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
5-minute read
FHLMC: Freddie Mac explained
The Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corp., better known as Freddie Mac, buys conforming conventional loans from private lenders to keep the mortgage market liquid.
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6-minute read
Float-down option: Can it lower your mortgage rate?
Want to protect yourself from higher mortgage rates? Read our article to learn all about the float-down option and how it can work with a mortgage rate lock....
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5-minute read
What is a co-borrower? A beginner's guide
If you’re unable to get a mortgage on your own, adding a co-borrower may increase your chances of approval. Learn more about how adding a co-borrower can ...
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4-minute read
Deed of reconveyance: Definition, process, and FAQ
A deed of reconveyance is a document that transfers title to a property from the mortgage lender to the borrower. Learn more about how a reconveyance works.<...
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3-minute read
Federal Reserve statement explained – April 2026
The Federal Reserve decided to hold the target range for the federal funds rate steady at 3.5% – 3.75% following its meeting on April 29.
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7-minute read
How do bond rates affect mortgage rates?
Learn how bond rates affect mortgages and how the bond and mortgage markets are closely connected. See how bond and mortgage rates fluctuate and understand the ...
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6-minute read
Quitclaim deed: A complete guide
A quitclaim deed is a legal document that transfers real estate without title or ownership guarantees. Find out how it works and when you may need to use one...
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6-minute read
What is a lease option and how does it work?
If you want to give a home a test drive, consider an option-to-purchase lease agreement. This contract allows part of your rent to go to a future sale.
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5-minute read
A guide for buying home warranty plans
Home warranties help you cover the cost of repairing or replacing appliances and home systems for a premium. Here's how they can protect your home and assets.
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