Extend Your Brokerage’s DST & 1031 Expertise
A successful commercial real estate transaction does not always end at closing.
For clients selling appreciated investment property, the next question may be what to do with the proceeds. A 1031 exchange, replacement property search, Delaware Statutory Trust, or other investment strategy can quickly become part of that conversation.
Customized 1031 works with commercial real estate brokers as an additional resource when clients need help understanding their options beyond the sale.
Doug Zator provides 1031 exchange and DST education, replacement property guidance, and personalized support while allowing you to stay focused on the transaction and your client relationship.
Help Your Clients Plan Beyond the Sale
Commercial real estate brokers often recognize an important transition before anyone else does.
A client may be ready to sell an apartment building, retail property, industrial asset, office building, or other investment real estate, but may have little interest in purchasing and managing another property in the same way.
Others know they want to complete a 1031 exchange but have not yet determined what they want to acquire.
These situations can create questions that extend beyond the property sale itself.
Doug can help clients explore the replacement property and investment side of that decision while working alongside the professionals already involved in the transaction.
When a 1031 Exchange or DST Conversation May Be Relevant
Not every client needs the same solution. A conversation with Customized 1031 may be useful when a client:
- Is considering the sale of appreciated investment real estate
- Plans to complete a 1031 exchange
- Has not determined what replacement property to acquire
- Is concerned about the 45-day identification period
- Wants to understand alternatives to purchasing another property individually
- Is interested in professionally managed real estate
- Has questions about Delaware Statutory Trusts
- Wants to reduce active property management responsibilities
- Needs help evaluating potential replacement property strategies
- Is approaching retirement or reconsidering how they want to own real estate
The goal is not to assume that a DST or any other particular investment is right for the client. It is to help the client understand the available paths and make a more informed decision.
How Doug Works Alongside Commercial Real Estate Brokers
Doug’s role is designed to complement the broker relationship, not compete with it.
You Remain Focused on the Real Estate Transaction
The commercial broker continues to guide the client through the sale or acquisition of directly owned real estate.
Doug Helps With the Investment Conversation
Doug can help the client understand 1031 exchange considerations, replacement property strategies, DST opportunities, and other investment options that may warrant consideration.
The Client's Professional Team Stays Involved
A 1031 exchange may also involve a Qualified Intermediary, CPA, attorney, lender, and other professionals. Doug can work alongside those parties while focusing on the investment side of the decision.
Education Comes Before the Investment
The process begins by understanding what the client is trying to accomplish rather than starting with a particular product or investment.
Helping Clients Who Want to Move Away From Active Property Management
Many commercial property owners spend years building equity while also dealing with the responsibilities that come with direct ownership.
Tenants. Leasing. Repairs. Capital improvements. Financing. Property managers. Vacancies. Eventually, some owners reach a point where they want their real estate strategy to look different.
Selling may solve the ownership problem, but it can create a new question:
What comes next?
For clients who want continued exposure to real estate but less day-to-day responsibility, professionally managed real estate investments such as Delaware Statutory Trusts may be worth understanding.
Doug can help educate clients about how DSTs work, how certain DST interests may relate to a 1031 exchange, and the important risks and limitations that should be considered before investing.
Educational 1031 & DST Presentations for Brokerage Teams
Doug provides educational presentations for commercial real estate professionals who want a stronger working knowledge of 1031 exchanges, DSTs, and replacement property strategies.
These presentations can help brokers recognize situations where a client may need additional guidance and better understand the questions that can arise when a property owner is preparing to sell.
Presentation topics may include:
- 1031 exchange fundamentals
- Important exchange timelines
- Replacement property considerations
- Delaware Statutory Trust fundamentals
- How DSTs may fit into certain 1031 exchanges
- Potential DST benefits and risks
- Situations where property owners want to reduce active management
- Questions brokers commonly hear from exchange clients
- Working with the client's Qualified Intermediary and other professionals
The purpose is education. Brokers do not need to become 1031 or DST experts. A working understanding of these topics can help them identify important client concerns earlier in the transaction.
A Resource You Can Share With Clients
Customized 1031 is also being built as an educational resource for real estate investors and the professionals who work with them.
Brokers can direct clients to straightforward information covering:
- 1031 exchanges
- 1031 exchange rules and timelines
- Replacement property strategies
- Delaware Statutory Trusts
- DST benefits and risks
- Common 1031 and DST questions
- Accredited investor considerations
- Related real estate investment topics
This gives clients a place to begin learning without requiring the broker to personally answer every investment, exchange, or DST question that may arise during a transaction.
Who May Be a Good Fit for a Conversation With Doug?
Customized 1031 primarily works with real estate investors evaluating 1031 exchanges, DSTs, replacement property solutions, Opportunity Zone Funds, and related investment strategies.
For brokers, a useful introduction may begin when a client says something like:
“I want to sell, but I don’t know what I want to buy next.”
“I don’t want to manage another property.”
“I’m thinking about a 1031 exchange.”
“What happens if I can’t find replacement property?”
“I’ve heard about DSTs. How do they work?”
“I want to sell this property, but I need to understand my options first.”
Those conversations often indicate that the client needs more than transaction support. They need help understanding what may come after the sale.
Work With Doug Zator
Doug brings experience across 1031 exchanges, Delaware Statutory Trusts, and alternative real estate investments.
His background includes serving as Director of Business Development for 1031 Exchanges at an alternative investment firm and working with a DST sponsor educating investors and financial professionals about Delaware Statutory Trusts and other alternative investments.
That background allows him to communicate with both investors and real estate professionals while keeping the conversation focused on the client’s objectives.
Add 1031 & DST Education
to Your Client Resources
When a client’s property sale leads to questions about a 1031 exchange, replacement property, or DSTs, you do not need to answer every question yourself.
Customized 1031 can serve as an educational and investment resource while you continue managing the real estate relationship.
Whether you want to discuss a client situation or arrange an educational presentation for your brokerage team, connect with Doug to start the conversation.