1031 CORP. Advantage

About 1031 CORP.

1031 CORP., a nationally recognized and independently owned Qualified Intermediary (QI), is celebrating 35 years of helping real estate investors pursue opportunity, preserve equity, and complete tax-deferred 1031 exchanges with confidence. Founded in 1991, the company has facilitated thousands of exchanges nationwide, earning a reputation for personalized service, industry leadership, and a transparent, process-driven exchange experience designed around the needs of investors and their advisors. In 2004, as part of the T.A. Title Insurance Company family of companies, 1031 CORP. was sold to First American Title Insurance Company. In 2010, longtime employees Margo McDonnell and Sue Umstead, along with founder J. William Cotter, Jr., purchased the company back. In early 2026, Margo McDonnell purchased Bill Cotter’s remaining shares in 1031 CORP. and Reverse 1031 CORP.

Over our 35-year history, 1031 CORP. has operated within multiple ownership structures, first as part of a regional title insurance underwriter and later within a national title underwriter that also operated its own QI. Since 2010, the company has been independently owned, a structure that leadership views as a strategic advantage for clients and team members alike. That experience gave us a comprehensive understanding of how different organizations manage exchange processes, decision-making, and client service. We can apply those insights to make thoughtful, client-first decisions without competing priorities, while empowering our team to deliver a more responsive and personalized exchange experience.

In 2025, 1031 CORP. was named a Top 1031 Exchange Services Provider by Real Estate Business Review, recognizing the firm’s technical expertise, client-first philosophy, and long-standing leadership in the 1031 exchange industry.

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Superior Security of Funds

  • Segregated FDIC insured account for each exchange including your name and Taxpayer Identification Number.
  • Ability to log on to the financial institution's website and view your account balance online any time.
  • Account statements directly from financial institutions.
  • In addition to your written authorization, two internal authorizations are required to move your funds.
  • Funds protected through a Qualified Escrow Agreement (QEA), when requested.
  • 100% FDIC insured accounts, regardless of size, available through Insured Cash Sweeps®. 
  • Multi-million-dollar fidelity bond and professional liability coverage.

See Our Services

 

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Superior Exchange Knowledge

  • Our Exchange Team includes a CPA, paralegals and many also hold the prestigious Certified Exchange Specialist® (CES®) designation.
  • Our professional Exchange Team, including our consultants, possesses over 150 years of combined exchange industry experience and has facilitated thousands of exchanges.
  • Comprehensive expertise enables us to handle real property exchanges of all sizes and complexity.
  • Continuing education on 1031 exchanges and related industries keeps our team current on 1031 exchange and related state and federal tax law changes.

Meet Our Team

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Superior Exchange Experience

  • Our Exchange Team keeps the exchange process simple for all parties.
  • For your convenience, one Exchange Officer will work with you throughout the exchange process although our entire team will be familiar with your transaction and available to answer your questions.
  • Documents prepared by exchange professionals that know local real estate and title practices.
  • User friendly exchange documentation and correspondences.
  • Step-by-step instructions throughout the exchange process.
  • Ability to contact your Exchange Officer any time, including after traditional business hours.
  • Availability to attend your closing, when requested.
  • Complete post-exchange packet containing copies of all pertinent exchange documents as well as a helpful year end tax reporting booklet to assist your tax advisor prepare your IRS Form 8824.
  • Documents can be prepared with little notice. Exchanges can be initiated in as little as twenty minutes.

Helpful Resources

CES® Designees on Staff

ces-1031-specialistThe Certified Exchange Specialist® (CES®) Program is a voluntary certification and continuing education program offered through the Federation of Exchange Accommodators (FEA) designed specifically for 1031 tax deferred exchange practitioners. Individuals are eligible to apply to sit for the examination after three years of full-time hands-on experience facilitating exchanges. Read More

"My entire experience with 1031 CORP. was outstanding. The response to my many questions, phone calls and emails was kind, patient and immediate. There was always someone who would answer the phone. The team was very professional, competent and genuinely nice. Thank you for a seamless transaction."

-- T. S., Terrebonne, OR

Need help? Contact our team to ask questions and find out how to get started.

Talk to an Exchange Team Member