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Independent Exchange Services, Inc.

Real Estate - Exchange & Reverse Exchanges
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Independent Exchange Services, Inc.
294 SURVEYS
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21 CONSECUTIVE YEARS
SINCE AUGUST 2004
CERT 464

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294

Verified Customers

Surveyed

Customer Loyalty

Customer Satisfaction

Helpful Expertise

READ ALL 294 SURVEY RESPONSES

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Diamond Certified Researched Articles on Independent Exchange Services, Inc.

researched article

Front Row (L to R): Kris Champion Morton (Exchange Coordinator) and Billie Sue Records (Exchange Officer); Back Row (L to R): Ian Bunje (President), Ralph Bunje (Chairman) and Jeff Lowenstein (Exchange Coordinator); Not Pictured: Frank Nishimoto (CFO)

Independent Exchange Services, Inc. provides IRS Section 1031 exchange services—essentially a deferral of capital gains taxes from the exchange of investment properties—for real estate investors throughout the Greater Bay Area and beyond. The company acts as a third party, qualified intermediary for various types of exchanges, including delayed, simultaneous, reverse, built-to-suit and international.

President Ian Bunje says the company strives to be as service-driven as possible and make the exchange process simple and hassle-free for its clients. “We know each person’s questions, problems and issues differ, so we tailor each transaction to meet those specific needs.”

The company operates as part of the 1031 Strategies & Services Group. It’s a boutique exchange firm, which means it doesn’t handle thousands of transactions a year and is able to take a personalized approach to dealing with its clients. For more information on the company’s services or 1031 exchanges in general, Mr. Bunje invites potential clients to visit 1031pro.com.

“Most of our business comes from word-of-mouth referrals from past customers, lawyers, accountants and even our competition, so we make sure each client’s exchanges receive as much attention as everyone else’s, no matter the size. We strive to be as hands-on as possible, and we offer each client the same high level of customer service, whether we’re quickly responding to their phone calls and emails or putting the finishing touches on their deal.”

Before committing to an IRS Section 1031 exchange, it’s important to understand the basics. “1031 exchanges allow you to defer taxes on capital gains from the sale of investment properties if all the proceeds are promptly invested in replacement properties,” explains Ian Bunje, co-owner of Independent Exchange Services, Inc. in San Francisco. “Basically, you’re deferring the taxes until you sell the new property.” To get the most out of a 1031 exchange, it’s best to employ the services of a professional intermediary, but there are still some basic things you should know before making the initial call.

A 1031 exchange isn’t for personal use. The provision is only for investment and business properties, so you can’t swap your primary residence for another home. There are ways you can use a 1031 for swapping vacation homes, but this loophole is much narrower than it used to be. Some exchanges of personal property (like a painting) can qualify, but exchanges of corporate stock or partnership interests can’t.

“Like kind” is a rather broad phrase. Most exchanges must merely be of like kind, which doesn’t mean what most people think it means. You can exchange an apartment building for raw land, a ranch for a strip mall, or even one business for another.

Consider a delayed exchange. Classically, an exchange involves a simple swap of one property for another between two people. But the odds of finding someone with the exact property you want who wants the exact property you have are slim. For that reason, the vast majority of exchanges are delayed, three party or “Starker” exchanges (named for the first tax case that allowed them). In a delayed exchange, you need a middleman who holds the cash after you sell your property and uses it to buy the replacement property for you.

Designate replacement property. Once the sale of your property occurs, the intermediary will receive the cash—you can’t receive the cash or it will spoil the 1031 treatment. Also, within 45 days of the sale of your property, you must designate replacement property to the intermediary in writing, specifying the property you want to acquire. There’s debate about how many properties you can designate and what conditions you can impose. The IRS says you can designate three properties as the designated replacement property as long as you eventually close on one of them. Alternatively, you can designate more properties if you come within certain valuation tests. For example, you can designate an unlimited number of potential replacement properties as long as the fair market value of the replacement properties doesn’t exceed 200 percent of the aggregate fair market value of all the exchanged properties.

You must close within six months. The 180-day countdown starts right when the sale of your property closes. If you designate replacement property exactly 45 days later, you’ll have 135 days left to close.

If you receive cash, it’s taxed. You may have cash left over after the intermediary acquires the replacement property. If so, the intermediary will pay it to you at the end of the 180 days. That cash, also known as “boot,” will be taxed as partial sales proceeds from the sale of your property, generally as a capital gain.

