Interview and Verify Your Exchange Facilitator With Confidence
Follow a clear process before you choose who will hold your exchange funds.
Build Your Shortlist and Questions
Before you call a facilitator, write down what you need to know. Ask about their bonding or escrow protection, how they handle deadlines, and who else touches your file. Clear questions from a short list of firms lead to answers you can compare.
Check Washington Compliance in Writing
Do not rely on a verbal answer alone. Ask for written proof of the required bond or qualified escrow or trust, along with the disclosure that no state or federal agency regulates facilitation. Keep copies of everything you receive for your file.
Watch for Warning Signs Before You Sign
Read the agreement closely. Confirm who holds your funds, how fees are listed, and how you will be notified about identification and receipt deadlines. Hesitation to provide written proof of custody or bonding is a warning sign worth taking seriously.
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 should I ask a facilitator first?+
Start by asking how they protect your funds. Request proof of their bond or qualified escrow or trust and ask how long they have handled exchanges. Their answers help you judge how organized and transparent their process is before you commit.
Q2How do I confirm a facilitator's protections are real?+
Ask for written documents, not just a verbal promise. A facilitator should provide evidence of their bond or escrow arrangement and the required disclosure statement. If they hesitate to provide this in writing, treat that as a warning sign.
Q3Who can serve as my qualified intermediary?+
Your intermediary must be independent from your sale and purchase. Ask any candidate about their role limits and confirm eligibility rules with your CPA before you sign, since requirements can affect whether your exchange qualifies.
Ready to Start Your Verification Process?
Get support interviewing and confirming your exchange facilitator today.
Ready to Start Your Verification Process?
Get support interviewing and confirming your exchange facilitator today.
Book a Real Estate ReviewNext steps
Keep moving forward
Choose a Real Estate Exchange Facilitator With Confidence
Learn how to evaluate Seattle 1031 exchange facilitators, covering safeguards, evidence, independence, and deadline process. Educational only, not tax advice.
View next stepWashington Rules for Exchange Facilitators
See Washington's bonding, insurance, and disclosure requirements for 1031 exchange facilitators, and what evidence to request before you sign.
View next stepWhat a Qualified Intermediary Does in an Exchange
Learn what a 1031 exchange qualified intermediary does, when to sign, and what to ask before you close on your Seattle or Bellevue property.
View next step