Solving Real World Problems Using Private Money Loans
Insights from My Interview on KPCW’s Mountain Money
When most people think of real estate financing, they picture slow banks, endless paperwork, and rigid underwriting. That’s exactly what I discussed recently on KPCW’s Mountain Money — how smart real estate investors and homeowners are using private money real estate loans to move faster, solve problems, and create opportunities even when traditional banks say no.
I’m Corey Dutton, founder of High West Lending. I started this company back in 2008, right at the start of the financial crisis, when the banks had locked up completely. Since then, I’ve funded over $550 million in private real estate loans across the Western U.S., helping investors close fast and capitalize on time-sensitive deals.
1. Private Loans Are for the Savvy — Not the Desperate
Most people think “hard money” means risky borrowers or bad credit. That couldn’t be further from the truth. Most of our borrowers at High West Lending are what I call bankable. They have great credit, income, and assets — they just value speed and flexibility over red tape.
“We don’t lend to desperate people. We lend to people with a plan — a strong exit strategy and solid financials.”
Private money loans are a strategic tool for those who understand that, in real estate and in life, the timing of funding can make or break opportunities.
2. Private Money Can Outmaneuver Bank Restrictions
Here’s a common scenario: a homeowner wants to sell a property but some repairs or improvements are needed to sell, or to get a higher price. But people get stuck with slow loan approvals or are declined altogether. Instead, the homeowner can use a short-term bridge loan to get the renovation or repair funds, complete the remodel or repairs, and then sell the property. This two-step approach saves time, stress, and often money.
3. It Solves Real-World Problems Banks Won’t Touch
Once a property is listed for sale, banks won’t lend against it. But what if an inspection reveals a $25,000 repair? Without quick cash to make the repair, you could lose $50K–$75K in the sales price due to lower offers. A private loan bridges that gap, funds the home fixes, and then gets paid off when the house sells. Simple and effective.
On the real estate investor side, private money lending can be way faster than getting a loan from a bank or mortgage company. That’s how many real estate investors fund their purchases, through the use of hard money loans from private money lenders like High West Lending.
Private Lending Is a Strategy — Not a Lifeline
As a private money lender for over 17 years, one thing I’ve learned is that the role of private lending is about creating opportunities. It’s for the builders, investors, and entrepreneurs who know that in real estate, time kills deals.
🎧 Listen to my full Mountain Money interview:
Click here to listen on KPCW
FAQs: Private Real Estate Loans
Q1. What’s the difference between a private loan and a hard money loan?
They’re often used interchangeably. Both are asset-based loans made by private lenders, not banks. “Hard money” usually refers to short-term real estate loans focused on property value rather than borrower credit.
Q2. Who uses private loans?
Real estate investors, developers, fix-and-flippers, and even homeowners who need fast funding. Most of our borrowers are financially strong — they use private loans as a strategic bridge, not a last resort.
Q3. Are private loans safe for investors?
Yes, when properly structured. At High West Lending, every loan is secured by real property with conservative loan-to-value ratios.
About the Author
Corey Dutton is the founder of High West Lending, a private real estate lending company based in Park City, Utah – formerly known as Private Money Utah. Since 2008, Corey has funded over $550 million in loans throughout the Western U.S. at the time this article is written. Corey Dutton, a private money lender, specializes in financing real estate of all types including homes, commercial buildings, and other investment real estate including bridge loans and rental property loans.
Corey has been featured on KPCW’s Mountain Money show and in other media outlets including the Scotsman Guide for her expertise in private money lending.