Certified Exchange Specialist · The Sontag Group
Defer the tax.
Keep your equity working.
Leah Badach has facilitated 5,000+ 1031 exchanges — over $1B in real estate — turning the tax code's most intimidating tool into a clear, deadline-proof process.
Free · takes 2 minutes · or estimate my savings · talk to Leah directly
The process
Three deadlines. Zero surprises.
A 1031 exchange is simple when it's run right — and unforgiving when it isn't.
Sell & park
Your proceeds go straight to a qualified intermediary — you never touch the money, or the exchange is void.
Identify in 45 days
Name your replacement property within 45 days of closing. The clock is absolute — the IRS doesn't extend it.
Close in 180 days
Acquire the replacement within 180 days. Capital gains, deferred — your full equity keeps compounding.
Where Leah goes deep
The exchanges most pros avoid.
Reverse & improvement
Buy before you sell, or build on the replacement — the advanced moves that win competitive markets.
DSTs & hands-off ownership
Retire from landlording without paying the tax — zero-cash-flow Delaware Statutory Trusts built for full deferral and debt replacement.
NYC co-op & condo
The notoriously tricky New York exchanges, handled — the ones generic QIs turn away.
QI safety
Your intermediary holds 100% of your proceeds. Knowing who holds the money matters more than the fee.
Free tool
1031 Tax Savings Calculator
See how much you could defer with a 1031 exchange.
Questions
Frequently asked.
"Leah made our 1031 completely seamless. We deferred over $180K and reinvested into two rentals."
J.M. — Investor, New York
"After 20 years of managing properties, Leah guided me into a DST — full deferral and zero landlord headaches."
R.S. — Retired Owner, New Jersey
For press
Available for interviews, expert quotes & podcasts on 1031s and capital-gains strategy.
Start your exchange
Let's keep your equity working.
No obligation. Tell Leah about your sale and she'll map the cleanest path to defer — she reaches out within 24 hours.
Why choose a certified 1031 exchange specialist in New York
Navigating a 1031 tax-deferred exchange requires the guidance of an experienced qualified intermediary who understands the strict IRS rules and deadlines. Leah Badach is a Certified Exchange Specialist (CES) at The Sontag Group, one of the most reliable 1031 exchange companies in the industry, with over 10 years of hands-on experience and more than 5,000 successful exchanges totaling over $1 billion in facilitated transactions. Whether you are searching for the best 1031 QI near you or a trusted 1031 exchange specialist near you, Leah provides expert guidance for investors across Brooklyn, Manhattan, New York City, New Jersey, Connecticut, and nationwide.
Understanding how to do a 1031 exchange is critical for real estate investors looking to defer capital gains taxes. A 1031 exchange, also called a like-kind exchange or tax-deferred exchange, allows property owners to sell an investment property and reinvest the proceeds into a replacement property while deferring federal and state capital gains taxes. The 1031 exchange rules in 2026 maintain the 45-day identification period and 180-day exchange period, and working with the best qualified intermediary ensures you never miss these critical deadlines.
Leah specializes in every type of 1031 exchange, including forward exchanges, reverse 1031 exchanges for investors who need to acquire before selling, DST 1031 exchanges for those exiting active management through Delaware Statutory Trusts, and construction or improvement exchanges. She is an expert in 1031 exchanges for rental property, commercial real estate, and multi-family investments.
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1031 Exchange by location
Leah Badach, CES • The Sontag Group • Brooklyn, NY • [email protected]
Serving investors across the tri-state area and nationwide. This website is for informational purposes only and does not constitute tax or legal advice.