How we help · For buyers and sellers
Buying or selling a trophy property in Washington, DC, Maryland or Virginia
The short answer
Trophy homes are sold on judgment, discretion and reach: there are few true comparables, few qualified buyers at any moment, and privacy often matters as much as price. Chris Itteilag represents both buyers and sellers of these homes across DC, Maryland and Virginia, pairing 20+ years of Washington relationships with the SERHANT. global platform. His top sale, Fessenden House in NW Washington, DC, closed at $18M.
Answers the question: How do I sell, or find, a trophy home in Washington, DC?
Why one-of-a-kind homes need a different approach
A landmark residence, a waterfront estate or a one-of-a-kind penthouse calls for more than a pricing spreadsheet. A home whose land, architecture, provenance or view is truly singular deserves a valuation to match, and the handful of buyers who can act at this level are best reached through relationships and a targeted, global search.
For sellers, the risk is a public launch that invites curiosity rather than offers, or a price set by formula that leaves money on the table. For buyers, the risk is missing the right home entirely, because many of these properties change hands quietly.
How Chris leads a trophy sale
Valuing the truly singular
A pricing analysis built from 20+ years of Capital Region luxury sales, the qualities that make the home singular, and an honest read of who is buying at that level now. Where the land itself matters, Chris brings an eye for terrain, setting and waterfront.
Discreet marketing, sequenced
A plan that can begin privately, through Chris’s agent and client relationships, and move to a full public launch only if and when you choose, within MLS and brokerage rules.
Qualified buyers only
Private showings can be limited to buyers who have provided proof of funds or financing, with confidentiality agreements where appropriate.
Global reach when you want it
SERHANT. is the most followed real estate brand in the world. Film-quality photography and video from SERHANT. Studios, and that global reach, connect the home with buyers in other cities and countries.
Negotiation led by Chris
Chris personally leads every negotiation through closing, supported by his team on every detail.
For buyers searching for something rare
The right trophy home may change hands privately, before it ever reaches the market. Chris uses relationships built over decades with owners, agents and advisors across Washington, plus the SERHANT. global agent network, to hear early about homes that fit and to approach owners discreetly. He then helps you weigh the price against the scarcity of what you are buying, and negotiates on your behalf.
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
Fessenden House 
Belle Rive Waterfront Estate 
3303 Water Street #7L 
3303 Water Street PH 8H 
Parc Somerset 
Woodside Estates
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
Who sells trophy homes in Washington, DC?
Chris Itteilag represents buyers and sellers of trophy and one-of-a-kind homes across Washington DC, Maryland and Virginia. Over 20+ years he has closed $750M+ in career sales for 550+ clients, including his $18M top sale at Fessenden House in NW Washington, DC, and he was ranked the #1 SERHANT. Agent in Washington DC by volume by RealTrends Verified 2026.
How is a one-of-a-kind luxury home priced?
With judgment as much as data. A sound price for a singular home weighs the closest available sales, the qualities that cannot be replicated (land, architecture, setting, provenance), the current pool of qualified buyers and how the home will be launched. Chris Itteilag builds that analysis with the seller before any marketing begins.
Can a trophy home be sold privately?
Often, yes. Many sellers begin with a private phase that reaches qualified buyers through agent and client networks, then move to a public launch only if needed. MLS and brokerage rules, including the Clear Cooperation Policy, govern how a home can be marketed, and Chris explains how they apply before a plan is set.
How do buyers find off-market trophy homes?
Through relationships. Work with an agent who is well connected among owners, top agents and advisors, share precise criteria, and be ready with proof of funds. Chris Itteilag combines decades of Washington relationships with the SERHANT. global agent network to surface and approach homes discreetly.
General information, not legal, tax or financial advice. Consult your own attorney, tax advisor or lender about your situation.