Consider mortgages and other debt. One of the main ways people get into trouble with 1031 transactions is failing to consider loans or any debt on the replacement property. If you don’t receive cash back but your liability goes down, that too will be treated as your income, just like cash. Suppose you had a mortgage of $1 million on the old property, but your mortgage on the new property you receive in exchange is only $900,000. You have $100,000 of gain that’s also classified as boot, and it’ll be taxed.

Intermediaries are always looking for ways to discern themselves from their competition, and those that have earned the prestigious Diamond Certified award are already several steps ahead. In addition to its Diamond Certified status, Independent Exchange Services, Inc. differentiates itself by focusing entirely on one specific aspect of the industry: Section 1031 exchanges. “Essentially, we help investors defer payment of capital gains taxes that result from the buying and selling of investment properties,” explains co-owner Ian Bunje. “Section 1031 of the U.S. Tax Code allows taxpayers to invest this type of equity into replacement properties, and our certified exchange specialists and certified public accountants are trained to help them facilitate those exchanges.”

Independent Exchange Services has been providing Section 1031 exchange services for real estate investors throughout the Greater Bay Area and beyond since 1980, and its decades of experience have given it a unique perspective on how to best handle the intermediary process. “We’ve been doing this longer than just about any other company, and that’s translated into a high level of expertise that allows us to really focus on our customers,” says Mr. Bunje. “We like to sit down and get to know them instead of just gathering information and processing documents. We also understand that real estate transactions don’t just happen Monday through Friday, so we’re available every day of the week.”

To add to its customer-oriented approach to doing business, Independent Exchange Services is quick to inform clients of what services it can’t provide in addition to what it can. “For example, we can’t act as a tax advisor, but we’ll make sure every detail is covered so the exchange meets all IRS requirements,” says Mr. Bunje. “If we see something that doesn’t look right, we’ll raise a flag to ensure the client contacts the right people and makes the right decision. For us, it’s not just about collecting a fee—if the deal won’t benefit the client, we won’t go through with the transaction. We want our clients to come back a second and third time. Ultimately, they have to benefit from our services, not the other way around.”

Ralph Bunje, Chairman-Independent Exchange Services, Inc.Ralph Bunje, Chairman

Diamond Certified Researched Capabilities on Independent Exchange Services, Inc.

Service Area

The Greater Bay Area
The Nation
Serving the Greater Bay Area and the Nation

Main Services

Real Estate - Exchange & Reverse Exchanges
  • 1031 exchange calculation
  • 1031 reverse exchanges
  • 1031 exchanges
  • Investment Property Exchange Services

Additional Services

Real Estate Exchange Services
Reverse Exchange Services

Company Info

Hours
Mon
08:30 am - 05:00 pm
Tue
08:30 am - 05:00 pm
Wed
08:30 am - 05:00 pm
Thu
08:30 am - 05:00 pm
Fri
08:30 am - 05:00 pm
Sat
Closed
Sun
Closed
Closed
Mon – Fri: 8:30am – 5pm
Website
Contact
Independent Exchange Services, Inc.
25954 Eden Landing Road, Hayward, CA 94545

Capabilities Table

Company Name
Independent Exchange Services, Inc.
DCID Number
DCID8009391031, DCID4157825201
Managers
Ian Bunje, President,
Ralph Bunje, Chairman
Years in Industry
40 (Manager)
# of Employees
6
Memberships
Better Business Bureau, Federation of Exchange Acommodators
Insurance
Liability Insurance
Founded
1980
Customer Type
Real Estate Investment Used in Trade or Business for Industrial, Commercial, or Residential Properties

Certifications & Awards

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Key Factors

Independent Exchange Services, Inc. Established in 1980
Established in 1980
Independent Exchange Services, Inc. Live Phone Call Answers
Live Phone Call Answers
Independent Exchange Services, Inc. Parking On site
Parking On site

Diamond Certified Expert Contributor Advice & Tips

Ralph Bunje Jr. is a veteran of the financial industry and chairman of Independent Exchange Services, Inc., a Diamond Certified company since 2004. He can be reached at (877) 312-1320 or by email.

Ralph Bunje Jr. is a veteran of the financial industry and chairman of Independent Exchange Services, Inc., a Diamond Certified company since 2004. He can be reached at (877) 312-1320 or by email.

