my husband wants to do a 1031 exchange on property he owns sometime in
Jan-Feb 2003. If I buy a replacement property that is in my name only
BEFORE THEN, can he buy it from me with the 1031 proceeds after his
sale is settled?
In other words can a husband and wife do a tax-deferred exchange
between themselves when the properties in question are owned
individually not jointly, at fair market value for each property.
The reason for asking is that we might see the perfect replacement
property before Jan-Feb and want to buy it. I know that the Starker
rules allow for a reverse-exchange but that seems much more
complicated than what I propose.

Ask your tax person or real estate lawyer about a "reverse
Exchange"....the answer is yes it is possible, and commonly done.

oops i didnt see that last line where you already know of a reverse
exchange.....Good luck!