How we help · For buyers
Buying your first home in Washington, DC, Maryland or Virginia
The short answer
Start by getting pre-approved, choosing the neighborhoods that fit your life and budget, and working with an agent who explains each step of the process in DC, Maryland or Virginia. Chris Itteilag represents first-time buyers with the same principal-level care he brings to every client, from the first showing to the closing table.
Answers the question: How do I buy my first home in Washington, DC?
Why a first purchase feels harder than it should
A first home is a big decision made with the least experience. Each jurisdiction has its own contracts, taxes and closing customs, condominium and homeowners association documents can run to hundreds of pages, and in popular neighborhoods the right home can attract several offers in its first days.
First-time buyers deserve an agent who takes the time to explain every step and gives a first home the same care as any other.
How Chris and the team guide you
A clear plan before the search
What you can comfortably afford, what each neighborhood offers, and how the process works where you are buying, explained plainly.
Neighborhoods compared across DC, Maryland and Virginia
Candid guidance on commutes, schools, walkability and value, from a native Washingtonian licensed in all three jurisdictions.
Reading the fine print
Condominium and homeowners association documents read the way a board member reads them: Chris has served on the Board of Directors of ultra-luxury condominium and homeowners associations.
Pricing and offers
A careful pricing analysis before you offer, and Chris negotiating on your behalf.
A team to closing
Support on every detail, from inspection to the final signature, plus introductions to trusted lenders, home inspectors and title attorneys from our home resource network.
The record
The proof is in the record
- $750M+in career sales
- 550+clients served
- $18Mtop sale, Fessenden House
- 20+years in DC, MD & VA
Chris was ranked the #1 SERHANT. Agent in Washington DC by volume by RealTrends Verified 2026.
Career highlights
Shown for range and local experience across the Capital Region; these highlights are not presented as examples of this specific situation. All career highlights →
Questions clients ask
Does Chris Itteilag work with first-time home buyers?
Yes. Chris Itteilag represents first-time and entry-level buyers purchasing a condominium, townhouse or starter home in DC, Maryland or Virginia, with the same principal-level guidance he gives ultra-luxury buyers: clear explanations of each jurisdiction’s process, careful pricing analysis and strong negotiation.
What should a first-time buyer do before looking at homes in DC?
Get pre-approved with a lender, set a comfortable budget that includes taxes, insurance and any condominium or association fees, and decide which neighborhoods fit your commute and lifestyle. Ask your lender about first-time buyer programs that may apply in DC, Maryland or Virginia.
Is a condo or a townhouse better for a first home?
It depends on budget, lifestyle and the specific building or community. Condominiums often offer amenities and less maintenance; townhouses offer more space and control. Either way, review the association’s documents, finances and rules before you commit. Chris Itteilag helps buyers compare specific options side by side.
How is a buyer’s agent paid?
How buyer representation is paid is set out in a written agreement you sign with your agent before touring homes, and its terms can be negotiated. Ask any agent to explain the terms and options clearly before you sign.
General information, not legal, tax or financial advice. Consult your own attorney, tax advisor or lender about your situation.