When you're looking to defer capital gains taxes through a 1031 exchange, choosing the right Qualified Intermediary (QI) isn't just important—it's critical to your financial success. After facilitating over 1,000 exchanges myself, I can tell you that the wrong QI can turn what should be a straightforward tax-deferral strategy into a costly nightmare.
The truth is, qualified intermediaries (QIs) aren't federally regulated, and there are no licensing or educational requirements. This means anyone can hang out a shingle and call themselves a QI. That's why I'm sharing this comprehensive analysis of the top firms in the industry, so you can make an informed decision that protects your hard-earned wealth.
Why Your QI Choice Matters More Than You Think
Before we dive into the rankings, let me be clear about what's at stake. In 2012, the Federal Trade Commission reported that it was aware of 23 instances where investors lost an estimated $250 million as a result of fraud and negligence by qualified intermediaries. While these instances are rare, they highlight why due diligence is non-negotiable.
Your QI will:
- Hold potentially millions of your dollars for months
- Structure complex legal agreements
- Ensure IRS compliance throughout the process
- Handle all documentation and coordination
One mistake, and you could lose your tax deferral benefits entirely. With consumers reporting losing more than $12.5 billion to fraud in 2024, which represents a 25% increase over the prior year, protecting your exchange funds has never been more critical.
The Top 5 Qualified Intermediary Firms (Ranked)
#1. 1031 Specialists - The Gold Standard
After years in this industry, I can confidently say that 1031 Specialists stands alone as the premier QI firm. Here's why we consistently outperform the competition:
What Sets Us Apart:
- Unmatched Expertise: We're trusted by sophisticated investors and family offices for fast, transparent, and error-free transactions
- Comprehensive Service: From initial consultation to final documentation, we handle every aspect of your exchange
- Client-First Approach: Our robust fiduciary standard ensures your funds are protected at the highest level
- Tech-Forward Platform: We've built industry-leading technology that streamlines the entire process
- Proven Results: Over 1,000 successful exchanges with zero unhappy clients
Pricing That Makes Sense:
- Standard Exchange: $1,195
- Reverse Exchange: $7,995
- Improvement Exchange: $9,995
- "Pay when you close" guarantee - if you don't complete your exchange, you get your money back
Why Choose 1031 Specialists: The difference is in the details. While other firms treat exchanges as transactions, we treat them as wealth-building opportunities. Our team doesn't just facilitate exchanges—we optimize them. Get started with our 1031 Exchange Calculator to see your potential tax savings.
Contact Information:
- Website: 1031Specialists.com
- Phone: 631.438.1031
- Free Education: 1031 Tax Free Wealth
#2. IPX1031 - The Established Giant
IPX1031 is the nation's largest Qualified Intermediary. As a wholly owned subsidiary of Fidelity National Financial (NYSE: FNF), which ranks 313 on the Fortune 500 list for 2025, they provide substantial financial backing.
Strengths:
- As a wholly owned subsidiary of Fidelity National Financial (NYSE:FNF), a Fortune 500 company, IPX1031 provides safety in access to capital
Considerations:
- Dissatisfied customers complain about the lack of proper communication and the lack of flexibility on behalf of the team
- Large corporate structure can mean less personalized service
#3. Exeter 1031 Exchange Services - The Security-Focused Option
Exeter 1031 Exchange Services, LLC is a leading national Qualified Intermediary that works with all 1031 Exchanges and operates in all 50 US states.
Key Advantage: Unlike some other 1031 exchange companies, funds with Exeter 1031 are held and managed by Exeter Trust Company, referred to as a "Qualified Trust Account", which is licensed and regulated by a state entity.
Additional Benefits:
- Currently maintains 4.6/5 stars based on 33 reviews on Birdeye
Drawbacks:
- Negative reviews mention lack of enough attention to individual investors and unexpectedly high fees
#4. Accruit - The "Tech" Firm
Accruit is a national leading 1031 Exchange Qualified Intermediary and Exchange Accommodation Titleholder facilitating all types of 1031 exchanges including forward, reverse, build-to-suit/Improvement and Specialty "Non-Safe Harbor" transactions.
