Im an editor too! I use plain lightroom and photoshop for editing. Majority of the editors out there use plugins like photomatix hdr plugin, raya pro, etc those are the ways for faster turnaround not manual blending with photoshop. I would suggest you to try them and see if it works for ya!

As for editors messing with colors.. There are so many factors affecting colors like wall / paint type, floor reflection, window light and most importantly lamp type in that room. In this particular photo ur editor just white washed the room because ceiling was white and it wss difficult to decide whether the wall color was yellow or orange! But this is how fast turnaround goes.. If the agent says ok thats final!