5. 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.

6. 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.

7. 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!

Ex.1 Expand the situation introduced by the opening sentences.