What They Do Well:
- Strong focus on complex and specialty transactions
- Client testimonials highlight professional service and clear communication
#5. 1031 Services, Inc. - The Specialist's Choice
1031 Services, Inc. is a nationwide Qualified Intermediary and Exchange Accommodation Titleholder for 1031 Exchanges. The company has worked in different types of 1031 Exchanges in all 50 US states since 1989.
Notable Features:
- 1031 Services has experience with exchanges in all types of real estate properties, including those in foreign countries
- Clients range from individuals to large corporations
Limitation:
- There are no online reviews of 1031 Services, Inc.
What to Look for in Any QI Firm
When evaluating QI firms beyond this top 5, here are the non-negotiables:
Financial Security
- At a minimum, your account should be protected by fidelity bond coverage and Errors & Omissions (E&O) insurance
- All QIs should hold fidelity bonds of at least $1 million
- Segregated client accounts
- FDIC coverage for large transactions
Communication and Service
- If your QI responds to your initial communication within eight hours, that's a good sign. If they don't, you should be hesitant
- Always investigate the company's online reviews. If they have a lot of positive reviews, that's a very good sign. If they have negative reviews, or no reviews, you want to be careful
Red Flags to Avoid
Watch out for these warning signs when selecting a QI:
- No Insurance Coverage: Any QI without proper bonding and insurance should be immediately disqualified
- Poor Communication: If you're working with a qualified intermediary who's operating solo, and they come down with an illness or some other emergency, your entire 1031 exchange could fail
- No Track Record: Companies without verifiable experience or client testimonials
- Unclear Fee Structure: Legitimate QIs are transparent about their pricing
- Pressure Tactics: Professional QIs educate and guide, they don't pressure
Why 1031 Specialists Remains the Clear Winner
While all five firms on this list can facilitate exchanges, 1031 Specialists consistently delivers superior results because we understand that every exchange is ultimately about building wealth, not just deferring taxes.
Our approach combines:
- Deep Expertise: Years of experience handling complex transactions
- Advanced Technology: Streamlined processes that reduce errors and delays
- Transparent Pricing: No hidden fees or surprises
- Fiduciary Standard: Your interests always come first
- Proven Results: Over 1,000 successful exchanges with zero unsatisfied clients
The bottom line? When you're trusting someone with potentially millions of dollars and your financial future, you want the firm that's proven they can deliver results consistently and safely. Check out our 1031 Specialists FAQs for more detailed information.
Take Action Today
Don't let another year pass paying unnecessary capital gains taxes. Whether you're a seasoned investor or considering your first 1031 exchange, the right QI makes all the difference.
Ready to get started? Contact 1031 Specialists today:
- Free Consultation: 1031Specialists.com
- Phone: 631.438.1031
- Free Education: Get The 1031 Bible In Your Inbox
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: How much does a qualified intermediary typically cost?
A: Total costs can vary depending on a few significant factors, including fees charged by the qualified intermediary, the type of exchange, the location of the property, and how many properties are involved. Generally, you can expect the cost of the transaction to range anywhere from a few hundred to a few thousand dollars. At 1031 Specialists, our transparent pricing starts at $1,195 for standard exchanges.
Q: Are qualified intermediaries regulated?
A: Qualified intermediaries (QIs) aren't federally regulated, and there are no licensing or educational requirements. However, some states have passed laws that provide oversight on qualified intermediaries (QIs) and 1031 exchanges. This is why choosing an experienced, credentialed QI is so important.
Q: What happens if my QI makes a mistake?
A: This depends on their insurance coverage and your exchange agreement. This is why working with a firm like 1031 Specialists, which maintains robust insurance coverage and has never had a client fund loss, is so important.
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