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Wednesday, March 10, 2010

1031 Tax Deferred Exchange

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Olympic Exchange Accommodators, LLC believes strongly in the Code Of Ethics and Conduct of the Federation of Exchange Accommodators.  We conform our conduct, at all times, in dutiful compliance with this Code of Ethics.

 

The following is the FEA Code of Ethics and Conduct, in its entirety:

FEDERATION Of EXCHANGE ACCOMMODATORS

 

CODE OF ETHICS AND CONDUCT

 

PREAMBLE

 

The relationship between the Exchange Accommodator [including Exchange Accommodation Titleholders (“EATs”)] and its client (exchangers) requires a high level of confidence since the client entrusts and deposits with the Exchange Accommodator title to real estate and/or other like kind personal property, cash proceeds and promissory notes from the sale of real estate and other like kind personal property in furtherance of IRC §1031 exchanges.  Therefore, it is the duty of the Exchange Accommodator to uphold and improve the standards of its profession and to share the responsibility for its integrity and honor.

 

The Federation of Exchange Accommodators (“FEA”) and its members are committed to providing the highest level of professionalism, integrity, and ability available in the §1031 exchange accommodator industry. Exchange Accommodators recognize that the fiduciary nature of the industry imposes obligations beyond those of ordinary commerce.  The FEA and its members, therefore, zealously strive to maintain the standards of their profession and to share with their fellow Exchange Accommodators a common responsibility for its integrity and honor.

 

It is the intent of the FEA and its members to encourage fair and healthy competition within the industry.  At the same time it is recognized that cooperative industry relationships are critical to the industry’s success.

 

Each member of the FEA pledges to observe the letter and spirit of this Code of Ethics and Conduct and to operate its business in accordance with principles advocated herein.

 

Article I

 

An Exchange Accommodator shall keep reasonably informed of all laws, including statutes, regulations and the interpretation thereof, legislation, the principles and rules of this Code of Ethics and Conduct and potential amendments thereof, and other developments that affect IRC §1031 exchanges and the Exchange Accommodator profession (“Body of Knowledge”).  The Exchange Accommodator shall also ensure that all employees whose positions involve direct contact in an advisory capacity with the general public are similarly updated on the Body of Knowledge.

 

An Exchange Accommodator, and anyone working for such Exchange Accommodator, shall conduct business in any manner displaying the highest degree of professionalism, bringing credit to the industry and the FEA.  Exchange Accommodators and their employees shall speak truthfully and act in accordance with accepted principles of honesty, integrity and fair dealing.

 

Article II

 

Protection of the public against fraud, misrepresentation, and other illegal practices in the Exchange Accommodator profession shall be the duty and responsibility of each Exchange Accommodator member of the FEA, and shall not actively participate in such fraud, misrepresentation or other illegal practices.  An Exchange Accommodator shall not commit acts of fraud, embezzlement, misappropriation of funds, conversion of the property of another, theft, forgery or such similar acts as may be defined by local, state or federal law.  An Exchange Accommodator who is convicted of such an act, or enters a plea of “guilty”, “no contest”, “nolo contendere” or similar shall immediately notify the Board of Directors of the FEA, in writing.  An Exchange Accommodator   who holds any other professional designation or license, whose designation or license is suspended or revoked, or who voluntarily relinquishes such designation or license, due to activities concerning fraud, embezzlement, misappropriation of funds, conversion of the property of another, theft, forgery or any crime (misdemeanor or felony) shall immediately notify the Board of Directors of the FEA, in writing of such.  An Exchange Accommodator shall not voluntarily participate in any act which it knows to be unlawful or against the standard of conduct set forth in this Code of Ethics and Conduct, even if directed to do so by the client, his/her/its agent, or advisor.  It shall be the duty of every Exchange Accommodator to protect the reputation of the profession exposing those engaged in such practices.

 

 Article III

 

It is the duty of an Exchange Accommodator to act in such a manner as to preserve the trust and confidence of its clients.  Without prior permission from its client, an Exchange Accommodator shall not reveal the contents of any exchange file to any party other than the Exchanger or its agent, except in the case of a subpoena being presented, or when otherwise required by law.

 

Article IV

 

An Exchange Accommodator who is not licensed to practice law, accountancy, or other licensed or regulated profession shall not engage in activities which constitute such practice.  The Exchange Accommodator shall recommend in all cases that the parties involved in an exchange transaction seek tax and legal counsel.

 

Article V

 

If recommending other products or services, the Exchange Accommodator shall disclose to the client that it may receive a financial benefit, such as a commission or referral fee, as a result of such recommendation.  The Exchange Accommodator shall not recommend or suggest to a client the use of services of another organization or business entity in which they have a direct or indirect interest without full disclosure of such interest at the time of recommendation or suggestion.  At no time shall an Exchange Accommodator accept any illegal payment of any kind whatsoever.

 

It is the duty of an Exchange Accommodator to disclose to its clients those circumstances, relationships, and interests, if any, which might constitute a conflict of interest.  This disclosure shall be made when the Exchange Accommodator knows or learns of the conflict of interest.

 

Article VI

 

An Exchange Accommodator shall act in the best interest of its clients.  The Exchange Accommodator shall diligently and honestly pursue the client’s legitimate objectives, and shall perform all reasonable, necessary, and appropriate acts in a timely manner.  This shall include (but not necessarily be limited to) the duty to: provide and follow fully integrated, written exchange documents which shall clearly explain the fees to be charged and any interest to be paid to the client; provide copies of all documents received from the closing agent to the client or to the client’s authorized representative; keep the exchange proceeds in a stable financial institution or other reliable investment program unless the client expressly requests an alternative investment; ensure any promissory notes or other property held by the Exchange Accommodator as “exchange credits” are not compromised by the actions of the Exchange Accommodator; provide financial information to the client and his/her/its authorized representatives during the 180 day replacement period as requested; and give a full accounting of funds to which the client is entitled at the end of the exchange.

 

Article VII

 

An Exchange Accommodator shall cooperate with other Exchange Accommodators in all matters affecting the exchange industry as a whole.  This includes, but is not limited to, the sharing of knowledge and experience through active participation in FEA educational programs, reporting violations of the Code of Ethics and Conduct to the Ethics Committee of the FEA in writing, and active participation in the FEA.

 

Article VIII

 

Except in the case of disclosure of conduct in violation of the Code of Ethics and Conduct, or in the case of potential civil or criminal litigation, the Exchange Accommodator shall hold the exchange industry in the highest esteem, and avoid criticizing, denigrating, or otherwise disparaging a competitor or the Exchange Accommodator industry as a whole.

 

Article IX

 

An Exchange Accommodator, its owners, officers, and its employees, shall maintain, uphold and conform to this Code of Ethics and Conduct, and the rules, regulations, and Bylaws of the Federation.

 

Ethics Committee

Article X

 

Upon approval of the Board of Directors, the Ethics Committee may issue hypothetical Ethics advisory opinion letters.  Such hypothetical Ethics advisory opinion letters may be disseminated on the “members only” section of the FEA website and at FEA meetings and conferences.

 

Enforcement

Article XI

 

The Board of Directors is hereby empowered and authorized to promulgate, implement and amend from time to time Policies, Procedures, and Rules (“Enforcement Provisions”) for the enforcement of the provisions of this Code of Ethics.  Such Enforcement Provisions shall provide for reasonable notice of proposed action(s), an opportunity to be heard, and such other due process protections as the Board of Directors deems necessary.