1031 Exchange timing is important. 

Certain actions for a 1031 Exchange must be taken in sequence and exchanges must be completed within strict time limits.

Prior to closing the sale of the Relinquished Property

• Prior to the transfer of the Relinquished Property, the Exchanger and IPX1031, as Qualified Intermediary, must enter into an Exchange Agreement which requires the Qualified Intermediary to
• • a) acquire the Relinquished Property from the Exchanger and transfer it to the buyer (by direct deed from Exchanger to buyer), and
  • b) to acquire the Replacement Property from the seller and transfer
    it to the Exchanger (by direct deed from seller to Exchanger).
• Also prior to the transfer of the Relinquished Property, the Exchanger must assign rights under the Relinquished Property sale contract to the Qualified Intermediary and provide notice of that assignment to the buyer.

At closing of the Relinquished Property

• At closing, net proceeds from the Relinquished Property sale (Exchange Funds) are paid directly to IPX1031, as Qualified Intermediary, to be held in a separate account for the benefit of the Exchanger until used to purchase Replacement Property.

1031 Exchange Identification Timing

• The Exchanger has 45 calendar days, from the date the Relinquished Property is transferred, to identify potential Replacement Properties. Identification must be specific and unambiguous, in writing, signed by the Exchanger, and delivered to the Qualified Intermediary or another party to the transaction as permitted by Treas. Reg. §1.1031(k)-1(c)(2) prior to the end of the 45-day Identification
  Period. The list of identified potential Replacement Properties cannot be changed after the 45th day; the Exchanger may only acquire from the list of identified properties. If no property is identified, the Exchange Funds will be returned to the Exchanger after the 45th day.

Prior to closing the sale of the Replacement Property

• Prior to the transfer of the Replacement Property, the Exchanger must assign rights under the Replacement Property purchase contract to the Qualified Intermediary and provide notice of assignment to the seller.
• The Exchanger authorizes IPX1031, as Qualified Intermediary, to wire funds directly to the seller or closing agent for purchase of Replacement Property, and the seller transfers title directly to the Exchanger, completing the exchange.

1031 Exchange Completion Timing

• Acquisition of Replacement Property must be completed by the earlier of the 180th day after transfer of the first Relinquished Property or the due date (including extensions) for filing Exchanger’s tax return. Any unused Exchange Funds will be returned to the Exchanger at termination of the exchange.