Ralph Bunje Jr.: A Successful Exchange

By James Florence, Diamond Certified Resource Reporter

SAN FRANCISCO — Over the course of several decades working in the financial sector, Ralph Bunje Jr.’s professional emphasis gradually became more and more specialized. “After I got out of the Navy, I became a stockbroker,” he recounts. “About six years later, I became a CPA for a San Francisco firm, and after that I formed a financial consulting practice that handled a variety of needs. Today, we primarily handle 1031 exchanges, wh...

Read Full Article - Ralph Bunje Jr.: A Successful Exchange

Independent Exchange Services, Inc. Website and External Feeds

Company Suggested Links

FAQs

By Independent Exchange Services, Inc.

What is a 1031 exchange?

What types of real estate qualify for 1031 exchanges? Can I do a 1031 exchange on my vacation home or rental property?

When do I have to decide about making an exchange?

When is the 1031 exchange completed?

Do I need to have a mortgage on the replacement property?

Can the proceeds from the sale of a relinquished property be held in escrow?

Is there a limit to how long the proceeds can remain in escrow?

Independent Exchange Services, Inc. Ratings and Survey Responses

diamondcertified logo
Independent Exchange Services, Inc.
294 SURVEYS
  • star image
  • star image
  • star image
  • star image
  • star image
  • Rating
21 CONSECUTIVE YEARS
SINCE AUGUST 2004
CERT 464

Diamond Certified Ratings Dashboard

Customer Satisfaction

Customer Loyalty

Helpful Expertise

Company Credentials

  • Liability Insurance
  • Business Practices
  • Current Complaint File

Phone Survey Responsesfrom 294 Verified Customers

Yvonne H.

They know their business. I've worked with a few different companies in the past, and I think Independent Exchange Services left them in the dust.

They were very knowledgeable. They did every single thing I asked of them, and believe me when I tell you I worked their heinies off.

Verified Customer of Independent Exchange Services, Inc., 1 of 294

10 Quality
Yes Loyalty
Lillian S.

Ralph is very good at what he does. We had complete confidence in him.

It was easy to work with him, and he did what needed to be done. Everything from start to finish was just easy, and that fact is wonderful.

Verified Customer of Independent Exchange Services, Inc., 2 of 294

10 Quality
Yes Loyalty
John L.

I'm completely satisfied with them.

Basically, I think they are all honest, quick, knowledgeable, proactive, respectful, professional, and so on and so forth.

Verified Customer of Independent Exchange Services, Inc., 3 of 294

10 Quality
Yes Loyalty
June D.

I have already recommended them to many people. Ralph, in particular, really knows so much about the different kinds of exchanges that we can have. They can't always help with specific things, because there are different tax implications depending on what you need to know about, so there are still some things that they'll advise you to talk it over with your accountant.

They seemed to respond fairly quickly.

Verified Customer of Independent Exchange Services, Inc., 4 of 294

10 Quality
Yes Loyalty
Joseph T.

When you use them, you can tell their quality and there is a big difference in the selling experience. We remodeled the house after finding so many things wrong with it, and then, they staged it and it sold within a week. Their professional approach is what helped the house sell so fast.

That they were very professional

Verified Customer of Independent Exchange Services, Inc., 5 of 294

10 Quality
Yes Loyalty
Jessica B.

I think they're doing a good job. One thing I'd say as a rule of thumb is that you can't or shouldn't rely on somebody else to get things completely, 100% right.

They were quite responsive.

Verified Customer of Independent Exchange Services, Inc., 6 of 294

10 Quality
Yes Loyalty
Barbara T.

We have used them many times, and the exchange experience is always good. They do a very good service for us on a consistent basis.

It is very convenient for us to have this company to take care of all of the details and do the exchanges. It is a reputable company that does good work.

Verified Customer of Independent Exchange Services, Inc., 7 of 294

10 Quality
Yes Loyalty
Ronald M.

They did everything they were supposed to do correctly, and the transaction process worked out well for us. We had no complaints.

I liked that they made it simple and easy for us.

Verified Customer of Independent Exchange Services, Inc., 8 of 294

10 Quality
Yes Loyalty
Anne M.

They provide a unique service, in a niche market, their principles are highly aware in general, business wise.

I got the end result I wanted.

Verified Customer of Independent Exchange Services, Inc., 9 of 294

10 Quality
Yes Loyalty
Virginia C.

Ralph is competent and knowledgeable. I had no doubt at any time that he didn't know what he was doing.

Prompt and responsive

Verified Customer of Independent Exchange Services, Inc., 10 of 294

10 Quality
Yes Loyalty
Diana C.

Very unique approach to their vertical, personable, persistent, and very involved with their customers

I would say the investment they have to their clients.

