I'm wondering if he just used a very unfortunate choice of words to express the idea that it takes him time to do an estimate and that's a loss if you're a casual inquirer. Is the same as the "qualifying" process idea, but any craftsman, designer or similar person just has to have some kind of sequence of involvement that they can rely on that saves them time but still attracts new customers. I don't know how this works, of course, since the problem is, with many such efforts, you can't come up with an accurate estimate unless you know most of what you're being asked to do, so if it takes you 30 min, even, to figure that out, and you do that several times daily, and the return is low, you're broke. If someone is well-established in a fairly high end business, he might well charge a fee just to talk and see your wish list and give an estimate, and then that cost will be applied if you buy. For cabinetry, I would wonder if the person could have any kind of brochure or book of work with some example prices, even if price range was kinda broad and there were multiple disclaimers about "prices subject to change". I mean, you might be trying to figure out whether a custom built-in hutch costs $3k or $30 k, or whatever. My point is just that, it would be more straightforward to be told it'll cost me to sit down with the guy and get an estimate, since that is just the business of how he values his time, and that would not be offensive, as I can then make my decision about whether I value it the same amount, and includes the sensible idea that people agree on fees before doing any level of business, compared to the "if you have to ask" approach.

You are getting lots of good advice especially from kellyeng, teacats and egbar. I had a fabulous realtor couple when selling my last home. We interviewed 3 full-time (don't go w/ a part-timer) experienced (at least 5yrs) real estate teams (2-3 people so you're covered ) who were good sellers in the area and who seemed to have good marketing skills. One team clearly was not up to par and we selected the best. They hired a pro photographer and paid for a stager to come in after we had things clean and decluttered and somewhat staged. I wrote, or tweeked, quite a bit of copy and made a sheet listing highlights of the property and recent improvements. That was well received by our realtor (who shared the goal of selling) and buyers. The realtor did a great job of marketing to other realtors and managing showings, feedback, offers, etc. We sold fairly quickly in a tough market. I have also sold 2 homes in more rural areas w/o a realtor but working with an experienced real estate attorney who provided me with appropriate forms for disclosure, offers, etc. Of course, I did all of the marketing. One was sold to a neighbors sister after we had an open house (not common in the area). They were not even looking to buy a house! I would expect your agent to do an open for agents and another general one shortly after listing even if it's not customary. I also made sure the house was presented well -- better than the norm. Clean, decluttered, and simple repairs and staging done. It sounds like that is what you have done and it should make your home sell quicker. But there is a time to say "enough" and get it on the market. It sounds like you are at that point. Good luck. Choose the best of the lot, don't sign a long listing so they will have to continue to earn your business, work with the agent on getting marketing set up then let them do their thing.. Mutual respect will go a long way to achieving the end you both want--a sold house.

Hello Gia, After reading your question it seems that you are very aware of what your decorating needs are. That is the first “half” of a successful business relationship. Contacting a few interior decorators in your vicinity will give you the opportunity to chat on the phone or email about your needs. Select the person you feel comfortable with and that you feel totally understands what you are requesting. Ask around too from other people who may recommend a decorator that they have used and like. Houzz has people registered so that you can look at their websites, etc. AsI likefriday suggests you want ideas on how to display cherished items to add that personal layer, which will involve getting to know what is important to you and your family, and welcomes the opportunity to assist you with ideas for displaying creatively and incorporating these items tastefully. Best of luck!

PoohBearLvr - I have one suggestion for you. Bring your Aeonium Kiwi indoors for the summer. We have too much humidity during their dormant period. I have watched several Aeoniums - with a Kiwi being my first - slowly decay away. Roots still looked alright, but the plant couldn't take the heat and humidity. Kind of like me! I bring mine indoors when the temp is consistently 85+, usually by mid June. They sit in front of a south facing window and I did not withhold water when they are indoors because they dried out too much from the AC. So I watered every 2-3 weeks, judging for myself if they needed a drink. Someone on this forum suggested I try treating my plants like above. So far it has worked well. And I'm ready to get another Kiwi! Good luck!