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Aditya Kasturi | Realogics Sotheby's International Realty

1031 / Like-Kind Exchange Timeline

A 1031 can defer the gain on an investment sale - but the deadlines are unforgiving. Map them before you sell.

Seattle skyline and Elliott Bay viewed from Queen Anne.

Tax and Wealth

Direct answer

A 1031 defers capital gains by rolling proceeds from one investment property into another. The savings can be large, but the timeline is strict and starts the day you sell.

Work through the decision in order

Before the sale

engage a Qualified Intermediary (QI) before closing (you can't touch proceeds); confirm the property qualifies (investment use, not primary).

The two clocks (from sale close)

45 days to identify replacement(s); 180 days to close.

Get it right

reinvest equity and replace debt to fully defer; separate what you control from the QI/lender.

Your next move

Use the framework before the property creates urgency.

Bring the actual address, timing, financing assumptions, and open questions into a buyer strategy call before urgency takes over.

Decision guide · private in this browser

1031 / Like-Kind Exchange Timeline

Work through the decision without a form. Your selections stay in this browser. Bring the live facts into a buyer strategy call when you are ready.

1031 / Like-Kind Exchange Timeline decisions

Before the sale

The two clocks (from sale close)

Get it right

Questions about 1031 / Like-Kind Exchange Timeline

Clear answers first. If one question changes the deal, bring it into the review before you move money.

Q1What does the 1031 / Like-Kind Exchange Timeline help me decide?+

Your clocks: 45 days to identify, 180 to close. Line up the QI and candidates before you sell - most failed 1031s die on the 45-day ID deadline.

Q2Does the 1031 / Like-Kind Exchange Timeline apply in Bellevue, Kirkland, and Seattle?+

Yes. The decision framework is shared across all three markets. Address-specific pricing, rules, schools, taxes, insurance, and property facts still need live verification.

Q3What information should I gather before using the 1031 / Like-Kind Exchange Timeline?+

Start with the live address, your timing, available cash, financing assumptions, and any property documents tied to the decision. Use only the inputs that apply to your situation.

Q4How current is the 1031 / Like-Kind Exchange Timeline?+

This guide was reviewed on July 31, 2026. Confirm live rates, rules, availability, costs, and property facts before you act.

Q5Is the 1031 / Like-Kind Exchange Timeline a substitute for professional advice?+

No. It is educational planning material, not a loan approval, inspection conclusion, appraisal, legal opinion, or tax conclusion.

Q6When should I bring the 1031 / Like-Kind Exchange Timeline result into a Real Estate Review?+

Bring it in when the result changes what you would buy, sell, repair, finance, or postpone. The review can pressure-test the live property and household plan.

Q7Can I use the 1031 / Like-Kind Exchange Timeline before speaking with a lender or inspector?+

Yes. Use it to organize questions first, then verify financing with a lender and condition findings with the appropriate property professionals.

Q8What is the next step after using the 1031 / Like-Kind Exchange Timeline?+

Mark the points that affect your decision, collect the missing facts, and book a Real Estate Review if you want to apply the framework to a specific property or move.

Make the next property decision with the facts in front of you.

Bring the address, timing, financing plan, and open questions. We will identify what to verify before you tour or write an offer.

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Last updated: September 2, 2026

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