Last updated on April 27th, 2022 at 12:57 pm
Chart of the best exchange companies | 1031 CORP. | 1031X | Asset Preservation, Inc. | Exeter 1031 | First American Exchange | IPX 1031 | Old Republic Exchange | Starker Services | How we chose the best exchange companies | FAQs
We’ve surveyed 1031 exchange companies across the United States and compiled this definitive list of the eight best 1031 exchange companies.
Below you’ll find a skimmable chart of the 8 best 1031 exchange companies, or you can jump directly to detailed profiles that cover everything from 1031 exchange fees to management to financial security for each company.
In the bottom section, we outline the methods we used to evaluate and rank each 1031 exchange company.
» GET EXPERT HELP: Contact us today and our seasoned experts will answer questions and walk you through the whole 1031 exchange process.
The best 1031 exchange companies
| Best for | Year founded | HQ | CEO/leader | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1031 CORP. | General expertise | 1991 | Collegeville, PA | Margo McDonnell |
| 1031X | Customer service, entirely remote experience | 1994 | Denver, CO | Christopher T. Sayre |
| Asset Preservation, Inc. | Large, complex exchanges | 1990 | Roseville, CA | Javier Vande Steeg |
| Exeter 1031 | Zero equity 1031 exchanges | 2005 | San Diego, CA | Bill Exeter |
| First American Exchange | Multi-state exchanges | 1990 | New York, NY | Carmine DiFulvio |
| IPX 1031 | Reverse and improvement exchanges | 1988 | Chicago, IL | John Wunderlich |
| Old Republic Exchange | General expertise | 1993 | Walnut Creek, CA | Lori De Martini |
| Starker Services | Unrivaled experience and history | 1987 | Los Gatos, CA | Rochelle Stone |
1031 CORP.
1031 CORP. is headquartered in Collegeville, PA, and has deep and significant experience conducting 1031 exchanges.
1031 CORP. 1031 exchange experience
Margo McDonnell, a former president of the Federation of Exchange Accommodators (FEA), leads 1031 CORP.’s 14 employees and four consultants. The company was founded in 1991, and it’s a member of the Federation of Exchange Accommodators.
1031 CORP. 1031 exchange services
1031 CORP. offers the following 1031 exchange services:
- Deferred 1031 exchanges
- Improvement 1031 exchanges
- Reverse 1031 exchanges
- Simultaneous 1031 exchanges
In addition, the company offers free consultations, a 1031 exchange e-newsletter, investor seminars and webcasts, training workshops, and educational courses.
1031 CORP. 1031 exchange costs and fees
| Deferred 1031 exchange | n/a |
| Reverse 1031 exchange | n/a |
1031 CORP. financial security
1031 CORP. segregates investor funds in FDIC-insured accounts, and investors can view their account balance at any time. For funds to be moved from the account, an investor must provide written authorization and two 1031 CORP. employees must give internal authorizations. 1031 CORP. also has a multi-million dollar fidelity bond and professional liability coverage.
1031 CORP. 1031 exchange staff expertise and customer service
McDonnell, 1031 CORP.’s CEO, is a former president of the 1031 industry’s leading trade group, the Federation of Exchange Accommodators, so the company’s significant institutional knowledge and experience starts at the top. Most staff members are .
1031 CORP. office locations
1031 CORP. maintains offices in:
- Bend, OR
- Collegeville, PA
1031 CORP. reviews
Facebook: 4.3 out of 5 (eight reviews)
Birdeye: 4.9 out of 5 (nine reviews)
1031X
1031x is headquartered in Denver, and has offices in Cleveland, OH, Dallas, Texas, and Springfield, MO, though it offers an entirely remote 1031 exchange experience. The company does significant business throughout the country.
1031X 1031 exchange experience
This independently operated company, led by vice president and co-founder Christopher T. Sayre. It’s a member in good standing of the Federation of Exchange Accommodators, and it’s been in business since 1994.
