You’ve probably seen the name pop up if you’re looking at the skyline of the Queen City or scouting for industrial land. Craig Carlisle is a name that carries some serious weight in the Charlotte, NC, commercial real estate scene. He isn't some out-of-towner trying to flip a few lots. Honestly, he’s a native Charlottean. That matters.
In a city like Charlotte, where a new glass tower seems to sprout every Tuesday, having someone who actually knows the dirt—literally and figuratively—is a massive advantage.
Craig has been grinding in this industry since roughly 2003. Think about that for a second. He was in the game before the 2008 crash, through the recovery, and through the massive tech and banking explosion that turned Charlotte into the beast it is today.
Who Exactly is Craig Carlisle?
Basically, he’s a Senior Broker who has seen it all. He didn't just jump into a boutique firm, either. He cut his teeth at Lincoln Harris, working out of their corporate office for three years. If you know anything about North Carolina real estate, you know Lincoln Harris is a powerhouse. While he was there, he wasn't just doing paperwork; he was heading up investment sales divisions. He handled acquisitions and dispositions, which is just industry-speak for buying and selling high-stakes property.
By 2004, he felt the itch to do his own thing. He started Morgan-Carlisle CREA, acting as the leading Principal.
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Since then, he’s moved over to Real Estate Development Partners (RED). His resume is kind of a laundry list of "every type of building you can imagine." We're talking:
- Industrial warehouses
- Retail strips
- Large-scale land acquisitions
- Sports and entertainment venues
- Multi-family housing
He’s handled over $75 million in transactions. In the world of high-end commercial real estate, that’s a lot of handshakes and a lot of due diligence.
The Charlotte Local Connection
It’s easy to find a broker. It’s harder to find one who actually cares about the local community. Craig is married with four kids and lives right in the heart of Charlotte.
He’s been recognized multiple times by the Charlotte Region Commercial Board of Realtors (CRCBR). But what’s more interesting is where he spends his time when he’s not closing 1031 tax-deferred exchanges. He’s active with Junior Achievement of Charlotte, the First Tee of Charlotte, and the Grandfather Home for Children.
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Most people looking for "Craig Carlisle Charlotte NC" might be confused by a famous artist of the same name. Just to clear the air: there is a very talented painter named Craig Carlisle who does these incredible, large-scale "Big Head" paintings. He’s great, but he’s mostly based out of the Nashville area these days. Our Craig Carlisle is the guy you call when you need to site a 50,000-square-foot industrial flex space near the airport or handle a complex estate with significant real estate holdings.
Why Experience in 1031 Transactions Matters
If you're a real estate investor, you know the 1031 exchange is the holy grail of tax strategy. It allows you to defer paying capital gains taxes when you sell an investment property and buy another "like-kind" property.
But here’s the kicker: it’s notoriously hard to get right. The timelines are brutal. You have 45 days to identify a new property and 180 days to close. One slip-up and the IRS takes a massive bite out of your profit.
Craig specializes in these. He works with closely held family entities—families that have owned land for generations—to manage these transitions. It’s not just about the sale; it’s about asset management and long-term wealth preservation.
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Navigating the Charlotte Market Today
The Charlotte market isn't what it was five years ago. Prices are up, and inventory in prime areas like South End or NoDa is basically non-existent.
Working with a broker like Carlisle means getting access to off-market deals. When you've been in the city for two decades, you know who’s thinking about selling before they even put a sign in the yard. Whether it's tenant representation or looking for a retail spot in a high-growth corridor, that local "insider" knowledge is what saves you from overpaying.
Actionable Insights for Charlotte Investors:
- Verify the Broker's Niche: Don't hire a residential agent to do a commercial deal. Craig’s focus on industrial and land is specific and high-value.
- Check Local Roots: In a fast-moving market, "who you know" still dictates the best deals. Look for brokers involved in the CRCBR.
- Plan Your 1031 Early: If you’re selling, have your broker identify potential "up-leg" properties before you even go under contract on your sale.
- Look Beyond Uptown: Industrial and flex spaces in the surrounding Charlotte metros (like Greensboro or Winston-Salem, where Craig also operates) often offer better cap rates than the city center.
When you're dealing with millions of dollars in assets, you don't want a "newbie" learning on your dime. You want someone who has lived through the cycles. Craig Carlisle is that guy for the Charlotte region. Whether you're a third-party developer or a family looking to manage your holdings, his track record speaks for itself.
To move forward with any commercial real estate venture in the Queen City, your first step should be an audit of your current portfolio's performance against current market cap rates. From there, consult with a Senior Broker who understands the local zoning and development pipeline to identify where the next "path of progress" is heading.