"DC is shielded from economic downturn because of the expansionof the national government," Lin explains. However, he notes, thereis one element that could deplete the market's strength. "Unlessthe interest rate rises quickly the real estate market, I wouldthink, would remain strong. The market is all tied to interestrates and employment." Lin adds that even among real estateheavyweights abroad, DC is generally perceived as a region thatwill continue to flourish. "DC will attract more and moreinternational investors," he says. "DC will see even more interestform Europe as well as from Asia and around the world, ingeneral.

And the international arena is playing a significant role inCapStar's current pursuits. The company has begun working withinternational organizations to identify local real estate. "At thesame time, we are talking with international connections toestablish listings in China to attract DC investors to China'smarket," says the Taiwanese-born Lin. These listings arepredominantly for what Lin describes as "condotels," apartmentunits within hotels that allow the residents to take advantagehotel amenities.

Locally, CapStar is working on increasing its visibility withthe addition of more high-quality agents to its staff--thecompany's agents speak six different languages and theirdialects--and the opening of additional offices. CapStar currentlyhas 48 brokers at its Rockville base and would like to expand toBaltimore and Frederick.