1031X 1031 exchange services
1031X offers the following exchange services:
- Deferred 1031 exchanges
- Improvement 1031 exchanges
- Partnership 1031 exchanges
- Reverse 1031 exchanges
- Simultaneous 1031 exchanges
- Day-of-closing exchanges
1031X 1031 exchange costs and fees
| Deferred 1031 exchange | $950 |
| Reverse 1031 exchange | $5,500 |
1031X financial security
1031x keeps all investor funds in individual, non-commingled FDIC-insured qualified escrow accounts. The company also partners with Capital One and the Bank of Colorado to provide enhanced wire fraud and identity theft prevention.
Since 1031x is based in Colorado, it adheres to Colorado state regulations on 1031 exchanges, which are stricter than the national regulations.
In addition to the FDIC insurance covering individual escrow accounts, 1031x provides up to $150 million in additional insurance
1031X 1031 exchange staff expertise and customer service
1031x was founded by an attorney and a real estate broker, so they have significant experience in those areas. Sean M. Ross is the Executive Director and CEO of the company.
Customer service takes place almost completely online. Consultations are carried out via video conference, email, phone, or the company’s modified Dotloop exchange software. 1031x is known for their customer service and is best for clients looking for a completely remote experience.
1031X office locations
1031X maintains offices in:
- Denver
- Texas
- Missouri
1031X reviews
Better Business Bureau: A+
Asset Preservation, Inc.
Founded in 1990, Asset Preservation, Inc. (API) is one of the largest and most experienced 1031 exchange companies in the U.S. Its commercial division specializes in large, complex exchanges. API’s national headquarters is in Roseville, CA.
Asset Preservation, Inc. 1031 exchange experience
API was established in 1990 and has been led by president and CEO Javier G. Vande Steeg for more than 20 years. The company has a workforce of at least 58, many of whom are . In 2020, API executed more than 5,000 1031 exchanges, and it has completed over 180,000 exchanges total.
API’s a member in good standing of the Federation of Exchange Accommodators.
Asset Preservation, Inc. 1031 exchange services
API offers the following exchange services:
- Deferred exchanges
- Improvement exchanges
- Reverse exchanges
Asset Preservation, Inc. 1031 exchange costs and fees
| Deferred 1031 exchange | $1,000 |
| Reverse 1031 exchange | Varies |
Asset Preservation, Inc. financial security
API maintains fidelity bond coverage in each state of $1 million, and errors and omissions coverage of $5 million. Investor funds are never commingled.
In addition, API provides each client with a letter of assurance promising to meet its obligations under the exchange agreement.
Asset Preservation, Inc. 1031 exchange staff expertise and customer service
API has many experienced Certified Exchange Specialists on staff, as well as attorneys and accountants.
API employees specialize in specific types of exchanges, so their staff features a reverse 1031 exchange expert, an improvement 1031 exchange expert, etc.
Asset Preservation, Inc. office locations
API’s main offices are in:
- Roseville, CA
- Shirley, NY
API has additional offices in:
- Austin, TX
- Boston
- Denver
- Franklin, TN
- Harrisburg, VA
- Houston
- Miami
- New York City
- Newport Beach, CA
- Phoenix
- Portland, OR
- Tampa, FL
Asset Preservation, Inc. reviews
Better Business Bureau: A+
Birdeye: 3 out of 5 (two reviews)
Exeter 1031
Exeter 1031 is an independently owned 1031 exchange company based in San Diego. Its calling card is a “zero equity 1031 exchange” for use on rental properties with no cash equity.
Exeter 1031 1031 exchange experience
Current company president William “Bill” Exeter founded Exeter 1031 in 2005. Exeter’s 1031 exchange experience goes back to 1986, and he’s a trusted voice who often sits on industry panels. Exeter 1031 has a staff of 50+, and the company belongs to the Federation of Exchange Accommodators.
Exeter 1031 1031 exchange services
Exeter 1031 provides the following services:
- Deferred 1031 exchange
- Improvement 1031 exchange
- Reverse 1031 exchange
- Simultaneous 1031 exchange
- “Zero equity 1031 exchange”
Exeter 1031 1031 exchange costs and fees
| Deferred 1031 exchange | $899 (for properties under $10 million; additional properties are $300) |
| Reverse 1031 exchange | $6,850+ |
Exeter 1031 financial security
Exeter 1031 carries $5 million in fidelity bond coverage, and $5 million in errors and omissions coverage. Investor funds are held separately in qualified trust accounts.