Verified Customer of Independent Exchange Services, Inc., 11 of 294

10 Quality
Yes Loyalty
Mark C.

I have referred them to many people because they are good, and I have been using them for years now.

Their price is fair, they know what they are doing, and they're responsive. Those are the things that you need.

Verified Customer of Independent Exchange Services, Inc., 12 of 294

10 Quality
Yes Loyalty
Barbara W.

They're professional, competent, detailed, and thorough. I would highly recommend their services.

They just took care of business and were very easy to work with. I had no issues and I'm very satisfied.

Verified Customer of Independent Exchange Services, Inc., 13 of 294

10 Quality
Yes Loyalty
Marianne H.

I think very highly of them. They are all knowledgeable, honest, straightforward, and responsive.

I think probably the ease of working with Ian Bunje was the best thing. He was personable, honest, and very well-educated.

Verified Customer of Independent Exchange Services, Inc., 14 of 294

10 Quality
Yes Loyalty
Daren A.

They answered their phone. You have to start somewhere and being available is always important.

They are willing to look into things and get back to you. I gave them a stumper. They have a lot of experience, so for me to stump them, I knew it would be impressive for them to be able to get me through it and they did. They got me what I needed.

Verified Customer of Independent Exchange Services, Inc., 15 of 294

10 Quality
Yes Loyalty
Richard L.

I would say that they got the job done, but they are also very friendly and down to earth.

They got the job done.

Verified Customer of Independent Exchange Services, Inc., 16 of 294

10 Quality
Yes Loyalty
Mary R.

They got the job done. I felt like they were always working with me and never against me.

They know what they're doing and they get the job done. I even think one time I got a call back after their normal business hours, which I think makes them very dedicated to the work they do.

Verified Customer of Independent Exchange Services, Inc., 17 of 294

10 Quality
Yes Loyalty
Sandra W.

I think they have their own niche. They are very knowledgeable within that market.

I think they do well.

Verified Customer of Independent Exchange Services, Inc., 18 of 294

10 Quality
Yes Loyalty
Maria B.

Very professional, reliable, and as a smaller company they do a great job.

Very professional

Verified Customer of Independent Exchange Services, Inc., 19 of 294

10 Quality
Yes Loyalty
Melisa J.

I would say that they know their area and they care about their clients.

They care about their clients.

Verified Customer of Independent Exchange Services, Inc., 20 of 294

10 Quality
Yes Loyalty
Tomoko S.

I would highly recommend them. They're a great company to deal with.

For me, they were honest, responsive, smart, and explained everything I needed to know in detail.

Verified Customer of Independent Exchange Services, Inc., 21 of 294

10 Quality
Yes Loyalty
David K.

I have used them three to four times now and would recommend them.

They are fair and very competent.

Verified Customer of Independent Exchange Services, Inc., 22 of 294

10 Quality
Yes Loyalty
Michael M.

Both Ian and Ralph are responsive and really on top of things.

I liked that I didn't have to worry about anything. Knowing that they were there to take care of everything was quite a relief for me.

Verified Customer of Independent Exchange Services, Inc., 23 of 294

10 Quality
Yes Loyalty
Margaret M.

I think they are results driven and achieved what we wanted.

They were very upfront about everything.

Verified Customer of Independent Exchange Services, Inc., 24 of 294

10 Quality
Yes Loyalty
Sidney B.

I think they are professional and know what they are doing.

They are the best.

Verified Customer of Independent Exchange Services, Inc., 25 of 294

10 Quality
Yes Loyalty
David K.

I would say, they do a good job, very quick transaction.

They were good at following up and keeping me up to date.

Verified Customer of Independent Exchange Services, Inc., 26 of 294

10 Quality
Yes Loyalty
John M.

For a smaller company, they know a lot about the market.

They were able to make things happen, they were professional, and made sure to keep me in the loop.

Verified Customer of Independent Exchange Services, Inc., 27 of 294

10 Quality
Yes Loyalty
Gail B.

They are very competent and excellent at what they do.

They were competent and knew what they were doing.

Verified Customer of Independent Exchange Services, Inc., 28 of 294

10 Quality
Yes Loyalty
Linda H.

Use them. They're great. I have used them twice now.

They are very clear about explaining the process. I felt comfortable calling them at any time and even when being redundant with my questions they were kind and explained everything constantly. They helped me a lot and made it an easy process. They are good people, a good company with good staff.

