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

Media mentions

Recent Articles

A women possibly enjoying a cup of coffee while looking outside the window.

7-minute read

Can you buy a house after bankruptcy? What you need to know

If you're wondering if you can buy a house after bankruptcy, the answer is yes. Learn more about how long it takes and how to get started with this process.<...

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Young couple in kitchen looking at tablet together. There is an orange on the kitchen table nearby.

8-minute read

FHA loans in Florida

Learn how an FHA loan can help you buy a home in Florida, even with less-than-perfect credit. Learn FHA down payment requirements and loan limits in Florida.

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Young boy playing basketball on garage hoop.

9-minute read

FHA loans in Ohio

An FHA loan can help borrowers buy a home in Ohio with a low down payment and flexible credit requirements. Learn how FHA loans work when buying an Ohio home.

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Blue vintage mobile home with built on deck and large potted plants.

8-minute read

How a mobile home refinance works

A mobile home refinance is possible for those looking to consolidate their existing loan. Read more about how the manufactured home refinance process works.<...

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Couple snuggling on couch and reviewing information online on open laptop.

6-minute read

Down payment assistance programs and grants: What they are and how they work

Learn about down payment assistance programs and how you can apply for grants and loans that can help you afford the up-front costs of buying a home.

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A young black couple moving into a new home, carrying boxes and belongings.

8-minute read

Your complete move-in checklist

Don’t stress during your move. This checklist from Rocket Mortgage can help you simplify your move before, during, and after arriving in your new home.

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Young girl running along beach on Atalantic Ocean with properties in the distance.

4-minute read

Average closing costs in North Carolina

Closing costs in North Carolina are generally lower than the national average. Learn more about what's included in these costs and who pays them.

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Family with young kids snuggling on sunny beach together.

4-minute read

Average closing costs in California

Higher home prices in California mean you can expect to pay more in closing costs. Learn more about typical closing costs when buying a home in California.

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Male loan officer carefully explaining mortgage details on computer screen to engaged woman customer.

7-minute read

What is Section 8 housing?

The Section 8 housing program low-income, disabled, and elderly individuals afford to rent or buy a safe, sanitary home. Learn how to apply for Section 8.

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