As always, I arrive to an impeccably tidy house. Fresh flowers stood neatly in a vase on the dining table.

A young couple had asked to view the house at 4pm. (Let’s call them J and K.) They arrived visibly excited, carrying a large plastic bag stuffed with packets of potato chips. They had just come from the mall, they explained, having won the chips through a series of claw machine victories. They laughed as they set the bag down, without any hint of embarrassment. 

It turned out to be one of my more engaging viewings.