What is a Reverse 1031 Exchange?


A reverse 1031 exchange is a tax strategy where an investor acquires a new property before selling their existing one. This allows deferral of capital gains tax by reversing the typical order of a traditional 1031 exchange.

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The Process

Contact a Qualified Intermediary (QI) to initiate your reverse exchange.

Purchase your replacement property first, with the QI holding the title to this new property (you still “own” it).

When your relinquished (sold) property sells, the title for your replacement (bought) property is transferred back into your name.

Through the process, documentation is prepared to ensure legal compliance and smooth transactions.

Reverse 1031 Exchange Timeline

purchase property

property is held by QI

sell property & acquire replacement property

A QI plays a crucial role in ensuring a successful forward 1031 exchange. 1031 Real Estate Exchange Specialist provides a seamless transition from the sale of the relinquished property to the purchase of the replacement property. Utilizing a QI can help investors avoid mistakes that can lead to the disqualification of the exchange and prevent them from incurring unnecessary tax liabilities.

Why do I need a QI for a 1031 Exchange?

Reverse 1031 Exchange Rules

What You Need to Know: A reverse 1031 exchange allows you to acquire a new property before selling the old one, helping you utilize the benefits of a 1031 exchange in a reverse order. Key rules include securing a Qualified Intermediary, and closing on the new property only after transferring the relinquished property to an Exchange Accommodation Titleholder.

Reverse 1031 Exchange Cost

Understanding the Costs: Costs associated with a reverse 1031 exchange typically include fees for the Qualified Intermediary, title insurance, and legal fees. It’s crucial to get a detailed breakdown of these costs to budget effectively and ensure the transaction meets your financial planning goals.

Reverse 1031 Exchange Time Limit

Time Limits to Observe: In a reverse 1031 exchange, you must identify the relinquished property within 45 days after the title transfer of the replacement property and close the sale within 180 days. These strict timelines are mandatory to qualify for the tax deferment benefits.

Reverse 1031 Exchange Loan

Financing Your Exchange: Obtaining financing for a reverse 1031 exchange can be complex due to the structure of the transaction. Lenders often require additional assurances, given the unique risks involved. Be prepared with a solid plan and financial buffers to address lenders' concerns.

Reverse 1031 Exchange Documents

Essential Documentation: Critical documents for a reverse 1031 exchange include the Exchange Agreement, Assignment Agreement, and Notice to Parties of Assignment. Each document must be meticulously prepared and timely executed to ensure the success of your exchange.

 FAQs

  • A 1031 exchange, also known as a like-kind exchange, is a way for real estate investors to sell a property and reinvest the proceeds into a new property while deferring the payment of capital gains taxes.

  • The properties involved in a 1031 exchange must be "like-kind," meaning they must be used for business or investment purposes. This includes properties such as rental homes, commercial buildings, and raw land.

  • Typically, a 1031 exchange must be completed within 180 days from the date of the sale of the original property.

  • Yes, cash or debt received as a part of the exchange is considered "boot" and is subject to capital gains taxes. However, using cash or debt to pay for any remaining difference can help to minimize the amount of boot received.

  • Yes, it is possible to exchange multiple properties in a single 1031 exchange, as long as all of the properties involved are like-kind and the exchange is completed within the allotted time frame.

  • A qualified intermediary is a neutral third party who holds the proceeds from the sale of the original property and facilitates the purchase of the replacement property. They can be found through a quick online search, or through referral from a real estate attorney or accountant. 1031 Real Estate Exchange Specialist is an example of a QI.

  • There is no limit on the number of times an investor can complete a 1031 exchange.

  • No, in order for a property to be eligible for a 1031 exchange, it must be located within the United States. This is because you will be reporting the tax-deferred exchange on the form 8824, which you will turn in to the IRS along with your taxes.

  • Once the exchange process has begun, the replacement property must be identified within 45 days of the sale of the original property, and the exchange must be completed within 180 days. It is not possible to change the replacement property once the process has begun.

Founded by Tim Cooney, 1031 Real Estate Exchange Specialist is a 1031 Exchange Company (Qualified Intermediary) based in Durango, Colorado. We have been performing exchanges for over 30 years.

We’ve helped thousands of clients perform 1031 exchanges while providing knowledge and experiential advice. Our client’s success is our success.

  • After graduating from Notre Dame in 1968, Mr. Cooney began a career in accounting. He has been an accountant for over 60 years and a licensed realtor for 46. The knowledge Tim brought from both real estate and tax work is how he became so well acquainted with real property and 1031 exchange work.

  • Gina Warner, an avid businesswoman, has ran fly shops, bagel stores, and built cell phone towers before selling these businesses to focus on 1031 exchanges. Gina has worked in the real estate industry for over 20 years, and has been in the exchange business for 7 years. Gina knows 1031s like the back of her hand, and makes sure your exchange flows seamlessly.

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We provide exchange services in all 50 US states & Territories:

We are based in the four corners area, where we began servicing Durango, CO and Farmington, NM.

You may be asking yourself, is there a 1031 specialist near me? Don’t worry, 1031 exchanges can be done nationally, and you can use any QI in the United States to perform your exchange. We perform 1031 exchanges nationally and work with any closing team or company in the US or its territories to complete your exchange.

  • Durango, CO; Farmington, NM; San Francisco, CA; New York, NY; Los Angeles, CA; Seattle, WA; Washington, DC; San Jose, CA; Boston, MA; Denver, CO; Austin, TX; Miami, FL; Portland, OR; Dallas, TX; Houston, TX; Atlanta, GA; Philadelphia, PA; San Diego, CA; Chicago, IL; Minneapolis, MN; Detroit, MI; Phoenix, AZ; Las Vegas, NV; Salt Lake City, UT; Baltimore, MD; Tampa, FL; Sacramento, CA; Orlando, FL; Nashville, TN; Raleigh, NC; St. Louis, MO; Charlotte, NC; Pittsburgh, PA; Indianapolis, IN; Kansas City, MO; Columbus, OH; Milwaukee, WI; Cincinnati, OH; Cleveland, OH; San Antonio, TX; Louisville, KY; Buffalo, NY; Richmond, VA; Rochester, NY; Hartford, CT; Providence, RI; New Orleans, LA; Jacksonville, FL; Memphis, TN; Birmingham, AL; Oklahoma City, OK.

  • We service Alabama, Alaska, Arizona, Arkansas, California, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Idaho, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Mississippi, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, Nevada, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, North Carolina, North Dakota, Ohio, Oklahoma, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, South Carolina, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas, Utah, Vermont, Virginia, Washington, West Virginia, Wisconsin, and Wyoming.

  • The islands that are eligible for a 1031 exchange are limited to those that are located in the United States and its territories. This includes Puerto Rico, Guam, American Samoa, Virgin Islands, Northern Mariana Islands, District of Columbia and any other territory or possession of the United States.