A 1031 tax deferred exchange makes it possible for investors to sell and buy property of like kind while deferring tax consequences. This transaction is authorized by section 1031 of the IRS code and offers investors a reliable strategy for the protection of their real estate assets. A successful 1031 exchange allows the investor to reinvest 100% of the equity from the sale of a property into the purchase of a preferred replacement property without recognizing any gain. This type of property sale and reinvestment can either be done through a simultaneous or delayed 1031 exchange. In most cases a 1031 exchange is done as three-party delayed exchange also known as a "Starker Exchange" in which an intermediary ensures a reciprocal transfer of the properties and provides a "safe harbor" against the actual receipt of exchange funds.