Verified Customer of Independent Exchange Services, Inc., 29 of 294

10 Quality
Yes Loyalty
Philip M.

They were very professional and very knowledgeable.

They knew the laws extremely well, and they knew the ins and outs of the transaction better than other people. They were very professional.

Verified Customer of Independent Exchange Services, Inc., 30 of 294

10 Quality
Yes Loyalty
Wendi G.

It's an easy process to do business with them.

Professionalism and integrity

Verified Customer of Independent Exchange Services, Inc., 31 of 294

10 Quality
Yes Loyalty
Yvonne H.

I would recommend them, I think they do fine.

They are personable.

Verified Customer of Independent Exchange Services, Inc., 32 of 294

10 Quality
Yes Loyalty
Ronald

Very knowledgeable, and they get results.

They are efficient.

Verified Customer of Independent Exchange Services, Inc., 33 of 294

10 Quality
Yes Loyalty
Susan S.

I felt thoroughly comfortable with him.

He answered all of my questions. He was very knowledgeable.

Verified Customer of Independent Exchange Services, Inc., 34 of 294

10 Quality
Yes Loyalty
Julie F.

They are very efficient and knowledge.

They got the best possible result for our situation.

Verified Customer of Independent Exchange Services, Inc., 35 of 294

10 Quality
Yes Loyalty
Cherie C.

That it was professional and efficient

It was professional and efficient.

Verified Customer of Independent Exchange Services, Inc., 36 of 294

10 Quality
Yes Loyalty
Louis A.

I would recommend them to anyone.

They were extremely thorough and very careful.

Verified Customer of Independent Exchange Services, Inc., 37 of 294

10 Quality
Yes Loyalty
William P.

They are an outstanding company.

They're personable and they pay attention to minor details. I know a few different people who have used them in the past, and what I know for certain is they establish a professional and friendly relationship with all of their clients. When I'd call in, I felt like they knew me, even though they probably looked my number up when they saw it popping up on the caller ID. I just felt comfortable and confident in them.

Verified Customer of Independent Exchange Services, Inc., 38 of 294

10 Quality
Yes Loyalty
Charles S.

I don't know what I'd say.

They really helped me through the process of exchanging the property.

Verified Customer of Independent Exchange Services, Inc., 39 of 294

10 Quality
Yes Loyalty
Thomas G.

Very easy to work with

I was able to get in touch with them immediately, and they returned my calls promptly. It was a very easy transaction.

Verified Customer of Independent Exchange Services, Inc., 40 of 294

10 Quality
Yes Loyalty
Dan R.

Everything was great.

They provide a great service. I use them all the time.

Verified Customer of Independent Exchange Services, Inc., 41 of 294

10 Quality
Yes Loyalty
Marc F.

They did a good job.

They were attentive.

Verified Customer of Independent Exchange Services, Inc., 42 of 294

10 Quality
Yes Loyalty
Ann B.

They were very nice.

They were accessible.

Verified Customer of Independent Exchange Services, Inc., 43 of 294

10 Quality
Yes Loyalty
Maurice S.

They did a good job.

They did a good job.

Verified Customer of Independent Exchange Services, Inc., 44 of 294

10 Quality
Yes Loyalty
John G.

They do a good job.

They got things done in a timely manner.

Verified Customer of Independent Exchange Services, Inc., 45 of 294

10 Quality
Yes Loyalty
Carlos R.

They were great.

They made the process smooth and helped me figure everything out. I would definitely work with them again.

Verified Customer of Independent Exchange Services, Inc., 46 of 294

10 Quality
Yes Loyalty
Susan K.

I love them.

They're awesome.

Verified Customer of Independent Exchange Services, Inc., 47 of 294

10 Quality
Yes Loyalty
Marilyn B.

I don

Ralph is very helpful, very gracious with his time, and he's very unveiled with giving information.

Verified Customer of Independent Exchange Services, Inc., 48 of 294

10 Quality
Yes Loyalty
Justin D.

They are mellow and easy to get a hold of. They answer all of my questions. I have been using them for ten years.

Verified Customer of Independent Exchange Services, Inc., 49 of 294

10 Quality
Yes Loyalty
Victor M.

Even though I didn't understand it totally, I liked their ability to explain it. I also liked their prompt replies. They were knowledge-based. They knew what they were doing.

Verified Customer of Independent Exchange Services, Inc., 50 of 294

10 Quality
Yes Loyalty