Tom McLean is a veteran writer, editor, and author with more than 30 years’ experience as a professional journalist.

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

A couple with a real estate agent, potentially engaging in property discussions or viewings.

10-minute read

14 questions to ask a mortgage lender

The best way to pinpoint the right mortgage lender for you is to ask plenty of questions. Read through these 14 essential ones to get you started.

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Exterior of a southern home with large pink flowers on bushes.

8-minute read

How to buy a house in Tennessee

Are you considering a move to the Volunteer State? Learn about Tennessee’s current real estate market, the home buying process, and the top cities to live...

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A man and a women looking at the laptop and smiling.

6-minute read

Should I pay off my mortgage or invest?

Deciding whether to pay off a mortgage or invest can be tricky. Get familiar with all of the potential financial risks and rewards before making this decision.

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An illustration of a multifamily home, depicting residential housing for multiple families or tenants.

7-minute read

Non-owner-occupied mortgage rates: What investors need to know

Explore non-owner-occupied mortgage rates, key requirements, and financing options for your investment property goals to determine what’s best for you.

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A turquoise bicycle on a front porch, adding a decorative element to the entrance of a home.

6-minute read

Low housing inventory: How it affects the real estate market

Low housing inventory results from an increase in demand for houses without the supply to meet it. Understand how this affects the real estate market.

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Man smiling and holding two fluffy small dogs in living room.

9-minute read

What is a bridge loan and how does it work?

A bridge loan can allow you to finance a new home before selling your current one. Learn about how bridge loans work and whether you should consider one.

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Couple looking at a home, potentially discussing or exploring a property they're interested in purchasing.

6-minute read

Don’t fall for these 7 mortgage myths: What first-time home buyers should know

Buying your first home? Don’t let outdated mortgage myths hold you back. Discover the...

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Aerial view of historial home in Mississippi.

8-minute read

Buying a house in Mississippi: What you should know

Are you considering buying a house in Mississippi? Learn a...

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Couple doing financial planning on a laptop, indicating financial management or budgeting.

5-minute read

How to understand your mortgage statement

Your mortgage statement includes important information like due dates and your loan balance...

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