What they dont want is someone who wants a custom design that they know will have constant changes and give them lots of headaches for a very small house that they make little money on to begin with. 

Zillow is basically and advertising company to sell buyer, seller leads to realtors, not as a Sale Platform. 750 views are mainly because the listing has been "crawled' by other search engines for indexing purposes. little to no customer support.

I want to be respectful of local custom and not create tension with an otherwise responsive agent, yet it's personally maddening as I recently found out 3 days after a verbal offer was sent that was already under contract that same day my offer was communicated, yet that was never communicated to me for 3 days and only after I insisted my agent inquire on status.

They say it's easier to keep existing customer than acquiring new ones. 

He’s a tough customer and he’s been very happy with Dee Myers at Midtown Realty

This 3 Bedroom / 2.5 bath home comes with a series of upgrades including: distressed wood flooring, custom lighting, granite countertops throughout the house, custom paint, new dual pane windows and sliding door, custom tile work, built-in audio system in master bedroom and living room, stainless steel appliances, built-in wine fridge, washer / dryer, and so much more!

Is it common for small custom builder to provide only 1-year warranty? 

@Matt QuockThe answer should be customized to your particular case.

I am in the insurance industry and now that my customers are finding out that I have a desire to acquire more buy and hold rentals, I am starting to get deals offered to me.

@James Theron Erwin III  I have seen those estimates when a customer says " I have cheaper bids , do you want to beat them "  They make me laugh I see differences of 75% .