A. Buying a flat

A: Hi, what can I do for you?

M: I'm interested in the flat in Central Parade. What can you tell me about it?

A: It's a conversion on the second floor of a beautiful, four-storey Edwardian house. It has two bedrooms and a large living room overlooking the sea. The kitchen and bathroom have recently been re-fitted.

M: Is it centrally heated?

A: Yes, it's centrally heated throughout, and double-glazed too.

M: Does it have a parking space?

A: No, but there's plenty of unrestricted parking in Central Parade and nearby.

M: How much is it?

A: It's Ј39,995, but I believe the owner would be willing to accept an offer.

M: How long is the lease?

A: There's no lease. The price includes a share of the freehold.

B. Looking for a New Apartment

Fei is giving Jerry advice on how to find a new apartment.

Jerry: Yeah, Xizhimen sounds good. It's also near the zoo and the National Library.

Fei: Next you have to think about rent. What price range are you thinking about?

Jerry: Well, I really can't pay more than 1500 yuan a month, but I'd like to pay 1000 if possible.

Fei: What if you find a perfect apartment for 1800 yuan or 2000, something really beautiful. Would you take it?

Jerry: No, I really can't afford to pay that much. 1500 yuan is definitely my limit.

Fei: I think 1000 is possible if you have a roommate. You could share an apartment with a college student, or maybe a young worker.

Jerry: That might be interesting, but I really like my privacy. I need to study Chinese in a quiet place and also sleep in peace every night.

Fei: Maybe it's best for you to pay a little bit more for your own apartment. So, the next step is to decide what kind of apartment you want - how many rooms, what kind of furnishings, stuff like that.

Jerry: I don't need any special furnishings, but I certainly want a southern exposure. I like to have a bright, sunny room. One bedroom and one living room is enough, but I really want to have a balcony.

Fei: That should be easy to find. Most apartment buildings have rooms facing south, usually with a balcony. But if you only want to pay 1500 yuan, maybe you will only have one room, not two.

Jerry: I see. That's a bit small compared to my apartment in New York. But I guess Beijing is more crowded.

Fei: Maybe we'll get lucky and find something bigger. Let's wait and see.

Jerry: Okay, now that I know what I want, what do I have to do to actually find an apartment?

Fei: I'll look through some advertisements and make some phone calls. Then we can go check out the ones that sound good.

Jerry: That's great, Fei. I'm really looking forward to having a nice, new apartment!

Fei: Yes, a SUNNY new apartment!

C.

Alice's apartment is very hot in summer because her apartment does not have air-conditioning.  Do you know how she deals with the heat?

Tracey: Don't you have air-conditioning in your apartment?  It's sweltering here!

Alice: Well, there's air-conditioning.  Did you see that window air-conditioner there?  The problem is that the window unit is not powerful enough.

Tracey: I guess not, huh. 

Alice: Well, I'm going to move out anyway.  The new apartment has central air-conditioning.

Tracey: You should've moved out long, long ago.

Alice: Well, I had to wait until the lease expired.  So.... 

Tracey: So how can you stand the heat?

Alice: Well, I open the windows and...and I've got an electric fan here.  It helps a little.

D.

Blanca makes a phone call to an apartment complex inquiring about the rent....

Blanca: Hello.  I'm calling about the apartment you advertised. 

Manager: Yes.  What kind of apartment are you interested in?

Blanca: I'm interested in a one-bedroom.  Do you have any   available?

Manager: Yes.  I have one.  When do you need it?

Blanca: Sometime around next week.  What can you tell me about this apartment?

Manager:

Well, it's a one-bedroom apartment.  The monthly rent is $650, with a $300 security deposit.  You pay electricity only.  Gas and water is included.  Both the heat and stove are gas.  You'll be assigned a sheltered parking space at no extra charge.  And...that's probably it.

Blanca: Sounds good.  May I come over tomorrow to take a look?

Manager: Sure.  What time would you like to come?

Blanca: How about 10 AM?

Manager: Good.  May I have your name, please?

Blanca: My name is Blanca.

Manager: Blanca.  I'll see you tomorrow.

E.

Because the apartment where he lived was noisy, Patrick decided to move out....

Marci: Has Patrick moved out yet?

Karen: Yes.  He moved out last weekend.  He's now living in a very nice quiet neighborhood.

Marci: I wonder if he's paying more for rent now.

Karen: I don't have the faintest idea.  Even so, it's still worth it, isn't it?

Marci: You're right!  I think he's probably very glad to leave that noisy apartment.

Karen: Yes, he is.  I know that for sure.