You will hear a telephone conversation between a customer and the manager of a house sitting agency.
data-start="700" data-end="741">Adam: Right. And what’s the suburb?
Jenny: Greenfield.
Adam: Oh, I know it. And if I can just get a contact telephone number?
Jenny: I’ll give you my mobile number. That’s probably the best one to use. It’s 0491 577 248.
Adam: Thanks. Now, when did you want the house sitter to start?
Jenny: We’re flying out on the 25th of September, but my brother will be in the house for a few days until the 28th, so from the 29th of September please.
Adam: I’ll note that down. And how long do you want the house sitter for?
Jenny: Well, I’ll be attending a training course in Paris for two weeks, but we’re also going to visit my niece in Singapore on the way home to Australia for a few days.
Adam: So, shall I put down three weeks?
Jenny: That sounds about right. I think four would be too long.
Adam: Sure. Now, Jenny, can you tell me more about the features of your house? This helps us to match house sitters and homeowners.
Jenny: Sure. What do you want to know?
Adam: Does the house have air conditioning?
Jenny: No, we don’t like using it. We prefer the fresh air. But last year we did put in a pool.
Adam: Very nice. And are there any other attractive features? Is your house near a beach, for example?
Jenny: No, not really. We’re about an hour’s drive away. But we are close to a station, so it’s handy for anyone getting into work and so on.
Adam: Okay, great. Now, if our house sitter has their own transport, is there any space for them to park?
Jenny: Well, we won’t be taking our car, but it’s a large double garage. There’ll be space for one more.
Adam: Okay, great. I’ll note that down too. And are there any special duties that you’ll need the house sitter to carry out?
Jenny: Oh, I don’t know. What do people normally ask for?
Adam: Well, for example, one common chore is looking after the garden.
Jenny: Oh yes, we have an orange tree and an apple tree, which are both watered automatically, but we haven’t connected the sprinkler to our lemon tree yet, so they’ll need to water that one.
Adam: Sure. Now Jenny, do you have any special requirements for your house sitter?
Jenny: Well, I don’t know if this is possible, but I’d probably rather have a couple than someone who’s single. The house might be a bit too big for just one person.
Adam: Sure. Now, many of our owners ask for sitters without children. What’s your preference?
Jenny: Oh, that’s no problem. There’s nothing they can break.
Adam: What about smoking?
Jenny: Oh no, I can’t stand the smell, definitely not.
Adam: Now, how do I know that my house is going to be safe with the house sitters?
Adam: Well, we check all of our house sitters very carefully. They have to provide references, but as well as that, you can ask for a police check if you want to.
Jenny: Oh yes, I’d like to do that please.
Adam: Okay, no problem. That’s all I need for now.
Jenny: Okay.
