Choosing Professionals for a 1031 Exchange

Who handles exchange mechanics, tax questions, contracts and securities advice, and what to check before engaging them.

top1031.com Research8 min readUpdated
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Choosing the professionals for an exchange

A 1031 exchange involves different jobs. Match each question to the professional responsible for answering it, and establish who will coordinate the transaction before the sale closes.

Professional

Questions to address

Qualified intermediary

Exchange agreement, custody of proceeds, identification delivery and closing coordination

CPA or tax attorney

Eligibility, basis, debt relief, filing deadlines and Form 8824

Real estate attorney

Purchase terms, ownership structure and governing documents

Licensed investment professional

Securities offerings, fees, conflicts and the services they are authorized to provide

Check scope and credentials

Ask for the exact services, fees and responsibilities in writing. Confirm professional credentials and regulatory history using the relevant licensing authority. A title or a photograph does not establish competence or authorization. For securities professionals, use the SEC’s investment professional search.

Ask how the professional has handled exchanges with facts like yours, who will hold the proceeds, how money is safeguarded and who can authorize disbursements. Agree on a contact for time-sensitive questions. Do not rely on an assumed response time or a promised number of suitable properties.

Bring the transaction facts

Prepare the expected sale date, ownership entity, sale proceeds, debt being paid off and the questions you need answered. Your tax professional and QI can identify which additional records they need. Use the exchange timeline to prepare for that discussion; it does not replace advice about your transaction.

How Top1031 fits

Top1031 is a media and data platform. Its Offering directory organizes SEC filing records and cited property information. The site’s specialist-contact flow connects interested investors with an affiliated licensed partner; it is not a self-service directory where professionals purchase profile listings.

Research the record, identify what remains unanswered and take those questions to the appropriate professional. A Sponsor Grade describes the Sponsor’s documented Program record; it does not assess a professional’s services.

Frequently asked questions

Does Top1031 sell professional profile listings?

No. Top1031 publishes Offering data and education. Its specialist-contact flow connects interested investors with an affiliated licensed partner.

Can one professional handle every part of an exchange?

Responsibilities and authorizations differ. Confirm who handles exchange funds, tax advice, legal documents and securities services, and ask for that scope in writing.

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