Buying a home is one of the biggest decisions you'll ever make, so knowing what you truly can't live without matters. We asked the Smith & Berg Property Group team to share the non-negotiables they bring to every home search, including their own. From crunching the numbers to finding that perfect beam of afternoon light, here's what they had to say.
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F. Ron Smith: You Can’t Move a House
Location and floor plan. Those are the two things that are the most difficult to change. You can renovate a kitchen, update finishes, and improve landscaping, but you cannot move the property and you cannot easily reinvent the way a home lives. Everything else is negotiable.
David Berg: Find Your Calm
My non-negotiables are natural light, greenery, and serenity. I prefer living a little off the beaten path, where there is a sense of privacy and calm. For me, a home should feel like a retreat from the noise of everyday life while still being close enough to enjoy everything the city has to offer.
Robert Morton: Know Your Numbers
The biggest non-negotiable to me is actually negotiable. Can you afford what you are getting into? Go over numbers with your agent!
Sewit Eshetu: Life Outside Your Front Door
Location & walkability are huge for me. Being close to restaurants, coffee shops, and everyday conveniences really enhances the quality of life. Outdoor space is also very important. I love homes that offer great indoor-outdoor flow and space for entertaining and relaxing.
Brandon Smith: Light Needs a Great Room
My non-negotiable is natural light and thoughtful design. Natural light creates the mood of a home, but great design is what makes that light truly come alive. It is in the way a room is proportioned, how the windows frame the outdoors, how the spaces connect. Finishes can be changed, but a home with great light and strong design are what matter most to me.
Nathan Stadler: One With the Outdoors
My non-negotiables are living spaces that interact with the outdoors. With three little kids in Southern California, we live so much of our lives outside, it’s important to have spaces that make indoor-outdoor living seamless and organic.
Jordan Kramer: The Lot Matters
Location and land. You can renovate, you can add square footage, you can even fill in a pool for more yard, but you cannot move the house or make the lot bigger. With land being such a premium in Los Angeles, having a bigger lot to work with in a prime location is always worth the splurge!
Asmik Shyroian: Liveability & Long-Term Value
Natural daylight, location, and view are clear non-negotiables for me, because they define both the livability and long-term value of a property. Natural light strongly influences how spacious and inviting a home feels, while the location determines lifestyle convenience and overall demand. The view adds an irreplaceable quality that enhances daily enjoyment and is something that cannot be altered after purchase.
Taylor Emerson: SoCal Must-Haves
My non-negotiables center around simplifying my everyday routine and making the most of our beautiful Southern California weather. Walkability is vital, as I love the convenience of having local cafes and shopping around the corner. Given the year-round sunshine, seamless indoor-outdoor living space is essential, and a pool is an absolute must to complete that perfect LA lifestyle.
Courtney Welsh: Close to the Coast
My non-negotiables are location and natural light. Walkability to amenities and close proximity to the beach are priorities for my family. And natural light creates a mood that can never quite be duplicated. 
Natalie Gurevitch: Built for Real Living
Growing up in a large family and moving between US states and Canada has shaped my non-negotiables. Warm, inviting energy with real wood floors and cabinets; natural light throughout — nobody wants a June Gloom home (eww!). A large kitchen island open to the family room for gatherings. Generous bedroom sizes so you never feel cramped. A floorplan that flows with zero wasted square footage. And a great backyard with a patio to BBQ and real grass for kids and pets. What a vibe.