Choose a Real Estate Exchange Facilitator With Confidence

Use a clear scorecard to compare safeguards, evidence, and service before you pick a facilitator.

Book a Real Estate Review Get the 1031 Readiness Checklist

Safeguards and Evidence

Ask every facilitator for proof of financial protection. Washington law requires a facilitator to hold a fidelity bond of at least $1 million or use a qualified escrow or trust. Request written evidence before you sign, along with the required notice that no state or federal agency regulates facilitation.

Independence and Responsiveness

Ask about conflicts of interest. Find out if the facilitator has ties to the brokerage, lender, or title company handling your deal. A facilitator who explains steps clearly and answers questions fast shows the responsiveness you need before a real deadline arrives.

Written Costs and Deadline Process

Request a written list of fees before you sign. Ask how the facilitator tracks the identification and receipt deadlines and what happens if a document is late. A clear process protects your exchange when time is short.

Sources

Educational only, not tax advice. Your CPA must confirm tax treatment, timing, participation, basis, and filing before you act.

Common questions

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

Q1What does Section 1031 require for like-kind property?+

Section 1031 generally allows business or investment real property to be exchanged for other business or investment real property without immediate tax recognition. Only real property qualifies. You must identify replacement property within the required window and receive it within the required window or your tax return due date, whichever comes first.

Q2How do I verify a facilitator's safeguards?+

Ask for written evidence of the required fidelity bond or qualified escrow or trust before you sign an agreement. Washington law also requires disclosure that no state or federal agency regulates facilitation. Keep this evidence with your file and confirm it again before funds move.

Q3Does a checklist replace CPA advice?+

No. A checklist and a scorecard help you compare facilitators and organize your exchange. Your CPA must confirm tax treatment, timing, participation, basis, and filing before you act. Aditya coordinates the real estate side, not tax or legal advice.