In addition, Exeter 1031 is audited by the Wyoming Division of Banking.
Exeter 1031 1031 exchange staff expertise and customer service
Founder Exeter has worked in the 1031 exchange industry since its inception, so he brings unrivaled expertise to the table. Exeter 1031 provides 24/7/365 customer service.
Exeter is based in San Diego, so exchanges on the East Coast or in the Midwest may be conducted over phone and email.
Exeter 1031 office locations
Exeter 1031 maintains offices in:
- Cheyenne, WY
- Chicago
- Ft. Lauderdale, FL
- Los Angeles
- Newport Beach, CA
- Phoenix
- San Diego
- San Francisco
- Seattle
Exeter 1031 reviews
Yelp: 4 out of 5 (15 reviews)
Better Business Bureau: A+
First American Exchange
As a subsidiary of First American Title, a Fortune 500 company, First American Exchange (First Am) has significant financial backing. The company has attorneys on staff in all their offices, and are headquartered in New York, NY.
First American Exchange 1031 exchange experience
This nationwide exchange company was established in 1990, and has been led by Senior Vice President Carmine DiFulvio since 2006. The company has 100+ employees and belongs to the Federation of Exchange Accommodators.
First American Exchange 1031 exchange services
First American Exchange offers the following services:
- Deferred 1031 exchanges
- Improvement 1031 exchanges
- Reverse 1031 exchanges
- Simultaneous 1031 exchanges
First American Exchange 1031 exchange costs and fees
| Deferred 1031 exchange | $1,000 |
| Reverse 1031 exchange | $10,000-$15,000, plus a fee of $1,500/$2,000 and $250 for each property in addition to first relinquished and first replacement. Other conditions may also apply. |
First American Exchange financial security
First American holds all investor funds in separate, FDIC-insured accounts, identified by name and taxpayer ID. The company also maintains fidelity bond coverage totaling $20 million, and errors and omissions coverage totaling $10 million. First Am also indemnifies loss of funds while under First American’s control, so investors are extremely protected.
In addition, their parent company, First American Title, does over $5 billion in revenue each year, so there’s almost zero chance First American could go bankrupt.
First American Exchange 1031 exchange staff expertise and customer service
The majority of First American’s staff are Certified Exchange Specialists. Because the company has executed exchanges in nearly all 50 states, they’re familiar with all local and state laws governing 1031 exchanges. First Am also has attorneys and accountants on staff to provide legal and tax advice.
First American Exchange office locations
First American maintains offices in:
- Atlanta
- Bloomington, MN
- Chicago
- Denver
- Irvine, CA
- Irving, TX
- Los Angeles
- Mandeville, LA
- Minneapolis
- Mount Vernon, WA
- Myrtle Creek, OR
- Phoenix
- Portland, OR
- Saint Augustine, FL
- Salt Lake City
- San Jose, CA
- Vancouver, WA
- Walnut Creek, CA
- Wayland, MA
First American Exchange reviews
Better Business Bureau: A+
Birdeye: 5 out of 5 (one review)
IPX 1031
IPX is one of the largest national 1031 exchange companies, and it features an experienced staff and reasonable fees. The company specializes in reverse and improvement 1031 exchanges.
IPX 1031 1031 exchange experience
Established in 1988, IPX has been led by president John Wunderlich for more than 10 years. It’s one of the larger companies in the industry, with over 100 employees. It belongs to the Federation of Exchange Accommodators.
IPX 1031 1031 exchange services
IPX 1031 provides the following services:
- Deferred 1031 exchanges
- Improvement 1031 exchanges
- Reverse 1031 exchanges
- Simultaneous 1031 exchanges
Investors should note that IPX has a separate division that specializes in improvement 1031 exchanges and reverse 1031 exchanges.
