4 AUGUST 1990, Page 19

A tycoon writes

DEAR Mr Wakeham: I write to confirm I offer, subject to survey and contract, to buy your house for £500,000. This offer is in itself of value to you. It is bound to get into the papers, one way or another, and is likely to interest other possible bidders. While the property is under offer, they can come and look at it. You will be able, in dealing with them, to give them an idea of the price they have to beat, and if they are mugs, you may even have the luck to get an auction going. Don't try it on me, though. My fee for this valuable service is fixed at the normal level of 1 per cent of the total transaction, or £5,000, and I shall expect your cheque by return of post. I am writing to you separately about the carpets and curtains, and about the nasty stain in the downstairs loo.

Yours sincerely, James Hanson.