An Exchange Agreement is a document drawn up between you and your Qualified Intermediary that lays out the requirements of a 1031 exchange. A Qualified Intermediary (QI) helps facilitate tax-deferred exchanges under IRS code.Learn more about QIs and the part they play in a 1031 Exchange. In order to complete a successful 1031 exchange, an investor must not take constructive receipt of the proceeds from the sale of the relinquished property. A Qualified Intermediary plays a key role in the 1031 exchange process.