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
8-minute read
How much house can I afford on $50K?
Are you wondering if it's possible to buy a house on a $50,000 yearly salary? Learn more about how much house you can afford and what affects that amount.
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4-minute read
FHA mortgage insurance removal: A how-to guide
All FHA loans require you to pay up-front and ongoing mortgage insurance premiums (MIP). Learn when and how you can remove MIP from your mortgage payment.
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7-minute read
VA loan limits for 2026: What you need to know
Loan limits cap the amount you can borrow for a mortgage, but VA loans usually don't have a limit. Learn when a loan limit might apply and how they work.
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4-minute read
Average closing costs in Florida
The average closing costs when buying a home in Florida are higher than the national average. Learn more about Florida closing costs and who pays them.
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7-minute read
What is the average monthly mortgage payment in Georgia?
Discover the average monthly mortgage payment in Georgia, the criteria that affect it, and how it compares nationally. Learn key facts and figures to budget for...
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6-minute read
VA appraisal fees: What to expect
Are you considering a VA loan but don’t know what costs to expect? Learn more about VA appraisal fees, one common fee with this loan type.
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5-minute read
Average closing costs in Georgia
Closing costs when buying in Georgia are higher than average, so you'll need to be prepared to cover them. Learn more about average closing costs in Georgia.
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10-minute read
The pros and cons of bridge loans
A bridge loan is a short-term loan that lets a homeowner use the equity in their home when buying a new home. Learn about the pros and cons of bridge loans.
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5-minute read
How to shop for a home loan in 5 steps
Planning to buy a house? One of the first steps in the process is securing a home loan. Learn how to shop for a mortgage and find the best rate here.
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