Generally, commercial appraisers have independent clients who call upon them to assess the value of a specific real estate property or business.

Assessors typically work for local government and assign values to many properties in a locality, usually to serve as the guidance for property taxation valuations.

Of course, a lot has been going on in the banking, lending, and real estate space.  Many markets around the country have already been greatly affected.  Of course, much of the issue has been centered around residential real estate and the somewhat irresponsible lending practices of institutions over the years.

The government has stepped into the arena in a way that is really unprecedented to date.  It will take time to see how all variablea and actions that have taken place will impact the real estate market and industry in general.  There has been a swift reaction from lending institutions, of course, and in the end, the realization at both the micro and macro level that the market may not be on the rise and perfectly stable 100% of the time is only a healthy injection of reality in the long run.

That said, it is generally accepted that Charlotte has been shown to be one of the more stable markets around the country.  The logistics of the economy and demographics surrounding Charlotte's growth will continue to serve as a foundation for the viability of real estate in the city.

In the appraisal profession, there are various levels or designations that an appraiser achieves throughout his/her career.  Following is the explaination by the NC Appraisal Board:

What is the progression of “stages” or “ranks” of the appraisal profession?

Step 1: Registered Trainee
Step 2: Licensed Residential (sometimes referred to as "Licensed")
Step 3: Certified Residential (sometimes referred to as "Certified")
Step 4: Certified General (sometimes referred to as "General"). 

Along with helping buyers understand someone's qualifications, these different designations govern the constraints on what kind of appraisal can be performed.  Appraising Charlotte encourages education for appraisers to keep up with the latest in techniques, technology, and valuation modeling.  A Certified General appraiser is assigned to each of our appraising assignment.

As we get into 2007, we are faced with new variables...a new democratic congress, an upcoming presidential election, real estate markets in big cities that have showed some weakness, yet a somewhat strong job market and economy.

What does this mean for Charlotte commercial real estate, if anything?  I feel we are still the "little Atlanta" of the south.  Steady population growth is only going to increase if northern cities experience corrections in their housing valuations.  We have great weather and friendly people - who wouldn't want to live in Charlotte.  As such, more businesses will continue to be created and flourish and I anticipate commercial real estate in Charlotte will continue its upward movement.