Portrait of a middle-aged man with gray hair and a mustache, wearing a dark blazer and maroon shirt, standing outdoors with green leafy bushes in the background.

Loan Originator

NMLS#: 1916627

jim@oldwestlending.com

(602) 689-1090

Hello,
I'm Jim Baca

I was born and raised in Socorro, New Mexico and currently live in Mesa, Arizona.  I am a licensed Mortgage loan Originator serving in New Mexico and Colorado.

After graduating from high school in 1984, for a brief time attended New Mexico State University in Las Cruces, NM. While there, I worked for Little Caesars Pizza.  I started as a crew member and moved my way up the ladder up to Director of Operations.

I met my wife Judy in 1985, got married in 1992 and have three grown and successful children.   In 1998, we moved to Arizona for more job opportunities.

I went back to school in 2000 and graduated with a bachelor’s degree in information systems from the University of Phoenix in 2002.  As a result, I moved into an Information Systems Manager position with Levy Restaurants. In 2004, I obtained a Master of Science degree in Information Systems. 

What got me from IT to mortgage lending?  I have purchased a total of four homes.   Every time I applied for and prepared for my various mortgage loans, there was always the mortgage broker who was only interested in closing a loan.  In my experience, they were often pushy and rarely available to discuss or answer any questions we had on the mortgage loan. I could not talk to anyone about the status of my loan process.  If there was an issue, it felt like there was no one to look for alternatives or help in any way.

At Old West Lending, I can assure my applicants I will not be that way. I understand the anxiety and stress related to applying for and getting an affordable mortgage loan rate with reasonable payments.   I will always be available for you to ask any questions or help solve any mortgage loan related issues. I will look for every opportunity for you, the homebuyer, to make this a positive experience.

Testimonials

  • Ambee M.

    “As first time homebuyers we were a little nervous about the whole process. Rebecca was the BEST!!!! She was there step by step and answered all our questions. She explained each phase of the process and was a pleasure working with!!!! I would most definitely recommend Old West Lending.”

  • Nakiia Harrison

    “…Paul made the entire experience as smoothly as possible. He was extremely patient, knowledgeable, understanding and kind, through the many roadblocks. He always responded to my emails and calls at any hour, and still responds after my deal was complete. I recommend him to anyone purchasing a home; You’re definitely in the right hands with him.”

  • Matthew Hunter

    Greatest mortgage broker you’ll ever find. Never met Paul in person but he treated me like I’ve known him forever. Paul made my entire home buying process completely effortless. I have never purchased a home, but I’ve never heard anyone describe it as easy, even with a recent repo on my record, Paul made it easy.

  • Luis H.

    “My first time ever buying a home, and I was dealing with a very compressed timeline. Without Paul, I don't think I would have my home now. Very proactive, very knowledgeable, and very quick to find answers. Paul and Old West Lending were able to find the best program for my situation and I couldn't be more pleased to have chosen them as a lender.”

  • Yazmin Dominguez

    “If you need financing look no further. Paul and his team are the best!!!! When we got 2 “No’s” Paul said “Yes”. He was patient and worked hard from start to finish to get us approved. He responded on nights and weekends and always so fast. We had almost given up but we put our last hope in Paul and he delivered.”

  • Elizabeth Villa

    “As a first time homebuyer, I highly recommend Old West Lending. We had a very good experience working with them. With the help of Rebecca Licalsi, our process was very easy and smooth. It was easy to get in contact with her, and she answered all of our questions. Old West Lending has an amazing team!”