The price is not that bad. You could find a 1.5 CF (45,000) delieved for $900, install yourself and save $400. If you need instructions for the install that can be provided as well.

Are you comfortable with your ability to properly install a softener and deal with any problems yourself, or would you prefer to have someone else bear that responsibility? Is there a location for a softener already set up on your home or will plumbing modification be required? Do you feel you know enough to determine whether or not the softener is running properly once installed?

Some folks have some basic knowledge are are fully capable of installing and monitoring a softener. Some lack the ability and/or desire to do so. Your call entirely.

The quote you received looks fine based on the information you provided. The price looks good, particularly in your location.

Yeah I think it's best to have them install it. There was no softener before so it will have to be a full repipe around that area.

The plumber said that some houses need to loop but mine didn't because the main water is in front of my house which connects to my garage.

What does he mean when he said he would loop on some houses or if I wanted to out the softener elsewhere like my backyard?

I'm pretty sure he means that since the softener has to be installed somewhere between where the water enters the house and the first place the pipes split off to go to the water heater or to various bathrooms and fixtures, that if you wanted the softener installed somewhere that wasn't near where the water entered the house, he have to install a "loop" from where the water enters, over to the softener location, and then back to where the pipes continues on.

Since your water enters relatively close to where he plans to put the softener, it will still need a "loop" from the pipe to the softener and back to the pipe, but it will be a short, easy, straightforward loop, rather than a lengthy and tricky (and therefore expensive) "loop" from one side of the house to the other, and back.