ANNOUNCER:You will hear a phone conversation between an estate agent and a woman wishing to rent accommodation.First, you have some time to look at questions 1 to 10.
Agent:Fairfield Rentals, Andrew Williams.How can I help you?
Woman:Oh, hello, I'm calling from the UK.Um. My family are moving to Canada early next year.And we're hoping to find somewhere to rent in Fairfield for the first 6 months while we settle in.
Agent:Right, I see.Well, let's get your details.
Woman:Yes, my name's Jane Ryder.
Agent:OK, Jane.And can I have a phone number?The best number to get you on.
Woman:Well, that would probably be our home number.So 0044 for the UK, and then it's 2086132978.
Agent:All right, and an email address please, so we can send you out all the information and forms.
Woman:I think it's best if I give you my husband's email.He's sitting in front of a computer all day, so he can print stuff off and get it back to you sooner than I could.It's
[email protected]'ll just spell the company name for you.That's VISIONTECH.
Agent:Great!And we have a question here about occupation.
Woman:Richard's an IT specialist for an advertising company.They're transferring him to their Fairfield branch.
Agent:Actually, just your job for now, thanks.
Woman:Me? I'm a doctor at the hospital in our town.
Agent:OK, I'll put that down.Now, what kind of accommodation are you looking for?House, apartment?
Woman:An apartment probably, as long as it has two bedrooms.There'll be me, my husband, and our ten-year old son.
Agent:And so with an apartment, you're less likely to get a garden.
Woman:That's OK.
Agent:But what about a garage?Is that something you'll want the apartment to have?
Woman:Yes, that's definitely important.
Agent:OK, just a moment.I'll just make a note of that.
Woman:But before we go on.I should probably say now that what we don't need is any furniture, because we'll be shipping all that over, and I don't really want to pay for storage while we're waiting to buy a house.
Agent:Not a problem.I'll make a note of that.
Woman:Actually, though, just thinking about the kitchen, what can I expect from a rental property?I mean what kind of equipment is provided?
Agent:Well, the normal thing is that you get a stove.I think that's a cooker in British English.
Woman:OK, good to know, but how about a fridge?We'll be selling ours before we come, so if possible, we'd like the apartment to have one for when we arrive.
Agent:I can certainly add that to the form.If there's any other whiteware that you need, like a dishwasher for example, there are plenty of stores here that'll arrange delivery on the same day as purchase.
Woman:Thanks, hopefully we won't need to buy too many things.
Agent:Now, how about location?Have you done any research into the Fairfield area?
Woman:Not that much so far.
Agent:Well, you mentioned you have a boy.I imagine you'd like to be fairly close to a school.
Woman:Good idea.That would help.What's public transport like in Fairfield?Is it easy to get around?
Agent:The bus service is pretty comprehensive.There are plenty of local routes, services into the city and out of town.
Woman:OK, and for a 2 bedroom apartment, what sort of rent should we expect to pay?
Agent:Well, looking at the properties we have at the moment, prices start from around $730 per month, and - depending on the area - can go up to $1,200.
Woman:That's too much.Something halfway would be better.
Agent:So, would your limit be, say, $950?
Woman:I'd say so, yes.
Agent:Can I ask if you smoke, or if you have any pets?
Woman:No to both questions, but I do have one more request, please.
Agent:Yes.
Woman:Well, I've also been offered a job at Victoria General Hospital, and I suspect I'll be working nights occasionally.So what I really need from any apartment is for it to be quiet.So I can catch up on sleep if necessary during the day.
Agent:Congratulations on the job offer.I'll add your request to the form.Well, what I'll do is compile a list of suitable properties for you and send them via email.Um. Can I just ask, how did you hear about us?Obviously not from our commercials, if you're living in the UK.
Woman:Actually, it was a friend of ours.He spent a few months in Fairfield a couple of years ago, and he pointed us in the direction of your website.
Agent:Well, it's good to be recommended.So, what I'll do is...
ANNOUNCER:That is the end of section 1.You now have half a minute to check your answers.
