Professional Profile

James Brennan is a Vice President and Relationship Manager for Wachovia Wealth Management in the Mid-Atlantic Region. James' responsibilities include serving as the primary point of contact for affluent and high net worth clients. James works closely with a team of experienced specialists to offer financial planning, trust and estate services, investment management, brokerage, insurance, and customized credit solutions. James has a core competency in facilitating like-kind exchange transactions and coordinating with exchange clients in surveying their commercial real estate replacement property options inside and outside the Bank.

James has been affiliated with Wachovia for approximately two years. Prior to joining Wachovia, James served as Regional Manager for a National Institutional 1031 Exchange Qualified Intermediary, where he was responsible for assisting real estate investors, accountants, attorneys, REITs, and private equity groups with executing like-kind exchange transactions.

AREA OF EXPERTISE: 1031 EXCHANGES

(aka: "Starker Exchanges", "Like-Kind Exchanges")

Under 1031, all real property (as it is defined by state law) is considered “like-kind” with other real property of the same nature and quality. The following are examples of qualified “like-kind” real property exchanges:

•  Raw land for rental property
•  Single family rental for multi-family rental
•  Retail space for motel/hotel
•  Farms/ranch for golf course
•  30-year leasehold interest for fee simple interest
•  Non-income producing raw land for income-producing rental property

The use of a qualified intermediary is the most common method used to complete a valid tax-deferred exchange quickly and easily. As a qualified intermediary, Wachovia holds funds during the course of deferred exchanges.

For more information about 1031 exchanges, contact Wachovia at (703) 801-4178.

"James Brennan has more knowledge about 1031 Exchanges than anyone I know. I have been in the mortgage/real estate industry for 20+ years, and James is hands down the best 1031 resource I have met. And most importantly, he knows how to take a complex subject; and put it into terms that are easy to understand. I highly recommend talking to him if you have a 1031 transaction that needs handling." February 2, 2007 

-Brian Martucci

hired James Brennan,JD/LLM as a Financial Advisor in 2006, and hired James Brennan,JD/LLM more than once

"James has an in-depth knowledge of exchanges and real estate. But most importantly, he exhibits a genuine dedication to maintaining relationships. He is a real "people person."" January 17, 2007

-Tom Utzinger 

Associate, Riker Danzig Scherer Hyland & Perretti LLP
was with another company when working with James Brennan,JD/LLM at Wachovia

"James is a great business person. He brings a thorough knowledge of the business. He is a man of integrity and loyalty. He is the kind of business person that is always working to make the seemingly impossible, Possible. He has a large network of advisors and is a great asset to any client, team or business. By the way, he is very easy to communicate with and is down to Earth." December 17, 2006

-Norm Odeneal (of Callnorm.com)

Owner, Keller Williams Realty
was with another company when working with James Brennan,JD/LLM at Wachovia

"James is a smart tax attorney who understands real estate very well, owing to his background with commercial real estate. He always goes the extra mile to research a question or issue specific to your needs. I use him as a resource on a frequent basis." December 15, 2006

-Brian Gill 

Associate Director, Cushman & Wakefield
worked directly with James Brennan,JD/LLM at Wachovia

"James Brennan has been a business associate of mine. He is very bright and talented and he quickly understood the potential affiliation of our two companies. He has referred qualified clients to me and continues to work with our company. We are looking forward to working together on joint seminars in the future." August 23, 2006

-Satchie Carvounis 

Client Service Specialist, Security Trust Company
was with another company when working with James Brennan,JD/LLM at Wachovia

"By far the most knowledgeable 1031 exchange advisor we have dealt with. Sincere, willing to help and great with follow-ups, are just a few strong business characteristics that James has demonstrated to us, over and over again. We look forward to doing business with James in years to come. Highly recommended." August 15, 2006

-Parham Shariat 

Owner, Premier Blue Properties
was James Brennan,JD/LLM's client

Instructor, Graduate School of Business at George Washington University

"James has been an excellent professor. He had brought real experiences to our class and taught us all about the 1031 exchange. But that is not his only area of expertise, he surprises my classmate and I every time we meet by sharing his knowledge in all areas of real estate. I hereby fully endorse Mr. James Brennan, Esq." April 2, 2006

-Troon Dowds

"I attended a course that James co-taught at GWU. As a teacher, I think James has everything. He is knowledgable, enthusiastic, good humored, and genuinely cares about helping his students. On more than one occasion he has made time outside of class to give me advice or explain a concept in more detail. He also has the ability to add levity to some of the more dense legal discussions." March 24, 2006

-Nathaniel Poteet

Business Development Manager, 1031 Exchange Division (dba "NAEC") at Washington Mutual

"James conducted several outstanding 1031 seminars for our clients and attorney agents. The programs were informative and enjoyable, gave our lawyers and clients a higher comfort level with the subject matter and even drew complements from a member of the state's CLE accreditation board." October 19, 2006

-Gene Berkes 

V.P. and General Counsel, North American Title Company
worked with James Brennan,JD/LLM at North American Exchange Company

"James can easily help you make your 1031 exchange successful. In this field, experience is EVERYTHING. James Brennan is a man of excellence and most Realtors know only enough about 1031s to pass a licensing exam. Don't be caught holding the bag. Contact James early to be sure you have all your bases covered." March 26, 2006

-Kadena Tate Simon

"James is a stunningly good speaker, but better yet, he knows his stuff. If you are looking for any type of 1031 exchange or advice, he's your man. - DROdio" January 27, 2006

-Danel Odio (DROdio)