IPX 1031 1031 exchange costs and fees
| Deferred 1031 exchange | $1,200 |
| Reverse 1031 exchange | $6,000+ for a parked residential dwelling unit with no lender. |
IPX 1031 financial security
IPX carries $100 million in fidelity bond coverage, and $30 million in errors and omissions coverage.
Investor funds are held in individual FDIC-insured bank accounts identified by tax ID. IPX also allows investors to keep their interest income.
IPX 1031 1031 exchange staff expertise and customer service
Many IPX employees are , and around one-third of these specialists are lawyers. IPX provides legal advice to all investors at no additional cost.
IPX also maintains a separate division that specializes in improvement 1031 exchanges and reverse 1031 exchanges.
IPX 1031 office locations
IPX maintains offices in 56 cities, including:
- Chicago
- Dallas
- Honolulu
- Houston (main office)
- Phoenix
- Portland, OR
- San Francisco
IPX 1031 reviews
Better Business Bureau: A+
Birdeye: 4.8 out of 5 (24 reviews)
Old Republic Exchange
Old Republic Exchange is a subsidiary of Old Republic International Corporation, a company with $19.7 billion in assets. It’s on very solid financial ground. Known for its knowledgeable staff, many of whom are , Old Republic Exchange is headquartered in Walnut Creek, CA.
Old Republic Exchange 1031 exchange experience
Founded in 1993, Old Republic Exchange has over 200 employees, many of whom are Certified Exchange Specialists. Old Republic is a member of the Federation of Exchange Accommodators.
Old Republic Exchange 1031 exchange services
Old Republic offers the following services:
- Deferred 1031 exchanges
- Improvement 1031 exchanges
- Reverse 1031 exchanges
- Simultaneous 1031 exchanges
Old Republic Exchange 1031 exchange costs and fees
| Deferred 1031 exchange | $950 |
| Reverse 1031 exchange | $7,000+ |
Old Republic Exchange financial security
Old Republic maintains $120 million in fidelity bond coverage, and $50 million in errors and omissions coverage. However, the company commingles your funds with the funds of other investors, which could make your money vulnerable in the event of a sudden Old Republic bankruptcy.
That said, publicly traded financial titan Old Republic International owns Old Republic Exchange, so it has significant financial backing.
Old Republic Exchange 1031 exchange staff expertise and customer service
Many Old Republic employees have worked at the Federation of Exchange Accommodators, the 1031 industry trade group, so they have significant institutional knowledge. Old Republic also has many Certified Exchange Specialists on staff.
Old Republic Exchange office locations
Old Republic maintains offices in:
- Charlotte, NC
- Columbus, OH
- Dallas
- Honolulu
- Lake Oswego, OR
- Novato, CA
- Redmond, OR
- Phoenix
- Tampa, FL
- Walnut Creek, CA
- Wayne, PA
Old Republic Exchange reviews
Better Business Bureau: A+
Birdeye: 5 out of 5 (one review)
Starker Services
Independently owned and operated Starker Services takes its name from the court case that created the 1031 exchange (Starker v. United States). Headquartered in Los Gatos, CA, it’s the oldest 1031 exchange company in the U.S.
Starker Services 1031 exchange experience
Founded in 1987, Starker Services has an experienced staff of less than 50, and company president Rochelle Stone has held the post for more than 34 years. The company executed several thousand exchanges in 2020, and it belongs to the Federation of Exchange Accommodators.
Starker Services 1031 exchange services
Starker Services 1031 offers the following services:
- Deferred 1031 exchanges
- Improvement 1031 exchanges
- Reverse 1031 exchanges
- Simultaneous 1031 exchanges
Starker Services 1031 exchange costs and fees
| Deferred 1031 exchange | $750 (plus $100 bank fee) |
| Reverse 1031 exchange | $2,500 base fee, plus 0.25% on the most expensive property in the exchange, up to $1 million in value. Also 0.1% for every dollar over $1 million. |
Starker Services financial security
Starker carries a $1 million fidelity bond, and $500,000 in errors and omissions coverage. The company also has a relationship with Bridge Bank, where investor funds are kept in FDIC-insured accounts.
