"DC is shielded from economic downturn because of the expansion of the national government," Lin explains. However, he notes, there is one element that could deplete the market's strength. "Unless the interest rate rises quickly the real estate market, I would think, would remain strong. The market is all tied to interest rates and employment." Lin adds that even among real estate heavyweights abroad, DC is generally perceived as a region that will continue to flourish. "DC will attract more and more international investors," he says. "DC will see even more interest form Europe as well as from Asia and around the world, in general.

And the international arena is playing a significant role in CapStar's current pursuits. The company has begun working with international organizations to identify local real estate. "At the same time, we are talking with international connections to establish listings in China to attract DC investors to China's market," says the Taiwanese-born Lin. These listings are predominantly for what Lin describes as "condotels," apartment units within hotels that allow the residents to take advantage hotel amenities.

Locally, CapStar is working on increasing its visibility with the addition of more high-quality agents to its staff--the company's agents speak six different languages and their dialects--and the opening of additional offices. CapStar currently has 48 brokers at its Rockville base and would like to expand to Baltimore and Frederick.