How a 721 Works

A 721 Exchange offers property owners a strategic way to transition from direct property ownership to passive, diversified real estate investments without triggering immediate capital gains taxes. Our structured process begins with a personalized consultation to understand your financial goals, property details, and tax objectives. We then provide a tailored proposal and conduct comprehensive due diligence to ensure alignment with our investment standards. After formalizing terms through a Contribution Agreement, you'll review fund specifics via our detailed offering documents before transferring your property into the fund. Ultimately, this exchange simplifies management responsibilities, offers tax deferral, and helps you achieve your long-term investment and estate planning objectives.

How the 721 Exchange Process Works

  • STEP 1

    Initial Consultation

    We begin with a comprehensive discovery call to explore your investment goals, tax deferral needs, and long-term objectives. You’ll provide details about your property—such as its location and current income stream—and we’ll assess whether it aligns with our fund’s investment criteria.

    This step typically takes 30–60 minutes and includes a preliminary discussion of your financial situation, such as potential capital gains tax exposure and estate planning considerations. Our goal is to confirm that a 721 exchange matches your vision, whether you’re aiming to reduce management duties or diversify your portfolio.

  • STEP 2

    Proposal & Term Sheet

    Based on our initial consultation, we develop a tailored proposal and preliminary term sheet customized to your property and goals. These documents include:

    • Estimated unit allocation: The number of ownership units you’re likely to receive in the fund, based on a preliminary valuation
    • Property valuation approach: How we’ll assess your property’s fair market value, including comparable sales and income potential
    • Projected income potential: An estimate of the passive income you could earn from the fund’s diversified holdings
    • Timeline expectations: Key milestones and estimated dates for completing each phase
    • Due diligence requirements: Specific documents and information needed for our review
    • Confidentiality provisions: Terms governing the exchange of sensitive information

    This step allows both parties to align on fundamental terms before investing significant resources in due diligence. You’ll have the opportunity to review these documents with your advisors to ensure they meet your financial and tax objectives.

  • STEP 3

    Property Due Diligence

    Our team conducts an in-depth review of your property to ensure it meets the fund’s rigorous standards. This step involves:

    • Physical inspection: A detailed assessment of the property’s condition, including structural integrity, systems, and any deferred maintenance
    • Title review: Verification of a clear title, free of liens, encumbrances, or legal disputes that could complicate the transfer
    • Lease and income analysis: Evaluation of current leases, tenant creditworthiness, vacancy rates, and historical rental income
    • Market analysis: A study of local market trends to confirm the property’s long-term value

    This process typically takes 2–4 weeks and may involve third-party experts like appraisers or environmental consultants. You’ll receive updates throughout to keep you informed.

  • STEP 4

    Contribution Agreement

    Following successful due diligence, we prepare a detailed Contribution Agreement that formalizes all aspects of the exchange. This binding legal document includes:

    • Final property valuation: The agreed-upon value used to determine your ownership units
    • Precise unit allocation: The exact number of fund units you will receive
    • Representations and warranties: Your statements about the property’s condition and legal status
    • Tax treatment provisions: Language confirming the transaction’s intended 721 exchange tax treatment
    • Closing conditions: Any remaining requirements that must be satisfied before closing

    Your legal counsel will review this agreement to ensure your interests are protected and all tax deferral requirements are properly addressed.

  • STEP 5

    Fund Review (Including PPM)

    Concurrent with the Contribution Agreement, you’ll receive our offering documents, including the Private Placement Memorandum (PPM). This critical step provides full transparency into the fund you’re joining, covering:

    • Fund structure: Details on the operating partnership, management team, and investment philosophy
    • Income strategy: How the fund generates cash flow and distributes it to unit holders
    • Risks: Potential challenges, such as market downturns, interest rate changes, or limited liquidity
    • Liquidity options: Conditions under which you can redeem or sell your units

    Our team will walk you through these materials—typically over 1–2 meetings—answering questions and ensuring you’re comfortable with the fund’s terms before your final commitment.

  • STEP 6

    Contribution & Closing

    If everything aligns, you’ll contribute your property to the fund by deeding it in exchange for ownership units. This final step includes:

    • Deed transfer: Legal documentation transferring your property’s title to the fund
    • Unit issuance: Receipt of your ownership units, reflecting your proportional stake in the fund
    • Tax deferral confirmation: Verification that the exchange meets IRS Section 721 requirements

    Closing usually occurs within 1–2 weeks of signing the contribution agreement, marking your transition to passive, income-generating ownership without the burdens of direct property management.

Ideal Candidates for a 721 Exchange

A 721 exchange is particularly well-suited for:

  • Aging property owners seeking to eliminate management responsibilities
  • Investors looking to diversify concentrated real estate holdings
  • Those planning strategic wealth transfer to the next generation
  • Owners of appreciated properties facing significant tax liabilities
  • Partners wanting to divide real estate interests without triggering taxes

Proper planning with qualified tax and legal advisors is essential to ensure compliance with IRS rules and to select an operating partnership that aligns with your investment goals.

Discuss Your 721 Exchange Options