Starker Services 1031 exchange staff expertise and customer service
As the oldest 1031 exchange company, Starker Services’ staff was among the very first class of , so they have unrivaled experience. The company’s worked with nearly every major real estate company, and its expertise has been recognized throughout the industry and by the U.S. Treasury Department.
Starker Services office locations
Starker maintains offices in:
- Atlanta
- Los Gatos, CA
- Miami
- San Jose, CA
Starker Services reviews
Birdeye: 5 out of 5 (four reviews)
Better Business Bureau: A+
How we chose the best 1031 exchange companies
Every 1031 exchange is unique, and so is every 1031 exchange company.
Some exchanges are relatively simple exchanges of two rental properties, while others can involve multiple office buildings, Delaware Statutory Trust shares, and even oil and gas rights. A successful 1031 exchange often involves finding the right 1031 exchange company to execute it for you.
As we assessed 1031 exchange companies, the following qualities stood out as especially important:
Experience conducting 1031 exchanges
1031 exchanges can be complicated. Missing a deadline by even a day can mean forfeiting all your tax benefits, so it’s critical that smart investors use experienced 1031 exchange companies.
Experience with complex 1031 exchanges
Some types of 1031 exchanges — the reverse, construction, and partial 1031 exchanges, for instance — can have a lot of moving parts, with overlapping deadlines, sheafs of tax forms to fill out, and multiple properties to juggle.
If you’re executing a complex 1031 exchange, you’ll want a 1031 exchange company with a proven record of handling these high-stakes affairs.
1031 exchange costs and fees
Cost and value aren’t the only concerns when selecting a 1031 exchange company but they do matter, especially when the main point of the 1031 exchange is to keep more of your hard-earned money in your pocket.
Financial security of 1031 exchange company
Investors deserve the security of knowing their money is being safely handled, and isn’t vulnerable to seizure in the event of a company bankruptcy. Investors should also be protected by insurance and fidelity bonds that cover a qualified intermediary’s mistakes or malfeasance.
Staff expertise and customer service of the 1031 exchange specialists
1031 exchanges have strict deadlines and involve large sums of money, so investors deserve good customer service and communication during the process.
In addition, many of the best 1031 exchange companies have attorneys or CPAs on staff, to provide much-needed legal or tax expertise.
Local knowledge of the 1031 exchange company
Many states have passed laws that govern how 1031 exchanges are done in that state. High quality 1031 exchange companies will know how state and local laws apply to your exchange, so you don’t run afoul of state authorities — and possibly forfeit your tax advantages.
FAQs
Do I need to use a 1031 exchange intermediary near me?
No.
You can use any 1031 exchange qualified intermediary (QI) nationwide, as long as you follow the rules and regulations.
However, a local QI offers some benefits. A local QI could provide an in-person consultation, knowledge of the local real estate market, a network of service providers, and ongoing face time as your 1031 exchange unfolds.
Finding the right 1031 exchange intermediary is a matter of weighing your priorities: price, expertise, convenience, and comfort level. That could lead you to a QI down the street, or one across the country.
Do I have to use a qualified intermediary for a 1031 exchange?
Yes.
Investors who use a 1031 exchange are able to defer certain taxes because a third party — the qualified intermediary — executes the exchange and the investor doesn’t technically realize any gain.
The investor also never takes possession of both properties simultaneously, or of the sale proceeds from the relinquished property. Those tasks are handled by the QI.
If the investor does take possession of the sale proceeds or of both properties simultaneously, the 1031 exchange will be invalid and taxes will no longer be deferred.
Who can be a qualified intermediary for a 1031 exchange?
While an experienced, professional qualified intermediary brings a lot to the table, you aren’t required by law to use a professional QI for your 1031 exchange. Anyone can act as a third party qualified intermediary, except:
- You can’t act as your own intermediary.
- You can’t use a relative as an intermediary.
- You can use anyone who’s acted as your agent in the previous two years as an intermediary.
What are Starker exchange services?
A Starker exchange is simply another name for a 1031 exchange. This name comes from the court case that created the 1031 exchange, Starker v. United States.
