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
6-minute read
Can an LLC buy a house?
Yes, an LLC can buy a house, but lenders have specific requirements. Plus, it can be risky. Here’s what you should know before applying for a mortgage....
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5-minute read
Single-parent home loans: Programs, resources, tips, and strategies
Learn about single-parent home loan options, assistance programs, and resources that can make homeownership more affordable, plus tips and strategies to help.
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7-minute read
Drive-by appraisal: What it is and how it works
What is a drive-by appraisal? Learn how they work, when lenders choose to use them, the pros and cons, typical cost, and how accurate they typicall...
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8-minute read
What is tenancy by the entirety?
Tenancy by entirety allows married couples to each own 100% of the property as a single entity. Learn more about the pros and cons of this type of ownership.
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6-minute read
Appraisal gap: What home buyers need to know
An appraisal gap happens when a home appraises for less than your offer. Learn how appraisal gap coverage works and options to help keep your deal on track.
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5-minute read
A complete guide to short-term mortgages
A short-term mortgage lets you pay off your home much faster, but it comes with higher payments. If you can afford it, though, you'll save huge on interest.
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7-minute read
FHA down payment assistance: Everything you need to know
FHA down payment assistance comes from state, local, and nonprofit programs, as well as employers and lenders. Learn how it works, and where to find programs.
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7-minute read
Collateralized mortgage obligations: Defined and explained
A CMO is a type of mortgage-backed security that pools mortgage loans and sells them as investments. Here's how a collateralized mortgage obligation works.
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6-minute read
What is joint tenancy? Definition, pros, and cons
Joint tenancy is a way to co-own property with the right of survivorship. Learn how joint tenants share ownership and what happens if one owner dies.
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