minute read
Prepayment penalty: What it is and how to avoid it
A lender may charge a prepayment penalty when you pay off your mortgage early. Find out what triggers the penalty, how much it can cost, and how to avoid it.
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9-minute read
Can you refinance a VA loan?
Are you considering refinancing a VA loan? Learn about VA-backed and conventional refinance options and requirements to determine which works best for you.
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9-minute read
How long after an appraisal do you close?
Wondering how long after the appraisal you can close on your house? Learn how appraisals impact your loan and closing timeline, and key factors to consider.
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4-minute read
A guide to broker price opinion (BPO)
A broker price opinion (BPO) estimates a property's value based on comparable sales. Learn when a BPO is often used and how it differs from an appraisal.
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5-minute read
Assessed value vs. market value: Your questions answered
Confused about a property tax assessment vs. market value? The two similar terms both have to do with property value, but they are determined differently.
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10-minute read
Home equity loan on an investment property: A guide
Are you considering tapping into the equity of your investment property? Learn about whether a home equity loan on an investment property is right for you.
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6-minute read
California property tax guide for homeowners
California has a lower effective property tax rate than many other states. Learn about how the California property tax system works and what you may owe.
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