A Wonderful View from the Window
Gold: Swanson Agency. Allan Gold is speaking.
Teilor: Hello. This is Ben Teilor. I called about a two-bedroom apartment two day
ago. Is it still vacant, I wonder?
Gold: It is, sir.
Teilor: When could I possibly have a look at it?
Gold: In the afternoon after 3 o'clock.
Teilor: Is 4 o'clock all right? Does it suit you?
Gold: O.K. Let's meet at the door of the apartment. Apt. 5A, No. 24. BeachStreet.
Teilor: All right. Thank you.
Gold: This is a living room, as you see.
Teilor: Rather large. What about the bedroom?
Gold: Come on, look at it. There is a wonderful view of the ocean from its window.
Teilor: Is there really? That's great! How many built-in closets are there?
Gold: Two wardrobes and a chest of drawers (one to keep clothes, the other one
for linen).
Teilor: Where is the bathroom?
Gold: This way, please. Here it is. A bath-tub and a shower. Now let us go to the
kitchen. As you see, it has up-to-date equipment, a new sink and a gas
stove. You can put a washing machine here, there is enough room for it. A
refrigerator, quite new. Do you like the apartment, sir?
Teilor: Yes. it's good. I'm ready to rent it.
Gold: Well you can sign the rental agreement in my study.
A Building Society
A: We've just visited the house we are going to buy. But there is a problem.
B: What is wrong?
A: The house is more expensive than we expected. We might not have enough money
to pay for the house immediately. What shall we do?
B: I advise you to go to the building society.
A: What for? How can they help us?
B: A building society's main function is to lend people like you enough money to buy
a house.
A: How do they make their money?
B: Building societies make their money by borrowing money from some members of
the public. Many British people have building society savings accounts. They save
their money with a building society, which pays them interest. The society lends
this money to people who want to buy a house.
A: Is it a long-term loan?
B: Exactly. It's called a mortgage.
A: Will they ask any questions?
B: Oh, yes, you will be asked a number of questions. What type of job do you have?
How much do you earn? What are your monthly expenses? And so on.
A: Will the society inspect the house before lending the money?
B: Surely. They should see if it is worth the money they are being asked to lend.
A: And if all is well, how much will the society lend?
B: It'll offer up to 90 per cent of the price of the house, to be paid back with interest
over 25 years, or sometimes less. After the money is paid for the house, you can
move in.
An Apartment to Let
A: I was told, that you have an apartment to let.
B: Yes. I have a spare apartment for rent.
A: How many bedrooms are there?
B: Two bedrooms entirely furnished.
A: How much is the rent? What are your terms?
B: 89 dollars a week, including laundry.
A: What about other services?
B: They are to be paid monthly.
A: Do you think, I could have a look at the apartment, please?
B: Yes, sure, but it is a mess now, I am afraid. The former tenant has just left. By
tomorrow it will have been cleaned up.
A: Well. I'd like to see the kitchen then, only to make sure, that it is equipped to
cook.
B: This way, please. Here you are. There is a built-in cupboard.
A: All right, but there isn't enough light.
B: You can easily screw in a brighter bulb. Appliances are sold just across the street.
A: Thank you. When do you think I can move in?
B: The day after tomorrow, sir.
A House for Sale
A: Bob, I'm sick and tired of the city.
B: If you want to live in a village, let's call a real state agent.
A: I've talked to one of these. A mile out of the village Scully Downs there is a
wooden house for sale.
B: Oh, I know that house. An excellent example of early 19-th century
architecture! I'm delighted with it!
A: You know, I share your interests in the last century architecture. But the point is,
that it is in very good condition.
B: Yet, there may be problems with water supply, electricity and other community
services.
A: The agent said, that some of the rooms are redecorated. The former owner was
an architect.
B: We can redecorate the house after all.
A: It's very romantic to have dinner by candlelight! Great pleasure!
B: Candles go out soon. I'm afraid, we'll have to feel our way about the house using
a lantern.
A: Indeed, there will be a lot of things to do. Getting settled in a new place is not
something one can do in a week. It's very exciting anyway, isn't it?
B: Don't let your imagination run away with you. Perhaps, we'll miss human company.
A: If we feel the need of company, we can get acquainted with the neighbours.
B: Remember, the nearest neighbours are a mile away.
A: Then they will be glad to meet us too, I'm sure.
Buying a House
Ann: Hi, Bess. This is Ann. How are you?
Bess: Fine, thank you. Where have you been?
Ann: Oh, I've bought a house. I've been dreaming about it all my life. And now,
gee, I have it!
Bess: Congratulations! I think, it's wonderful to live in your own house.
Ann: Yes, it is. But buying a new house, you get a lot of problems.
Bess: What do you mean? Your house doesn't need repairing, does it?
Ann: No, it doesn't. But I need to repaper the walls and to furnish the house.
Bess: Are you going to do it yourself or will you invite a designer?
Ann: I'd like to invite a designer, but I'm afraid, I can't afford it now.
Bess: How much did the house cost? You must have paid a pretty penny.
Ann: Yes, I have. You are right. That's the problem. I had not enough money to pay for the house at once.
Bess: How did you manage to buy the house then?
Ann: I had to go to a building society.
Bess: What is it? Is it a bank?
Ann: Kind of. This society lends money to those who want to buy a house or a
flat. I took a mortgage which amounts to 90 per cent of the selling price of the house. Of course, for 25 years because of the interest rate I'll pay much more than the original price of the house, but I'll pay relatively small sums of money a month and at least I can afford it.
Bess: Oh. that's wonderful. I'd like to buy a house of my own too!