MY mortgage broker, who is a very bold individual indeed, has much to say on many matters.

Only yesterday after panic-dialling him after realising I probably would need a much greater sum of money due to builders and plumbers and agents and lawyers, he couldn't help himself from piping up.

"I've just emailed you saying it will be fine Bate. I knew I should have called the moment I saw 'nervous breakdown' on your email," Broker Boy scoffed.

"Well don't do anything if its going to be a problem. I'll just stick with what I have."

"It will be fine Bate, not a problem, I will know in a day or two. There is no need to have an NB. My wife flaps about and over reacts and gets all passionate and aerated like you. You just need someone to take control."

"You don't say,"

"Well my Dad is very calm and organised, but he's probably too old for you. How old are you, 50? At least I can take charge with your finances."

"Oh sorry, have I got the right number for financial solutions? For a moment there I thought I was living in the eighties and had rung Blind Date by mistake." And in an ironic twist, I laughed at my own joke for about four minutes.

"Well I try to be calm but my buyer pulled out on the day of exchange. I didn't pull out even though I am essentially making my daughter, my dog, the cats and myself homeless for six weeks while the house is turned into something liveable. It's just fortunate or fated that my neighbours love my house, probably because of my good taste. And only two minutes ago my Mum just rang to say she has just got married in secret."

"How old is your mum?"

"Oh about 65. I mean she has lived with her partner for about 25 years, so it's lovely news and she is very happy. And anyway I can't believe I'm telling you my life story just because I want to borrow a few extra pounds!"

So. At least I will probably get some more cash and it looks probable that I will get the house I want.

But I have become a little bit fatalistic, I mean, if its meant to be it probably will.