Fairy tales are for children, but they’re also told by estate agents. Like Hollywood, the property market has always been built on dreams. How many times have you seen a dreary hovel in Cricklewood, where even the mice have hunchbacks, described as ‘characterful’ and ‘with potential’? TV shows like ‘Escape to the Country’ and ‘Location, Location, Location’ rake in the viewers, exploiting our peculiar obsession with property and the fantasy of ever-spiraling equity. Back in reality though, it’s the agent’s job to separate fact from fiction and bring everyone down to earth with a viable price. Only then can buyer and seller waltz off into the sunset, violins playing, as they enjoy the fruits of their deal. Continue reading →