JJ Gorena of The Trey Group handles the real estate side: finding, evaluating, and negotiating the replacement property within the 45-day identification window. The other half of the equation is the qualified intermediary, the licensed professional who holds the exchange funds and ensures the transaction meets IRS requirements. In Episode 1 of his 1031 exchange series, Gorena names exactly who he turns to for that role: Carl Pikus, a 1031 exchange expert who serves the San Antonio and Austin markets through IPX1031, the national leader in qualified intermediary services.
Why the Two Roles Can't Overlap
By law, a qualified intermediary has to be an independent third party, the investor's real estate agent can't also hold the exchange funds. That's precisely why Gorena works directly with Pikus rather than trying to manage both sides of the transaction himself. As Gorena explains it, the sequence matters: "If you handle it correctly, you plan the entire process from beginning to end. You find a 1031 exchange expert, complete all the paperwork, get everything ready, and then put your investment property on the market."
That paperwork and account setup, the part Pikus and his team handle — has to be finished before the property sale closes. Once it closes, the 45-day clock starts immediately, and there's no time to be setting up the exchange account from scratch.
What This Means for San Antonio Investors
Working with an agent and a qualified intermediary who already have a functioning relationship removes a layer of friction that trips up a lot of first-time exchangers. Instead of an investor independently vetting and coordinating two unfamiliar professionals under deadline pressure, Gorena and Pikus already know how to move together — one sourcing and negotiating the replacement property, the other ensuring the exchange itself stays compliant and the funds stay protected.
For an investor selling property anywhere in the San Antonio, Boerne, or New Braunfels area, that combination — a real estate agent who understands commercial and residential inventory across the region, paired with an established qualified intermediary experienced in Texas exchanges — is what actually keeps a 1031 exchange on schedule.
Watch Episode https://youtu.be/OkVbYjg86Ig?si=ZqkAC_0z6sd36UHo
Schedule a consultation with JJ Gorena: https://calendly.com/treygroupcommercial/15min
JJ Gorena, The Trey Group Phone: 210-367-6024 Email: Commercial@thetreygroup.com
