2. A Real Bargain

Mr. Palmer is looking for a new house. He's tired of living in the city and he wants to live in a quiet village. He's with the estate agent now.

Estate Agent: Well, Mr. Palmer. This is the semi-detached house that I told you about... Number 26, Richmond Road. The owners are away, but I've got a key.

Mr. Palmer: Hmm... when was it built?

A.: It was built in 1928.

P.: Who built it?

A.: I'm not really sure. Is it important?

P.: No, not really. Is that a new roof? It looks new.

A.: It is really new. It was put on last year. You can see that it's in very good condition. The previous owner was a builder.

P.: It's quite an old house. I'm worried about the electrical wiring. Has it been rewired?

A.: Yes, it has.

P.: Oh, when was it done?

A.: Five years ago. Also, it's been redecorated. Central heating has been put in, and a new garage has been built.

P.: Oh, when was it done?

A.: Last year... I think. It's a very solid house. It's built with a tiled roof ...

P.: It's a long way from a big town. What are the services like?

A: Hold on... I've got the details here. Yes ... let me see ... the dustbins are emptied every Thursday.

P.: It's important for me to see the post before I go to work. When is it delivered?

A.: It's usually delivered at about 7.30. The milk is delivered about six o'clock ... so you'll have fresh milk for breakfast.

P.: It's certainly very cheap. I've seen a lot of similar houses ... and they're more expensive.

A: Ah, yes ... it's a real bargain.

P.: Are there any plans for the area?

A.: Pardon? Plans ... well, a new school is going to be built in the village next year...

P.: Anything else?

A: ... and a new road, a motorway actually, will be built next year, too. You'll be able to get to London easily.

P.: Where exactly will the motorway be built?

A.: Well, actually, it'll be built behind the house. A bridge will be constructed over the house. It'll be very interesting. You'll be able to watch the traffic ...

3.

Marylin: Where should we look for a house, Mrs. Martinelli?

Virginia: Well, we have an office in Mount Kisko. It's a lovely area, and it's only about an hour's drive from here. (She takes out a book of photos). Here I have a book with photos of some homes in that area. Now, let's see here. This is a lovely two-bedroom house in your price range.

M.: It's pretty, but I prefer a two-storey home.

Richard: I do, too. I don't care for a ranch type.

V.: OK. (She turns the pages of the real-estate book.) Oh, this is a wonderful house. I know it well. I sold it to the present owners.

R.: It looks wonderful.

V.: This is a two-bedroom, two-bathroom house. It has a full basement, and it is on a half-acre lot. You can probably afford this one.

M.: I like this house.

R.: So do I.

V.: And the price is right. Would you like to go to see it?

R.: Yes. We're planning to talk to someone at the bank next week. Perhaps we could see the house this weekend.

V.: If someone doesn't buy it before then. But let's keep looking, just to get an idea of some other possibilities.

R.: This is very helpful, Mrs. Martinelli.

V.: Here. This is a wonderful example of Spanish-style architecture.

R.: Oh, I love the roof tiles on a Spanish-style house.

M.: It looks like the houses in Hollywood.

V.: It's interesting. A house like this in Riverdale costs double the price. (She turns the pages of the book.) Oh, my! Here's a real buy. It's a bargain. This house just came on the market.

M.: It's quite lovely. Is it a two-bedroom house?

V.: No, it has three bedrooms and three baths. I know the house. It has a brand new kitchen. And a living room with a 12-foot ceiling. And there's a 2-car garage.

R.: Then why don't we go to look at the house, too?

V.: It's a good investment.

R.: Thank you, Mrs. Martinelli.

M.: Thanks so much.

V.: My pleasure. Give my best regards to your parents.

4.

A: I hear you have moved to a new apartment, Steve. Is it true?

B: Yes, it is. One of these days we'll arrange a housewarming party. And I want you and your wife Carol to be present.

A: Thank you for the invitation. How do you like your new apartment?

B: It is very comfortable. It is a three-bedroom apartment with modern conveniences: electric stove and a lot of built-in cupboards.

A: On what floor is it?

B: Our apartment is on the tenth floor of a high-rise dwelling house. We've got two elevators which work round o'clock.

A: Is it far from the centre of the city?

B: Rather. It takes me about an hour to get to the centre by bus and by underground. If I drive a car, it takes me thirty minutes.

A: I see. Have you bought any new furniture?

B: We've bought wall units, two armchairs and a new ice-box. We are planning to buy two carpets and a dining-set these days.

A: Good luck!

B: Thanks. Are you going to move to a new apartment?

A: No, we are not. We have been living in our two-room apartment for about eight years and we don't want to move anymore.

B: Your apartment is comfortable, isn't it?

A: Yes, quite. My wife arranged everything very nicely and I like it very much. We don't have much furniture, but we have got everything we need.

B: I'm glad to hear it. See you at the party then.

A: See you. Bye.