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
7-minute read
Mortgage rate lock: A guide to protect you from rate fluctuations
A mortgage rate lock protects your interest rate from changing before you close. Learn what it is, how long it lasts, and how to use it to your advantage.
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9-minute read
Home equity loan vs. personal loan: What's the best option?
While both home equity loans and personal loans have their own advantages, they differ in important ways. Learn about the benefits and drawbacks of each.
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6-minute read
Does refinancing hurt your credit?
While refinancing your mortgage can temporarily lower your credit score, the long-term benefits can pay off. Read more about how refinancing affects credit.
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7-minute read
How long does it take to close on a house?
Closing typically takes 30 - 60 days, but delays can extend the timeline. Learn how long the process takes and how to ensure you close as quickly as possible.
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7-minute read
Is a home equity loan a good idea?
A home equity loan can be a good idea for some homeowners but risky for others. Here are the financial and personal factors to consider before applying.
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5-minute read
What is fixture in real estate, and how is it determined?
Knowing what is and isn't a fixture in real estate can help you avoid disputes during a sale. Learn how a fixture is determined and about common gray areas.<...
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7-minute read
Everything you should know about financing a modular home
A modular home is built in a factory and installed on a permanent foundation. They're often more affordable, and you can buy one with most mortgage types.
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3-minute read
What is an automated valuation model (AVM)?
An automated valuation model (AVM) is a data-driven tool that estimates property values. Learn how AVMs work, how accurate they are, and when they can help.<...
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5-minute read
Ownership interest: What it means for property owners
An ownership interest in a property refers to the real estate rights held by one or more owners. Learn more about the various types of ownership interest.
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