Trusted Private Money Lender Since 2015
A trusted leader in diverse, high yield, and risk-managed investments.
Capital solutions for every side of the deal.
Bridge loans with fast closings for real estate investors across the West.
Land acquisition and commercial bridge capital across the Western US, underwritten by people who know the market.
Accredited investors participate in loan opportunities backed by recorded deeds of trust on real property.
Our Story
Miller Bates, LLC is a private money lender based in Salt Lake City, Utah. Founded in 2015 by Dick Miller and David Bates, the firm specializes in short-term, asset-backed real estate loans across the Western United States.
Today, the combined team has funded over $250 million in loans across Arizona, Colorado, Idaho, Montana, New Mexico, Oregon, Texas, Utah, Washington, and Wyoming — every loan originated and serviced in-house, backed by recorded deeds of trust, and closed through a title company and attorney.
Recently Funded
FUNDED
6 Residential Lots
Hideout, UT
FUNDED
28 Acres Commercial Land
St. George area, UT
REFINANCED
18 Residential Lots
Alpine, UT
FUNDED
9.49 Acres Residential Land
Vashon, WA
Where We Lend
Local underwriting, local due diligence. We lend where we know the ground.
For Borrowers
Tell us about your deal — property type, location, timeline, and capital needed.
A team member looks at your request and gets back to you with next steps.
Private capital means private timelines. We move when the deal is right.
Focus on your project. We handle the capital so you can handle the work.
For Investors
Complete a short investor questionnaire to begin the qualification process.
One of our partners will walk you through current opportunities and answer your questions.
Select the loans that match your goals and complete the required paperwork.
Interest payments distributed monthly during the active life of each loan.
Why Invest With Us
Interest payments are distributed monthly during the active life of the loan. Every deal is different, and every deal is documented.
Private money lending since 2015. Experience across market cycles.
We lend across the West because we know the markets we operate in. Local underwriting, local due diligence.
As soon as 14 days. Private capital means private timelines — no bank committees slowing us down.
No hidden fees, no surprises.
Every loan closed with an attorney and title company. Every loan backed by recorded deeds of trust, title insurance, and legal documentation.
You deal with decision makers, not call centers. We answer our phones and return our emails.
Meet the Team
Borrower, Broker, Investor Relations
With Miller Bates since founding. 25+ years of prior finance and real-estate experience and the long-standing point of contact for many of the firm's clients.
Underwriting
University of Utah economics graduate. Certified Private Lender Associate through the American Association of Private Lenders.
Investor Relations
UVU accounting graduate. Joined Miller Bates in May 2015 after working at a large accounting firm.
Co-Founder
40+ years in real estate and financial planning. University of Utah business graduate and long-time Community Nursing Services Trustee.
Underwriting — Emeritus
BYU accounting graduate and Certified Private Lender Associate. Retired end of 2024; continues to consult.
Co-Founder — Emeritus
Joined Dick Miller in 2015 to form Miller Bates. Retired 2018.
What Clients Say
Rated 5.0 from 22 Google reviews
“I have worked with Miller Bates for a couple decades now. They have been very conscientious in caring for my investments. Melissa has been particularly helpful. They truly look after the best interest of their customers and I look forward to many more years of association with them!”Stephen King · Google review
“The Miller Bates group provided fast execution, ensuring the financing process was completed efficiently. Their loan terms aligned well with the project structure and allowed for smooth phase-by-phase implementation. I would recommend them for timely and effective loan support.”Andrew Hall · Google review
“They always go above and beyond to make sure the projects they get into are thoroughly scrubbed. Us investors then have a better understanding of the projects we want to participate in. Their online platform to use to make these investments is very easy and user friendly.”Desmond L. · Google review
“We have been with Miller Bates for a number of years and have been treated professionally from our very first visit to years later as we continue to invest. I have appreciated their communication, updates on investments, newsletters and their willingness to listen.”Brent Jones · Google review
“I have been with MillerBates for about 12 years. I find them easy to work with and I trust them completely. They keep me up to date and answer any questions I have. Very smart and on the ball.”Pat Levin · Google review
“Miller Bates provides custom and unique solutions for investors, I highly recommend them. Their personable approach and professionalism are over the top!!”Todd Ables · Google review
FAQ
Since 2015, approximately 8% of originated loans have gone to foreclosure (as of December 2025). Foreclosure is part of asset-based lending and does happen. When it does, we work to protect the note and the investors participating in it. Outcomes on a foreclosed loan can range from 0–100% of expected return, which is why we describe note rates as a range rather than a fixed number.
Primarily short-term bridge loans secured by real estate, ranging from $750,000 to $4,000,000. We lend on residential and commercial land, as well as commercial buildings across the Western US.
Loan rates typically range 10%–13% APR with LTV up to 65%. Original terms run 3–12 months with optional 1–12 month extensions. Every loan is secured by a first-position deed of trust on real property plus the borrower's personal guaranty, closed through a title company and attorney.
Arizona, Colorado, Idaho, Montana, New Mexico, Oregon, Texas, Utah, Washington, and Wyoming.
Investors elect to participate in a specific loan and purchase a percentage of that specific loan through a Note Participation Agreement. Funds are not pooled across loans. Monthly interest payments are distributed from performing loans during the active life of the loan.
Yes. Investment opportunities are limited to accredited investors as defined under Regulation D of the Securities Act of 1933. Self-certification is part of the sign-up flow.
As soon as 14 days from approval to funding, depending on title work and due diligence.
Get Started
Whether you're looking for funding or looking to invest, we'd love to talk.
Start with the short accredited-investor form. We'll schedule a call from there.
Invest With Us(801) 990-2222 · info@millerbates.com
1245 East Brickyard Road, Suite 230, Salt Lake City, UT 84106
Monday–Friday, 8:30 AM – 5:00 PM Mountain Time
Miller Bates, LLC is a private money lender headquartered in Salt Lake City, Utah. Co-founded in 2015 by Dick Miller and David Bates, the firm offers short-term bridge loans for real estate investors across Arizona, Colorado, Idaho, Montana, New Mexico, Oregon, Texas, Utah, Washington, and Wyoming. Loans range from $750,000 to $4,000,000 with rates typically 10–13% APR, loan-to-value up to 65%, and original terms of 3–12 months plus optional 1–12 month extensions. Every loan is secured by a first-position deed of trust on real property plus the borrower's personal guaranty. Accredited investors can participate directly in individual loans (minimum $50,000 per project) rather than in pooled funds. Since 2015, 8% of originated loans have gone to foreclosure (as of December 2025). Contact: (801) 990-2222, info@millerbates.com.